production diary.pdf

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Production iary

Advanced Pre Production

Evan Forrester



Initial Ideas (Noah’s ARK)

Adaption on Noah's ark (WWF campaign, illustrative in nature, using 2d. Some minor 3Two worlds parallel human and animals, the humans planet is ruined and as the anima

also become damaged.

I chose not too do this idea as I felt many people would be doing, and have done a WWF campai

have been seen before, therefore I believe it starts too become cliché. I wanted to avoid this, andskills. Although the idea would have been stylistic, I feel I would have more creative freedom ste

such a well known and developed story, this choice was very early on in production. It was my fir

project, and the one I quickly decided against.

Idea



Initial Ideas (Alice in Wonderland)

A horror genre take on Alice in wonderland, it will have adult themes and have a dark

tone

Idea

This idea was a big contender for development. Alice in wonderland has always been one of my fa

of literature. However, again like many other ideas, it has been seen and developed so many time

to bore the audience or make familiar scenes. The change to adult themes would have been inter

development would have taken surrealist tendencies used by artists such as Salvador Dali, René Mtendencies noted within surrealist animation like the Betty Boop Snow white animation (1933).

I feel this idea would have allowed me too incorporate my illustrative style well, using intense pat

monochrome colouring too distort the viewer. It would have been intended to have been a psych

This in turn would have been developed so that it could have been a campaign for depression. I w

back and work on this idea, I do think however it would work better as a gallery of illustrations, m

animation. I feel it may be hard to convey the message I intended, but then again this could play w

mind, and the mad world, surrealist in nature that Lewis Carol created.



Initial Ideas (I Love you too the Moon and

Animated version of a children's book (I Love You too the Moon and Back), animated in

2D following the book for reference

Idea

This idea was intriguing too me. I would have used techniques learned from previous units too inc

the style and animating. By animating a well know children's story, I would have had most of the p

sorted. Similar to a previous unit working with a book. However, I would have adapted slight aspe

too keep it fresh. The visuals would have been the same, however I would have played with the athought about using cut out animation, in a stop motion form, or even designing, cutting and scan

outs. Then using after effects for the final animation, which would have involved the puppet tool.

lacked strength, I was drawn to it for my love of the style of the book, and also my love for polar b

I began to think I would prefer to appeal to older generation/audience, as I think most of if not all

animations I have produced thus far are for younger audiences.



Initial Ideas (WWF Campaign)

A information animation around animals in captivity, using motion graphics and after eff

Idea

This would have been advertising for WWF again. It would have been conformed of motion graph

would not only have a lot of texts, graphs and information. A voice over would have been used. A

background would relate too the information and be affected by it, for example… polar bear popu

in the last year. The amount of animated polar bears on screen would have disappeared. I felt this

simple. Their wasn’t enough scope for me too get excited about, it would have become stale and animation within my portfolio. Areas could be interesting, by making the animation interactive wi

Layers of animation could be used also, and then it would have incorporated 3D, 2D and after effe

Finally however I think this wouldn’t be sufficient enough for a final project, and wouldn’t showca

which I want to develop and use to get a job in the industry



Initial Ideas (Cancer Campaign)

Idea

Timeline animation, showing the growth of a child using morphs and transitions. Emotive

reveal at the end the character has cancer

This idea I felt has the most possibilities for development. After feedback I was told the timeline a

familiar and cliché. I struggled to think of extra ideas from here. I knew that I wanted too use colo

theory as a base for the animation. I also wanted the viewer too be unaware of the animations in

the end. This I thought would be more emotive and allow for a shock technique with the viewer. T

with the narrative were becoming all too obvious with my ideas and adaptions from then on. I ha

ideas that I struggled to stick too one, often adding too much into the animation that would make

and impact. I did know however the animation would be created in 2D, using flash or Photoshop.

use after effects for adding extra motion graphics, transitions and, cinematography techniques.



Influences on my thought processes

I found myself in the early stagedevelopment being drawn too a

style. I liked how line density w

especially in correlation to colo

images. The colour seemed to b

many images I viewed, it was n

line boundaries and flowed. Th

appearance within it just define

ink, more so watercolour. I knew

incorporate this into my work, a

worked well with my timeline a

character or character’s develo

narrative progressed the colour

Hue could alter, the colours cou

development not just with a lin



IdeaChoice

Wanting to utilise my artistic style within my

that my concept for a cancer based campaigshow this with great potential. Using After E

short animation clip that was too be the fina

I used watercolour scans, along with an ima

masked, in correlation with stoke effects. Th

able to time and position the layers togethe

final effect. I really like the final outcome, an

process. I could have used camera more and

composition around in Z space, this would hgreater depth and the impression I was tryin

sketchbook’. This motion graphical style was

wanting to become a motion graphic or VFX

However this idea changed naturally as I wa

of a story which wouldn’t be cliché. Then wh

of an idea it wouldn’t have been appropriat

or realism.



Early Weeks – Finding the Story

Within the early weeks of pre-production I was struggling to find and idea that accomplished my

stylistic approach, lack of narrative whilst remaining interesting. I strayed away from the complet

approach. The idea I had was too have a large quantity of illustrative characters which would be

harmoniously together. They would all be varying ages with appearance difference, and be holdi

pans/pots/buckets of colour. This colour would be the metaphor for life. It has drained from the

would be working too put it back. This would have allowed for me to humour, for example with a

dropping colour and an older one helping to pick it back up. The emotive reveal at the story's clim

that these characters were climbing over the patient.




