Semester Final

Semester 1 Final Review 

This semester I was apart of two different video projects.

PSA

The psa I was apart of was made to combat online predators and spread awareness on being safe online. I was the writer, casting director, and one of the editors. The project took a little over two weeks for shooting and editing, but all shooting was completed in one day.  Some of the challenges we faced were the ISO and aperture on the camera, it was a really sunny day, and condensing a story into the length of a psa and really being selective of what shots to use to tell the story effectively. The feedback we were given was that it was a good message, a dual message almost. One being online safety, the second with our male protagonist, that it can happen to anybody.  I liked this PSA . I think it looks beautiful, but also has a powerful purpose.

Short Film

I've talked about in previous blog posts on the rocky start to this short film. For a brief recap: we set our expectations too high with a crew that was not willing to take on such an ambitious film. we scrambled together a last minute idea, and it turned out okay. The film we ended up shooting looked beautiful. The Audio was rocky, the script was a little on the nose with dialogue, but with the two days we had to plan and shoot, I'd say it was good for what we had. 

As a video production student, I have gained many skills when it comes to project management, communicating ideas, and the ability to complete planned tasks creatively. I can maximize my strengths by trying to be original and take risks, it could also mean working with new and different people for each new project. I need to improve in areas of origination and collaboration. It's one thing to work with someone who's different than you, but it's another to create with them. 

I learned  a lot from the guest speakers we've had in our classroom. Mostly that it is a possibility to use the skills I've learned in school and translate it to a job that I could support myself with, but also still be creative. 

The field trip showed me that technology is always expanding and the future filmmakers , maybe even students in thus class, could be the ones responsible for changing the movie going experience. 

This semester I enjoyed finally being in a class dedicated solely to entertainment and filmmaking. I hope to do more projects next semester and make personal short films. I want to learn more about camera work and audio, as well as refine my skills in color correction and color grading. I'm going to continue to write, and work on writing things to be more practical and producible, while still remaining true to myself. 

The MX4D expirience

         Selective theaters around America are advancing movie-going technology by broadening the experience through senses other then just auditory or visual.  Special seats in these theaters make the film more interactive.  These seats have the ability to create motion, a holes that spurts water and air, a rumbler, seat popper, back poker, leg tickler,neck tickler, theaters are installed with fans to mimick wind,  and have features to make strobe lights and fog effects.

       The film I saw with these features was JUSTICE LEAGUE , DC's latest action blockbuster. With every fight scene, I was tossed and turned as the hero took the punch. When the newly introduced Aqua-man shot himself from the icey waters, I was misted with the same wetness. As superman flew, the same wind whipped in my face. These features entirely engulf you into the movie. Here's my opinion: I don't don't go to the movies to be in the movies. Don't get me wrong, the right film can take you away from reality in the best possible way, But with justice league, I know I'm not Wonderwoman,  and I have no desire to punch and fight bad guys. To feel apart of this adrenaline is cool, but not why I watch movies. Especially, with figures such as iconic superheros, my initial reaction is to idolize rather than empathize.

       The experience was cool, would I go to MX4D regularly? no. But I do think a large population of movie goer would love this experience for movies like Justice League. It did enhance the movie. It did make the movie more memorable. I don't think MX4D is necessary to all films, but a small number of unique screens in each theatre would be a great option for the who have interest in the experience.

    Changes to make to MX4D may be to make it interactive, but not annoying. I've seen MX4D in other theaters, and the back-popper and neck ticklers were uncomfortable if not painful. B&B theaters were comfortable, thankfully, but that water sprayer sure was a pest. Maybe add more options for the personal movie goer to experience, some may love the water sprayer.

     For me,  I enjoy the traditional way of going to the theater and relaxing. MX4D isn't what I would call relaxing, but if its what the ticket buyer prefers, I have no problem with it and hope this interactive technology only improves.

