Overview of Project / Rationale
My broad area of research interest is to create two hybrid animations learning a few different skills for my portfolio.
My aims/outcomes for these proposed projects are to learn how to (in Stop-motion crafting) create silicone, Needle Felt, and Interchangeable expressions armatures. After creating the armature, I would like to use the green/blue screen studios to take a picture of the armatures to compose them into the 3D environment I'm going to model. In 3D software, I would like to learn how to rig a 3D model, create underwater 💦 fluid mechanics, lighting, fire 🔥, 3D bubbles, and get better at modelling/retopology. After rendering the animations, I want to learn how to colour-correct the armatures to the 3D background scene. If I have time between modules, I would like to learn projection mapping, LEGO brick animation, V.R. & A.R. Photogrammetry and more about 3D printing.
The practices that I relate to having an understanding of contemporary creative/industry practice are Vokabulantis, where Stop-motion armatures/props are scanned into the computer to be put into a 3D game. This production inspired me to figure out how to put Stop-motion armatures into a 3D scene.
Another practice is the making of Pirates: Adventure with Scientists. Where it shows me how to
make 3D-printed Armatures.
Another practice is Rubbadubbers. Where it shows silicone armatures as in BA I was shown the Tub Armature and this inspired me to create my own silicone armature.
Another practice is Robin, Robin. Where they made needle felt and inspire me to make my own felt
armature.
Virpi Kettu made this needle-felt animation "Sunrise Laughing" which I'm inspired by and will use her as a vital source of knowledge.
The previous experiences that I'm drawing upon to help me with these projects are:
- the Shadow Object where I learnt basic lighting (but I want to develop those skills);
- the BBC 2 Ident that I made in college, I learnt how to make a wire armature (I will use wire armatures for my silicone, needle felt & crochet characters);
- the Basic Fluid where I learnt water/fluid mechanics (which is going to be helpful for my underwater scene);
Description of Intended Work
I intend to make two animated scenes. One that has three different material styles of armature eg: silicone, needle felt and crochet, that will be put into a 3D environment campsite. It's where an evening campsite that has a couple with a Man, a woman and a dog. sitting in front of a glowing campfire overshadowed with moonlight. The second scene, if I have the time, will be a 3D underwater VR environment experience. The outputs I intend to do by the End of the Course are to have both scenes completed and gained knowledge of the tasks.
I want to learn physical 3-point lighting for armature models, to be able to put them into a 3D environment with digital lighting. To produce a 3D scene to replicate a physical environment. I want to use colour correction to make each scene more vivid and vibrant.
This output is unique to me because my vision for this work is to tackle a skill I haven't done before. I've not done a night-time scene before or any underwater environments.
My aspirations for the project work after completion are to have a project that truly shows my new skills to the best of my ability.
I will be looking for tutorials that show how to create underwater environments e.g.: lighting effects, bubbles to the surface, shadows, modelling sea props etc... I want to learn how to put a 3D environment into VR.
I'll be asking Tim and Kevin to help me with a few workshops in the fabrication space, for assistance with the development of the necessary armature types.
Pre-Production Research (Animation Exploration)
The materials, software and processes I intend to use/investigate in this first phase of Research and Development are lighting in 3D, HDR maps, Stop-motion room physical lighting; armature materials: wire arm, silicone, needle felt, Crochet; underwater visual effects; 3D modelling; fire effects; Maya, Premiere Pro, Foley sound design (if I have time).
The resources I will draw upon to inform my work are studio access, Stop-motion studio, Maker space/Fabrication space at Media City and new Adelphi. Also, the digital VR stage at Media city to do the VR experience. I will also use a computer room (That has access to maya) to do 3D animation, access a video editing rooms and finally the Foley room to do some small sound design for the scenes (if there's available time).
I will use research modelling environments via YouTube or Maya's website. I will chat with Owen at Media City regarding 3D lighting and HDR maps. Also speak to Virpi about needle felt armatures and get some insight. I intend to join the knitting club at the student union building at peel Park campus. I will be asking Tim at the Fabrication Space about silicone armature development.
Here are some key texts, films, artworks and artists/studios that will locate my work, such as the film Robin, Robin for needle felt characters, for the underwater scene such films as Finding Nemo/Dory. The silicone armatures like the original Bob the Builder and The Rubbadubbers.
Then liaising with Virpi of Kettu Studios for her knowledge of armatures used by Aardman Studios.