I started somewhat backwards trying to think of a story for this idea. Although I had the basics, i.e. character

hadn’t thought of the finer details and I jumped straight into developing characters. There was pros and cons

to find a vast amount of visual research that showed many films/games where a large quantity of characters style/species/design are used. What was even more beneficial was that many of these were anthropomorphi

boy from Little Big Planet , or the brooms from Sorcerers Apprentice.

This helped me with the idea for my designs, as I knew that I didn’t want this aspect of the animation too be

could add illustrative styling to allude to humans, without having the hyper realistic approach.




Character Sketches

I purposely kept the characters lose and simple. I liked the illustrative approach, and the characters were easy to break down

would have kept in tone with my ‘alive sketchbook’ concept. However if I was still too have the idea of watercolour paper an

my baby after effects test. I do not think this would have worked or would it have shown the extent of my skills. I would like

characters still however. I think they would work best either on celluloid overlaid on live action, or as stop motion, like a flip

note animation.



Early Weeks – Finding the StoryI found that designing the characters first, was a mistake for time management. I spent too much time thinkin

appearance before having a strong narrative. I think this is what led be too lose faith within this idea as I was

that I had under 10 weeks of pre production left.

What I do like about the characters is there simplicity. I think that with a this style of design a promising anim

made. The lines would have a nice appearance if boiled on a 5 frame repetition for example. But I do not thin

with the campaign I was trying too achieve. I feel that I couldn’t get the emotive response I wanted to achiev

simplicity in design as it would also effect animation. Fluidity I feel would not be as achievable as it would had

been more developed then simple lines. I was exploring other animated campaigns specifically Cancer relate

across an animation which used characters on top of live action footage to demonstrate the addiction to smo

would convey the message I wanted. I would loved too create something like this. The add was very well don

the making off. It showed a lot of green screen and technical animation. Which wouldn’t have been achievab

limit and I wouldn’t be able to focus on motion graphics/VFX as much. Therefore my ideas changed from the

animation.

Drop The Habit (Advert) - http://www.geek.com/news/memorable-quit-smoking-ad-uses-hand-drawn-animated-monkeys-1530169/




Looking further into Cancer and the aspects surrounding it. I found various short films/animat

wanted to dissect and discover what made them so effective. The short film Deep Breath / Mé

Uses stop motion/time lapse to create a dying lung. The effects of the smoking take are represthe cigarettes and ash being used to form the imagery. I liked how the reveal of the lungs was

didn’t want too use live action or stop motion, however I thought about the build up too my n

What climatic peak could be shown and where. This would be helpful later on in production w

better understanding of not only my story but my approach too it.

Deep Breath - Mélylevegő

https://vimeo.com/24960539




After deciding that I wanted too produce something abstract I looked deeper into what I coul

I came across Cyriak. I really enjoyed the work I saw here, I was interested with how the films

me feel and how if that would be the same with other people. This abstract approach could bdeveloped too form an uneasy campaign towards cancer. The repetition and geometric develo

within the films reminded of cell division and how quickly it could grow. This pace would fit w

animation any way. Many of the Cyriak videos I found focused on the geometric repetition. Th

I feel are more surrealist that I wish to produce. The use of the images in a graphic term woul

something I would use for tis project. However I did then begin to look into geometrics repeti

Cyriak - Cows & Cows & Cows

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FavUpD_IjVY Cyriak – Malfunction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnWP2




I thought about the cells and how this could translate in pixels. I liked how the short Pixels use

animated pixels effecting the world. Almost like a virus. I began too think of the common tag

“The war on cancer” . I thought about the body and how many different elements could be atone another, such as the body defending the cancer with white blood cells. And ultimately fai

chemotherapy/radiotherapy would be used. So ideally the animation would have consisted o

aspects all against each other. This along with my intrigue with geometric displays influenced

idea heavily.

Patrick Jean – Pixels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUnyUrA34bQ

4Creative – It’s Payback Time

http://www.4creative.co.uk/#/work/stand-up-to-cance




This thumb nailed concept was too implement the influence of geometry and repetition. The narrative was too be with a cube. The cube was representa

beating. The lines emitting from it where the veins, and colour of some sorts would be running into, gradually filling the object. Next fast past objects w

be complete binary opposite of the colour and foment within the cube causing the colour to displace. Desperate too escape the colour (metaphor for li

With this escape the black formation would morph into a decaying substance which grabs and engulfs the colour pushing it back within the confines of t

repeat aggressively as the camera tracks out. The last reveal would show a blackened formation of the lungs or another organ.

Through feedback with tutors various areas which needed deeper consideration were highlighted. Firstly the box idea, although keeping to my geomet

perceived too be Pandora's box. I didn’t want this analogy or too have familiarity with another story. Secondly it was noted that the veins and the flow o

cancer was due to an outside cause, this especially was scene with the depiction of the lung. Although lung cancer could be from smoking, it can just occ

one cancer, it could be hereditary. This was also the last point, why a lung or a single organ for the reveal at the end. I could show the whole body or or

What I did like and decided to develop further however was the stylistic appearance which I feel can give me great opportunities too showcase VFX. I als

base the animation within the body, and take the viewer on a journey. Make their experience more immersive, this would allow them to feel less like th



Settling on a concept

Naturally after the proposal of my earlier storyboard, I began to develop by thinking in terms o

human body. I looked greater into what a cell is and how aesthetically this varies too a cancero

how cancerous cells when developed are untamed. They are completely erratic, opposed too tbubble like nature of a healthy cell. I watched various videos including a documentary on the d

foetus from week 1 of creation within the body (Countdown to Life: The Extraordinary Making

me amazing visuals which I could then imagine vast landscapes within the body. This then prov

within the story development as it lead to viewing landscape artists.

