Exploration 6

Exploration 6 is to create a hybrid animation combining traditional and digital animation techniques and elements in After Effects to create a unique "hybrid" look. We have to create an original concept statement to accompany our first-draft storyboard. The concept can either be a story we wish to tell, or a message you'd like to convey.

1.First, I began to brainstorm what kind of message I wanted to convey. I decided I wanted to portray in my animation, Animal Abuse. Animal Abuse is everywhere and it's totally unfair. I wanted to tell a message of "Pick on someone your own size" to warn humans that one day animals could strike back.
2. Second, I started to design my characters. My hybrid in my animation was going to be 3D claymation and 2D silhouettes. The beginning is going to be a human "claymation" thinking of an evil thought. The animation is going to pan into his brain into his thoughts. The thoughts are going to be 2D silhouettes and he is going to be sneaking up on a cat and picking him up by his tail. He then flings the cat up and down and then nicely puts him down. Still holding onto his tail the cat then flings the human over his head and then bats him to the next screen.
3. Third, I started to animate the characters. The claymation is thinking and his unibrow is bouncing back and forth along with his eye balls. This part was very easy to animate and I had fun doing it. The second was 2D silhouettes. I had a little difficulty keeping my silhouettes in the same spot without moving considering they were sewn together.

 This project was also enjoyable because we got to add different animation techniques within it.

Exploration 5

Exploration 5 assignment is to create a 15 to 30 second for an existing television show, video game or movie of their choice using 3D stop motion animation. The objective is to get a reaction from the audience and generate excitement/interest.  Also find an appropriate tone and feel for the animation. 

1. First, I planned out my storyboard for my animation. I wanted to do something scary yet funny, which is my theme I like to work with. I decided to do a trailer for SAW in claymation form. He was going to be strapped up in a killing device and the only way that he was going to be released from the device was to retrieve the key located in the cup full of acid. 

2. Second, I started designing my character, the machinery and the puppet on the bike.

3. Third, I set up my station to have a creepy feel to it. The lighting, the back drop and just the characters themselves.

4. Fourth, I started to animate it. The clay is very tricky to work with but it's so much fun to animate. My character was hanging on a device so it was very hard to keep the character still. The hair kept falling off the puppet and the neck was getting completely sliced. It was very difficult to keep him in contact but I did and it came out fantastic.

5. I found the perfect music soundtrack to match the mood of the animation and in certain areas of the animation I panned in and out giving it a more interesting look. 

I extremely enjoyed this assignment and even more enjoyed the outcome. I love working with different materials and especially when they are difficult because I love the challenge. I had a hard time with keeping the puppet still but I managed to keep the animation pretty smoothed. I enjoyed panning in and out giving it a creepy tone and feel. I had a great reaction from the crowd because the whole animation was scary but I added just a little clip of humor to it.