Strangers

 Pre- Production

 Our preproduction was minimal. group member's willingness varied.  Many days were spent not collaborating, as I was assured everyone had their portion completed; they did not.  I collaborated with one group member because I was very eager to make a film that was a comedy, and I knew It would be hard to win the class over. I started to brainstorm a script that the other person would be willing to produce. The script I wrote of that was acceptable enough. I wouldn't have written something like that if it hadn't been for the aspect of collaboration. when it was finally time to make a group, the members were not enthusiastic as I had bended my film to be for them.  My role as director, the production schedule, and locations were all decided when I was not present, and was never discussed again. I casted, continued to refine my script, and above all; worried.

Production

Half of the production team never showed up for the planned film day. one as late. one changed plans at the last minute. I tired to communicate and work with the actors. when trying to the direct, the cinematographer questioned my decisions yet never gave any ideas of their own. I was not confident in the progress being made and the footage that had been shot. We had meant to film a huge party scene that night, it was canceled. I didn't think it was possible for this film to be produced the way I had invisioned it. I thought it was the best thing to terminate production. 

Post- Termination

One of our group members was very mad about our plans to stop production of this film. Many of the conflict had resulted from their tensions before. Others were equally stressed, but understood our urgency to make a decision . We decided to produce a script of another group member's that had been passed over due to its simplicity. I quickly re-wrote the dialogue to flow better, casted, and was ready to film the next day. 

Production

We sped through production. JCCC, our location, looked beautiful on film. we had one camera operator/ director, an iPhone recording sound, and me and another actor. it took one day and one night shoot. We faced no major obstacles except for prioritizing. When it was time to start editing, we had all the footage we needed. 

Post- Production

We had few days to edit and very bad audio. I was not an editor, I prepared to color grade. the editor stressed, the rest of the group did nothing. I color graded, and then I edited my my own reel. There was little communication during the editing process.

 

PSA

      My group made a PSA against online predators and awareness for online safety. As the writer, I accumulated a script that highlighted the process in which many kids across the US become involved in. The story followed a young boy preparing for a date, continuously he looks smittenly at his phone texting a mystery girl. When he arrives at the destination, the girl isn't who he thought.

      We started with location scouting, and quickly decided on a group member's house and nearby park. I casted a local actor for the young boy, and a group member's mother would play the online predator. We set a shoot day, and started early in the morning for good lighting.

    We shot the PSA chronologically, and mostly according to schedule. Sound equipment was not our priority, because a grand majority of that audio was voice over. One problem we had while shooting was the camera settings. it was our first time using the Canon 60d's and we were unfamiliar in how to set it correctly for the best footage. When the sun rise out of golden hour, outside it was so bright all the shots were over exposed even when the iso was on it's lowest setting.

    In the group environment, power tended to shift as to who was in charge of what during of production. Our shots vary in stability and focus due to the variation of camera operators.

     In post production, I made the PSA under one minute. I tried to make quick cuts between shots to tell the story efficiently. I used slow echo-y music that wasn't too obvious in it's pessimism but still added a pinch of suspense. I used graphics to show the text messaging. And did minor audio effects to make the sound less choppy.  my final step was some light color grading and aspect ratios to give it a filmic look.

End of Year Reflection

eCommunication 2016-2017

This year in animation i experienced many growths. I knew going into this year that my Animation career would be coming to an end, already committing myself to video. But regardless on what my future hold, i've accepted the skills being learned in animation would be ones that would make the rest of my eComm experience easier.  In the Areas of Technology, collaboration, Communication, Project Management, and Leadership.

Technology

This past year Animation has opened my experience of new softwares, that not create animations, but are useful in each area of study. Modeling In maya is helpful for all types of modeling whether it comes to characters or logos. after effects is a good editor for 2D animations and interwinding photoshop files, it also can create special effects in video files.  In success regarding technology, again, it has been trial and error. In every project, however, I've gained comfort and familiarity with the programs and skills.

Collaboration

In other Areas of eComm, collaboration is much more common. For Animation, a group project wasn't done until quite recently. Thankfully it contained enough separate focus and skill that each member had an opportunity to play to their strengths a contribute equally to the project. In the end, The project Combined each individual project, and i was impressed by the quantities accomplished when it was organized and intricate. 