Healthy Cell Cancerous Cell




I viewed these landscape paintings. They seemed too have a texture a little like the cancer cell

feel creates a visual which is almost reminiscent to a coral reef. I thought about using coral as a

the sea. I felt this could make a interesting animation. However as I'm already animating a prodidn't want all my productions and ultimately my showreel too be completely based around it

landscape research and found other areas which were influential too me




I found these images. The Viral Landscapes by Helen Chadwick use the image of cells, painted

beautiful landscapes. This juxtaposition I found odd but interesting. I instantly thought about t

meeting beauty. How fast paced the animation could be and then slower. I was now beginningidea that would become my production. I thought bout about Chadwick’s work and how I coul

the erratic cancer cells, potentially without being to obvious. I didn’t want too produce an anim

science advert. I wanted to maintain artistic direction, whilst informing off cancer.

Viral Landscapes – Helen Chadwick




Thinking about the different forms cancer can take I look into style changes which could progress throughout an animation

landscape paintings. I thought of cancer as a mass. If this mass was to overcome and overpower a cell it would need subst

needed to characterise it. I thought of John Martins’ Apocalypse. I feel that it creates the sense of an apocalyptic time per

tension of the world, with depth, colour and texture. The almost plumes of smoke have a density that makes you breathle

the smaller areas of open air at the top, show some hope. If I could achieve this with the juxtaposition of cancer vs healthy

happy. I thought of how The textural incorporation, with the shift of design could create this mood. I can translate a cance

erratic, to tame and back again. This progression can develop with a narrative so that the uncertainty of what would happ

viewer bored. His with the depth I could create could immerse them fully also.

John Martin – Apocalypse



Envisioning Cancer

I know am sure of what I want. I want too produce an inside look at cancer. Whilst not focusin

too much on science. I wanted too show texture and progression with the cancer and juxtapothis with the health cells. Visually I envisioned cancer cells as a liquid, or a sludge. I found visu

of magnetic fluid (ferrofluid) online. When exposed to a magnet it create geometric sculpture

that could be moved and distorted. I brought some myself and experimented with it. This

became what will be the final appearance off the cancer. However I also noted how the canc

at its final aggressive state is almost alien. It reminded be of Venoms symbiote in Spiderman.

want to combine these two to create a changing substance that has no definite form.

Spiderman 3 – Eddi

Spiderman becoming VenomAggressive Cancer Cell



Envisioning Cancer

The ferrofluid moves as one wherever the magnet moves. Therefore within my animation the m

could be the healthy cells. The cancer is drawn too it, with fast motions it would engulf it. I like

like appearance it shows. I think this could look beautiful as a form, and then if I incorporate thelasticity of the symbiote I can create a great textural piece. The ferrofluid reminds me of the m

Hero 6. I will look at they way in which they move as reference for my animation. I also brough

and filmed it. It was interesting seeing how it moved, its messy though.



Envisioning Cancer

Microbots in Big Hero 6 move like ferrofluid, they are controlled like a magnet, I this case t

the mask. They can move, distort and become any from desired. This life is what I want to



Envisioning CancerNo Face – Spirited Away

Tar I want too get a strong juxtaposition between the forms and appearance that the

cancer will become. When the cancer is less aggressive in it’s form where it will

consume other cells, it will be reminiscent too tar. Move more fluid like lava. Then it

will become the symbiote like substance for engulfing with arms.

The geometric form, inspired by ferrofluid. Will be sharper and consist of more tonal

range. The sharpness will follow through too the animation with it being fast, I think

this would work best for this style. I want the density of both substance too come

through



Envisioning Cancer

I created this early piec

regarding the part of th

where the cancer is eng

cell. The black form beg

veins which capture the

drain it. What I like abo

is that it shows the juxt

two forms of cell. Howe

with the cancer appear

began to experiment wcells yet. I am thinking i

watercolour and quiet f

transparency also. Or m

potentially with the use

they are different like e



Final Idea Thumbnailing

This is the rough thumbna

concept is that the viewer

Flowing fast paced with th

through the body. Turning

the body, cells will dart in p

screen. Then a cell will gro

the screen until you are ins

then happens is the cance

this root system until it is c

Then the black cell will beg

attack other healthy cells.

completely eradicated whiturned into the black form

used 2D techniques whilst

I plan on showcasing my sk

and show my artistic creat

really happy with this idea

long time however. But I a

develop it further, as of th

on a ending either.



