Modelling List

We sat down today and went through a list of what needed to be modelled, which is a lot. We've got plinths, frames, arched doorways, rope barriers, security cameras, edges and covings, frames, more complicated frames, statues, pots, benches, and more. Scary stuff, but Maik and Dave are confident that they can get most of the low poly models done by the end of the week. After that we sat down with Malakai and spoke a lot more in depth about the storyline and how we which shots we would need to use to be able to push the narrative on effectively.

As the environment doesn't react without the character, it is the character that will be driving the entire film, so we spent some time developing the character himself and what attributes would force him to move around within the environment. The most important thing we decided was how the film was going to end. The character would be walking through a corridor, spot a piece of litter between the rope barrier and the painting and make his way into the room. He steps over the barrier (though trips and knocks it over) and regains composure in time to notice the painting rippling very strangely. To investigate, he touches the painting which causes him to get sucked into it. Once in the painting he is obviously fairly alarmed about what has just happened, but lets his inquisitive nature take over and investigates the structure in front of him. Once the character has had change to take in what is around him, the structure then shatters (yes shatters) and he is shown standing blankly in front of the painting as he was before, when another member of staff snaps him out of his day dream and tells him to get back to work.

It's a lot of work in all areas, but all the more reason to get started straight away. While Dave and Maik continue to model, Malakai is going to begin developing a first draft storyboard. Meanwhile myself and Joe are going to begin with some simple tests on the rig we will be using called Goon:

Hardly my finest piece of animation, but it was just a quick test I did to get to grips with the rig. It's honestly one of the easiest free rigs to use that I've come across. It has a lot of similar features to the Animation Mentor rig Bishop, and all of its controls aren't over complicated. I've also been learning from a book by an animator called Eric Luhta called "How to cheat in Maya 2010". It's a really useful book for animating that breaks down a lot of the techniques used in maya for animating, covering everything from setting projects to polishing and lighting/rendering. And all of its examples are executed using the Goon rig too, which is a massive help. I've already learnt how to refine my animation using moving holds and cushioning etc, so I'm really eager to start working straight away. Going to do a walk cycle test next to get used to his full body controls. Then when Malakai has done a few rough shots we can start allocating different sections for myself and Joe to begin animating to. More coming soon!