Retro Boarding- Inside OutI decide

only is

enjoye

framed

mind a

life’ alloenjoy t

though

how ot

This is s

blurring

the min

me as a

within t

really li

the cam

very an

action/

directo

move t

if this w

fast cut

The cam

liquid.

depth t

camera

animat

with ar

outsideDocter



Retro Boarding- AlienI enjoye

whole p

project

favouri

within t

learneddidn’t r

down e

influen

from a

close u

within

convey

drawin

also fou

helpful

eventu

produc

boarde

interes

carries

camera

Althoug

genre t

darkne

hunt is

in my fi

health

Cancer.am still



Reference

Another thing

well is the colo

and atmosphe

cinematograph

dull and contra

the colours are

a harmony. Ho

they are used,

areas, it create

For example in

coldness of the

how alone and

However, she i

juxtaposes this

is dire and bare

and hopes in th

be perfect to im

especially for t

interesting to p

can stand out a

segments.



Concept ArtThis is a quick c

completed. I wa

around with pe

is very evident

is within the bo

achieve the fee

purposely tried

this piece, how

clouds. I like the

of the cells vari

the colouring nprogressive. I a

concept art clas

learn more abo

create a newer



Thumb Nail StoryThe piece starts with a fly throug

coming towards the screen. Even

towards the screen. Then the we

looking at the growth of the maswill be outside again as the canc

consumes the cell. It then begins

grow, VFX will then come into pla

changes other cells to cancerous

scene finishes with the cells, can

morphing into people. Some wit

without.

I feel I have the story now I just n

further into a more detailed stor

them time and playa round with

found it helpful to start with det

this is something I hadn’t done e

projects.



Thumb Nail Story



Storyboard



Storyboard

b d



Storyboard

A i i f /I i i



Animation References/Inspiration

X-Men M

https://www.youtu

Claymore

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh5_b86_Pm4

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Episode 02

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvpJjbphJWQ

Ultimate Spiderman Video Game

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGdACJWQZe0

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon – Retu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?

A i i R f /I i i



Animation References/Inspiration

Southampton University – We Are Co

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8

Osmosis Jones 2001

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6W7Jpgjwx4

R hi VFX



Researching VFX

Ash Decay - https://vimeo.com/101816769

I’ve started too think about what effects I would like too use within my animation. I am consciou

of the fact that I will be learning Houdini, therefore I don’t want too implement things I cannot

produce. Or VFX that I cannot produce too a high standard. Thinking what cancer is and how itattacks the body I know that the following should be looked into:

- Decay: Naturally the body begins to decay with cancer, I could use this not only too signify

how the cells deteriorates over time; but the body as well.

- Growth: The growth of the cancer will be very important, not only the growth within the cell

itself. But when the formation of the cancer becomes the ferrofluid-esque appearance. I have

thought about using a procedural crystal growth.

- Vein Work: The vein work could be used not only for the early growth segment, but also forwhen the cancer becomes a from which has some elasticity too it. The visual reference of

Venom’s symbiote.

R hi VFX



Researching VFX

L-System Vein work

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loezbjA8ZpYCreating veins with network


Procedural Crystal Growth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azBDrpExujg

Reaction – Diffusion curv

https://www.youtube.com/watch

C l i Ch i



Colouring Choices

My initial thoughts for colours are shades of purple, blue and pink. The pink is an obvious choi

of flesh, however as the animation is rather abstract it may be interesting too play around with

thought that the blue vs a deep purple with black could be interesting to depict the blacks. Ho

too look deeper into colour theory to see what those colours would say about my scene. I thin

showcases the evil and dread associated with it. It creates an almost tar like substance, I may c

render of the cancer and create colour variations however. I want there to be a strong juxtapo

and the background.

M d B d (C ll Fi i t)



Mood Board (Cell Fingerprint)

I was drawn to tfingerprints for t

Fingerprints are

everyone has th

same for cells. N

line work could b

illustrative style.

consumed the b

could run throug

fingerprints awa

almost like wave

lot, and think it c





Here's some line work I produced, that could be used for the finger print. I would produc

traditional animation and then cycle it. I have tried for previous units to create this digita

doesn’t work as well. Playing with the speed it could either be a boiled texture, or animawaves, using particular on after effects I can then replicate this a lot to save time.

This could also be done in Houdini, to create the mountains effect. However, I wanted to

harmony between 2D and 3D. Not solely stick to one or the other.

Mood Board Cell Texture



Mood Board Cell Texture

This is a mo

that I could

shows almo

appearance

This would

of the explo

between thsegments c

Cell Aesthetics



Cell Aesthetics

As the cells are individual too each person, I thought it would be interesting to depict them as th

finger prints. Each would still animated and not be a static image. I like the appearance, I will see

like applied too an animation

Characterising Cancer




I didn’t lik

of a mout

It takes awand make

childish. I

abstract a

still come

still give m

character





• Fast Paced

• Irrational

•

Un-predictable• Eccentric

• Sharp Movement

• Illogical

• Energetic

• Stamina

• Dense

• Consuming

•

Visually unappealing• Growth

• Non Contained

• Ever Changing

I have begun too think

a character. They key t

be creating a substanc

whilst still creating it u

viewer. If emotive reac

the viewer, it cannot b

cancer. It will change i

throughout the anima

will its movement and

example as it gets mor

Characterising Cancer (Geometric F



Characterising Cancer (Geometric F

Federico Diaz

Mandala Vibration Abstract 3D Animation


When the cancer is in the geometric form. I feel this

cancer moves in unison with each point/spire. The an

pulsate, and the points each extrude outwards and bimagine the cancer too be a hoberman. That will mo

the point it morphs into its more fluid form, which is

will consume other cells.

Hoberman

Characterising Cancer – ‘Elastic’ For



Characterising Cancer – Elastic For

Geometric Mutation


The second from the cancer will take u

elastic form. I feel that the characterist

described as elastic. I want the animatieccentric, and over exaggerated. This I

characteristic of elastic. The cancerous

remind me of chewing gum that has be

replicate this for when the form consu

grows arms/tentacles. The focus of the

become on stretch and squash, and rea

exaggeration and physics of it.

With this animation part being fluid an

jarring I find the transition between th

like the Geometric Mutation video. It s

think this will work well especially with

between 2D and 3D.

Wreck It Ralph

Laffy Taffy

Final Rendering – Early Thoughts



Final Rendering – Early Thoughts

Healthy C

• 2D An

• Scann• Trans

Cancerous Cell (Geometric form)

• 3D Animation

• Potential for live action elements

Cancerous Cell (Elastic Form)

• 2D Animation

• Textures and overlays possible with

3D

Final Rendering – Animation Test



Final Rendering Animation Test

This was a animation test for when the caform. I used Maya to model a form quick

model would be more detailed with mor

curved. I just wanted too get a feel for wh

look like. I do think that I would render u

more chrome feel. I just need to learn the

Aesthetically the animation needs to be f

I feel, a little danger and ugliness I wante

background was just basic so the lightingcolours aren’t that of the final image. Als

of the animation overlaid, to create the m





I created these tests too get a feel of how the final animation will appear. I need to play dee

I want too fully immerse the viewer. As a first test they work, but more development is nee

colouring isn’t working





Adding Blur to Concept Art




Looking back at my concept art I realised that it wasn’t creating the depth I wanted. I applied b

overlay too create depth. I think this works better, and I will use this within my film to create t

maybe even the look of a camera focusing itself.





I searched and watched ma

explained how best to use fcinema 4d. I will now be abl

and adapt them to achieve

https://vimeo.com/17545402https://vimeo.com/15788791

https://vimeo.com/7224585https://vimeo.com/62900334 https://vimeo.com/98

Reference



Reference Archer S6 Episode 10

Drastic Voyage: Part II

This episode of Archer shows the depth I want. Although this obviously depicts being inside th

wont so much. I really like the consistency of the body fluid. The fine details of white and pink

seen floating around, I think would make my piece seem much more thought out. Compositio

this on layers. Not only this but this animation is 3D although it appears 2D. I would like to ma

segments not obviously 3D.

Reference



Reference

This animation showcased many natural forms developing or morphing into each other. I liked

and specifically the cinematography. I would like to develop my composition to resemble this.

shot when the shells are shooting upwards, great depth is achieved and I felt immersed watch

like to use the focal depth like they have hear to highlight specific areas too the audience also

CGI and VFX Animated Shorts: "Seed" - by Aixsponza

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCxDk60HvZQ

Reference



ReferenceMoney Can Defeat Cancer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-6uvcLUDxc

This is an animated advert for cancer. It uses a lobster styled creature fighting a pig as metapho

money. I found this animation matches what I want too achieve, in the way it uses colour. It use

red and pink. Although I think I will be using purple, this showed me how effective this colour p

specifically like how piercing the red is in contrast, it vibrancy is impactful with the black, much

List

Colour Research



Colour Research

Schindler’s List Wreck It Ralph

Paperman The Secret Life of Arrietty

Colour Research



Ori and the Blind Forest Epic Mickey

Song of the SeaRayman Origins

Colour Research – No Man’s Sky



y

No Man’s sky is an up and coming video game which I think displays brilliant colour choices. Each planet/

presents a different array of colours, which are usually analogous. This allows for some coherence in the

of each planet. I think this is a really good technique so the viewer/gamer doesn’t become unsettled with

changes. Although the colours are too vibrant for my animation, and wouldn’t work well within a cancer c

want to keep a coherent style throughout each shot. This I think will create a more professional animatio

ultimately look better on my showreel, and not look like a undeveloped student film.

Colour Research – Disney Colour Ma



y

I looked into the colour maps of two of my favourite Disney films. Although these wouldn’t be the colou

use for my film, I found it useful too see the entirety of the film condensed down into a colour. The high

and hyperactive tone of Lilo and Stitch can be seen with the vibrant blues. This translation of tone into

something I would like to achieve. Like wise Dinosaur has the same technique using, almost apocalyptic

which replicates the desolate narrative of the story. The narrative of Dinosaur would be more related to

animation, the dark hues will be replicated into the appearance of the cancer. What is also interesting i

Dinosaur used 3D animation over live action, I would like to experiment with this, it could work well wh

is in a almost ferrofluid state.

VFX Research Motion Graphics Trend: Liquid Motion




I started to research what was popular within motion graphics currently as this is what I ultim

too do. I want to achieve something that will look great on my showreel and aid me to get a jo

fits within my story. The trend for liquid motion does this I think. I would however look into ho

differently and adapt what I've seen so I'm not copying it. I think there is great possibility with

animation and it could really give character to the cancer

Visual Research - Michel Gagné



gInsanely Twisted Shadow Planet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=975Zw8BJ3Vg

Sensology

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVWKtXDvr04

Michel Gagne has been very influential on my concept. The top images are a sequence from a

segment is so unintentional but very similar to my opening shot of animation. I would like this

into my animation.

Both pieces show really nice composition that I would like to replicate, and have a graphic app

Insanely Twisted Planet is a game, it still has a distinct style and is very illustrative, another of m

Visual Research – Black Hole Series



These images created with a drill and acrylic pai

visually appealing, but the process of the creatin

Although I don’t feel I would have time too crea

animation, because of the amount of frames nminutes. I would like to look at creating this. I cou

with my chosen colour pallet. I could save time b

image or a few and implementing them with after

an animation. I also think taking this as a design an

Maxon Cinema 4D could be interesting too. Whe

better with this I may look into this, but for the tim

learn the software first.

I like how the centre of the piece is desolate and

information whilst the paint effect areas is very

envision this replicated a lot and applied to a partic

a vast amount of cells. I may try a quick test of this

instead of an animation too save time.

VFX Research – The Haze https://vimeo.com/449



I found this animation to be artistically stunning but I also loved the concept. I would liked to have show

like this or in 2D. However, although this video highlights that 60% of new diagnoses of lung cancer will

smokers; I wanted to create a clear message. That’s why I chose to target cancer as a whole, and not sp

the many forms it can take. The contrast of the black onto the white, conveys the toxic nature of smoke

compositional choice allow the viewer to feel plagued like the dancer is. This is a technique which I feel

more of an emotive response too the audience, I could incorporate this through the scale of my cancer

space in which they fill within the frame

Composition and Framing



The framing of my animation will be very important. Upon research this I found this cancer campaign. Th

chosen a graphic style which is implemented through a pigeon hole style border. This ensures the viewer

at the detail on the frame. This may not always be effective, but used correctly like in this case, it can be b

would use this technique completely, but I could sue details such as cells and the backgrounds, to frame t

eyes. This could be as obvious as this or more subliminally.

Another feature that it uses as well is the transitions. When the boat scene ends and the reveal of the te

begins, it is all in the same area, this ensure when the frame begins to expand, the viewers eyes are still d

will be very helpful with my animation, specifically when the camera is being animated, therefore too no

from the important areas.

Canadian Cancer Society // Cancer Information Services


Visual Research



The Mighty T


Discovering

https://vimeo.co

Why Supplement?


In the End, I Un

https://vimeo.com

Visual Research



Kelela – A Message

https://vimeo.com/124307250Oncology Cell Sig

https://vimeo.com/

Unnamed Soundsculpture


Black & White In Colo

https://vimeo.com/channels/staffp

Visual Research



Killer T Cell: The Cancer Assassin

https://vimeo.com/128274471Contagious Maters-Hela Cell Time


Seething


Microbiology


Visual Research



To Understand Is To Perceive Patterns


Shrimp for Dinner


Splash

https // imeo com/62201173

Mute

https // imeo com/4770

Visual Research



Oscillate


Silence

https://archive.org/details/OrlyYadinSylvie

Visual Research



Feeling My Way -Jonathan Hodgson


This animation used rotoscoping ov

footage for its style. I like how the sim

graphics, like the word Dead or Alive c

tone. Instantly the viewer will react diff

if it were just footage of the train statio

wouldn’t evoke the uncomfortable fe

I think the style would fit will for the

using rotoscoping over live action to co

mixed media feel.

Visual Research The Inversion




This animation was shown to me for reference. I would say it has become one of the most influe

Not only is the style of black and white tones, keeping to my personal style techniques. But the gr

is something I aspire to produce. I really like the epic mood of the piece, the pace along with the

really creates suspense and thrill. This is what I think my piece would benefit from, the intense

seen in films with great action scenes such as Batman Dark Knight Rises or Avengers: Age of Ultro

was to create this immersion into a exciting and heart racing tone, the viewer would feel much m

working in tangent with a great style choice like this would really make my animation seem mo

Visual Research



Call of Duty: Ghosts " Cinematics“


The Ghosts cinematic’s, show a lot of VFX I’d like to be able to produce. One that is common with

appearance of liquid displacing or engulfing the view could be advantageous too my work. I coulsmoke or liquid that is transparent, until it eventually begins to thicken. I can then use this for fad

simply just for texture, which can create depth too the work. I want too do some tests using eith

to cloud the screen and even distort the view. This I think would showcase my skills as not only a

at layering animation.

Visual Research



What Light

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BnVtz92Ius

Although What Light uses pixilation. I have still found it beneficial too the development of my pr

as a character, a personality which is expressive and adventurous has been able to be created. Mproject I need to know how to characterise an unfamiliar object. The movement is fluid and the f

changes/morphs shape frequently. My creation will move quicker but I still want too have the flu

here. I think this really shines through to the viewer, and it is evident that a great deal of time ha

ensure quality. Interestingly this is a Royal College of Art student film, this shows me that I can be

student. Something as strong as this that showcase my skills would work really well to boost my

Sound Choice



Vaughan Will

https://www.

Ludovico Einaudi – Elements (2015)

Nhttps://www

Lana

https://www

Ludovico

https://www

To find the sound for the animation was hard. I wasn’t able to fully find a song

which fitted my thoughts. I wanted something fluid, to match the body. But I

didn’t want something to blatant.

There were some songs I liked that had aspects I wanted, such as the

progression in Now We Are Free or the fluidity in Born To Die.Ultimately I chose elements, it’s simpler than others songs I looked at, as to not

distract the viewer. But it does have the progression I wanted. I do think that I

shouldn’t stick to this completely as since working on the animatic, the pace

gets quick at the end to match the phase of cancer, this could mean a more

upbeat song, possibly techno. This would match the 3D motion graphics as

well. Usually they use a upbeat song, such as the cinema 4D showreel.

Cinema 4D UK Motion Graphics Reel 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne1ls3

UVnsw

Software Choices



I originally intended to use 2D software, such as Flash and Toonboom. And then use Houdini for

after numerous try's I couldn’t get Houdini installed on my computer. Although I could use the un

computers, I personally feel using tutorials to learn the software would be easier from home. Th

could control when I learn, and not have distractions or possibilities of having to leave due to ope

still try and get Houdini before the project starts though.

Therefore instead I am leering Cinema 4D. I Felt very comfortable with this, I find it easier to use

reliable and I was able to get the student version for free via contacting Maxon. I produced this f

although not brilliant, it was my first attempt using the software. I have now highlighted tutorials

and then to adapt to use within my project. The only downside to using this, is that no lecture is

the software at university. This means I'm going solo if I need help. However, I would not only ga

knowing that I learnt the software by myself.

Created and rendered on

Cinema 4D using a Greyscale

Gorilla tutorial

Cancer Progression



Stage 1 usually means that a cancer is relatively small and contained within the organ it started in

Stage 2 usually means the cancer has not started to spread into surrounding tissue but the tumou

than in stage 1. Sometimes stage 2 means that cancer cells have spread into lymph nodes close to

tumour. This depends on the particular type of cancer.

Stage 3 usually means the cancer is larger. It may have started to spread into surrounding tissues

are cancer cells in the lymph nodes in the area.

Stage 4 means the cancer has spread from where it started to another body organ. This is also ca

secondary or metastatic cancer.

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3

I wanted to achieve a progression that would fit with cancer. I thought about the different stages of

could translate into action and speed. I think I successfully incorporate the change well, specifically

more abstract forms which I think work really well.

Animatic Progression



It is easy to see the development within my animatics. Although the second one is more deta

terms of shading (which I didn’t have time for in the final), a lot more of the animatic is anim

final. Regrettable as it is to not have shading, which does let it down. I will however be able t

movement and a sense of character much mire within my final animatic. So in that regard I a

1st 2nd 3rd

Appearance



I wanted to create an appearance that was constant, whilst the actual forms themselves create a juxtaposition. I think this does happen, it goes from fluid, to sharp, to geometric and back to flui

molten. I also like the lack of colour, black and deep purples I think show the aggressive state of

whilst also still being visually appealing. The uneasiness to view comes from the form itself.

Appearance



I added different

see if a different

Although only a q

evident too me t

The only possibil

of green, for the

But then I feel it w

almost comedic, animation. Whic

Backgrounds



The backgrounds would be fairly simple. They will boil and it almost has a cloud like appearance.

start of smooth, and fade into one another. Towards the end the boil would reduce from say 11 f

5 or 3. There opacity will change, it will start of light, and as the cancer progresses into stage 4, t

will become very dark and thick. I like the way in which the different layers are visible, almost cre

giving the depth I want. These could be painted like this, or a particle emitter.

Synopsis



It hasn’t slowed down, it’s still progressing. Targeting anyone it wants. These are the stages of C

donations to demolish.

Time Management



Week 1

Within the first week I was struggling to come to terms with what would become my final idea. Fo

the presentation feedback, I was told that the concept was to cliché. I took the idea (timeline animthe life to death process of a cancer patient) and tried to develop it further.

The issue I had was as I had done a fair amount of visual research, including my animation test. I w

confined to the idea of watercolour as my stylistic choice.

Week 2

I had another feedback session with tutors. This is when I decided that my initial concept had to bwanted to focus more within in a style or production which would ultimately help me get a job an

portfolio. I began to brainstorm ideas that used the same concept of a cancer campaign, however

incorporate characters as well. I produced sketches of what these characters could be. Looking ba

wrong process, as I hadn’t chosen a narrative, I was just doodling. By this point I was aware I was

production.

Time Management



Week 3

I re-evaluated what I had produced in terms of character designs. Not only did I think the idea of c

over a cancer patient was morbid, but I also found it wouldn’t be in keeping with my ambitions. I a character animator, or character designer. Therefore I feel that focusing 12 weeks of production

concept deigns, character sheets and an animatic, for something that wouldn’t benefit me long-te

By this point I was aware of how behind I was. 3 weeks into production, I had no narrative nor did

design. However, one positive of not having an idea was that I was able to correlate a large amoun

research. I spent this week and into the 5th, correlating a large file of links to videos. These YouTub

videos, were animations that I found visually appealing or were cancer campaigns.

I watched these more than once, and began to notice the similarities. Most focused on the sense

which naturally fits with cancer as it develops. I also noted how a common phrase was the war onthe vast styles and ways in which the messages were translated to the viewer, I was able to build a

proved to be very helpful in the later weeks.

Time ManagementWeek 4



I produced a thumbnail story of an idea that drew influences from all the research I had looked at

specifically being drawn to more abstract animation, it was here that I saw and knew that I wante

piece that incorporate mixed media and VFX.The story I felt was rushed. It worked visually but the concept of a box whish contained the cance

colours representing the blood wasn’t effective. Through feedback again, it was mentioned it cou

representation of Pandora's box. This wasn’t my intention and I knew I need to change it. I wante

areas forward however. For example, at this point I had begun to characterise cancer, I had given i

sludge/tar appearance. This seemed to really work for the campaign.

Week 5

Before continuing with the narrative forward, I had settled on one aspect at least. I took the appe

sludge nature from the previous storyboard. I focused all my energy into looking at ways this coul

looked at a lot of videography of inks diluting into one another. I thought this would be interesting

It’s here where I discovered Ferrofluid. The way in which the magnetism worked and how the fluid

manipulated and distorted fascinated me. I ordered some of the internet to test, it was half a wee

So before I could get my hand on it, I took the time to storyboard a concept.

Time ManagementWeek 5 Continued



I watched a BBC documentary on the life and development of a baby within the first 8 weeks of co

was my main influence that drove my animation to what it has become. Through the visuals, and

explanations, I knew that I wanted to develop and produced my animation as though it was in the

that I didn’t want it to have such blatancy that it would look like a short film shown to a GCSE stud

science. I wanted to allude to the form of the cells within the body, whilst having creative freedom

Although I’m more of a 2D animator, through my thought process at this point it became evident

3D VFX/motion graphics would be foolish.

I was thinking about the early stages of cancer, and how it can start of quiet slow. This was in keep

mass, that would morph, have convulsions and progressively become another form. Whilst also th

when it’s more aggressive, it would become more geometric and sharp like the ferrofluid sculptur

was going to try.

I produced a story board which used the two stated forms of cancer, consuming cells in a abstract

arms that grabbed healthy cells. It was here that VFX could be implemented, such as decay and ex

much happier with this idea, and was excited to start refining it.

Time ManagementWeek 6



Having my narrative roughly, I produced my first piece of concept art. This was done digitally, and

the outcome to a certain extent as I have only ever produced a handful of digital art. I think that w

down is the fact I didn’t push it far enough, for example I didn’t manipulate the healthy cells enou

towards the image or go further back. This created a flat image. However since then, within anoth

lecture helped me with concept art and I have produced newer pieces which work and show my c

I received feedback for my idea and it received a better response. One thing in particular was the

wanted to make it a full mixed media piece. After the visual research I had collected I wanted to in

different aspects into the animation. Although I have to be careful that it all works and flows, and

mess.

Week 7This is where I created my final storyboard, I felt behind so I rushed this I feel. The timed version s

specifically as the timing has no fluidity or general consensus. However I now had something I wa

from to create the animatic. To save time, I thought It would be quicker to create my animatic on

Photoshop. I didn’t realise how slow this would be, although the animatic would have more move

as my intention was to use parallax and make it a lot more detailed. However, it became evident t

framing and the tedious nature of producing each frame using opacity to see where the next fram

Photoshop, needed to be changed.

Time ManagementWeek 8 – 9



Weeks 8-9 was problematic as I feel behind again. I gained a bladder infection which made it diffic

periods of time at a computer, or come into Uni to use the Wacom's. I was able to do some resea

track however. I chose a song, which after I finished the final animatic does work, however I think

earlier I should have asked a music student to compose something for me. This would allow me to

freedom in the animation, and not felt confined to fit the pre made track. I would definitely chang

productions.

It also allowed me to improve the quality of my production diary, I was writing notes on my phone

linking animations top my google drive. Then I wrote about these when I was better on the diary.

weeks behind, I feel that if I had tried to do as much work as possible, the quality would have dipp

Although arguable the quality has already suffered due to this, it was unpreventable and I was ab

other units such as my dissertation so I could have more time for production next term on this pro

Time ManagementWeek 10 -12



I changed the production of my animatic and produced it on flash instead, then compiled it on to

completely started from scratch, which again probably wasn’t the smartest idea. But this was a lot

using After Effects. I really regret not using flash in the first place. I just do not enjoy using flash as

However what I produced shows what I was envisioning I think.

I correlated everything I had produced, the varying concept pieces, which I think it is evident too s

improved.

Reflection on Pre Production

I enjoyed the process of pre production. I feel that If I hadn’t have taken it, my final project would

much detail and refinement that I was able to achieve within the unit. I feel that I could have manbetter, however there were issues that arose that were unavoidable. But I do think I was able to c

which would obviously be needed within industry.

The way in which I developed my idea into what is now a mix media piece has made me really exc

production, I like that I now have the challenge to learn some new software. Although it may be d

think not only would it look great on my cv, but it will help me to understand how to overcome m

3d

Time Management



Reflection on Pre Production Continued

Adapting my ideas to my visual research was very beneficial also. I have created a piece witch can

through the mixed media. I think the influence of Helen Chadwick paintings are evident within cothink the changing of the cells from earlier concept art too finger prints create more depth within

fingerprint is personal to the owner, and each cell within the body is also. It’s with this analysis th

create something that could be broken down into layers to reveal more development, hence the m

I also found the information in lectures beneficial. Such as the retro-boarding and colour theory. I

within my own research and it was interesting to see a favourite film from a new perspective. The

as cuts can help create tension, which is what I need.

Overall I am happy with my work, I could have done more, but as always nothing is ever finished.

point where I am happy to start animating after Christmas.

production diary.pdf

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