Communication

Communication is important in a class expanding into so many technical and creative advances. I personally gained plenty from those around me, whether it being their understanding, failures, or me explaining processes to them.  I will continue to use the students around me to learn and listen.

Project Management

Sometimes projects in Animation takes a few days, more ambitious pieces may last over a week. Project Management is the first way to succeed in this class. When I would be struggling with the tech side it was easy to set aside the project and waste some time. I took the time i needed, to rest the senses, a brain that's at ease is better at animation. most days , projects stay on track.

Leadership

I believe that i'm a good natural leader, so when it comes to group projects I'm comfortable with giving people their jobs in order to complete the idea. I've become a better leader in the last year mostly because of eComm  . I need some improvement when it comes to directing, me not wanting to come off as bossy or be wrong altogether. Overall, i feel my presence in a group is helpful and efficient.

George of the Jungle

       For our first collaborative Animation project we teamed up to make a short containing elements of video and animation. We filmed, modeled, edited, and used special effects.

Our video's general concept followed a recreation of the iconic George of the jungle movie. It showed George swinging through jungle. inevitabley, George crashes into a tree and the forrest reacts violently. George and the trees erupt into a flame. the title sequence flashes once more and it's over.

For this project we had selective focuses. One member worked primarily on green screen. I was in charge of inserting the flames in special effects. we had the editor, actor, and 3D modeler. putting our files together, we created our George of The Jungle.

Proffessional Project Reveiw

Piper

      The Disney animated short film " Piper"  follows a young ocean bird leaving the nest for the first time and find food herself.  She struggles at first, But eventually tries something original from how the birds usually find their food, and Piper discovers a motherload of delicious shells. 

     Despite it's simplistic story, "Piper" displays impressive concepts of animation. It captures the distinct mannerisms of birds, the movement being crisp and mechanical, but also accurate behavior of these animals are represented. 

     Disney also did a great job of creating an environment. On the ocean side, it was hazy and damp, and very easy to believe. The sound and coloring coordinating to the setting made the senses come together as if it were real. It successfully mimicked water in it's calmer state and in it's more furious. 

Overall a beautiful execution and an adorable short story.

Professional Article reveiw

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/10/movies/animating-life-of-vincent-van-gogh-in-loving-vincent.html?_r=0

Loving Vincent 

         A revolutionary biopic of the great artist Vincent van Gogh is in the works. Not only is it an animated film, But every frame is painted, paying tribute to the artist. The film contains 62,450 oil paintings, using the talents of 95 artists, over the time span of four years. 

        It will be a Full feature length film, nearly 87 minutes long. The creators did not take this project lightly, they knew the endless effort it would need and the time span it deserved. 

      besides the breath taking art and amazing embellishments, the story also cover the controversial elements of Van Gogh's life. It speculates his sanity, his relationships, and most famous; the mystery of his death.  

      I am very excited for the grand reveal of this animated film, not only for it's compelling story of a great artist, but the visible determination shown as each masterpiece of a frame passes by in a split second. 

portfolios reflection

My Projects

Second semester in Exploring animation has exposed the class to softwares we've used for some time now, but in the different ways we have done before.  After Effects has been a vital part of animation this year, for creating 2D, Multiplanes, a bounce cycle, This semester we've used it for special effects and 3D video related files. Maya has been used as a 3D modeler, but now we use it for 3D logos, mimicking real life objects,  and creating things that move.

Explosion

In After effects, with the experience of past 2D works and compositions, students were able to pice together the basics for special effects. It used areas such as audio, Color correction, and camera movement to create a believable blast from a clip of a calm city street.

Lighting

Lighting important in any application of field , in the maya software there is full control over the demension's exposure and mood. This file was to convey the lighting on a sunset. to achieve this look, i back lit the subject and colored the lights in yellow and warm tones.

3D And The Real World

For the first time, Animation bridged the gap between physical video and playblast made as animation. Crating the wooden toy in maya, and importing a picture , setting keyframes and cameras the toy is able to roll across the school floor as if it existed in the physical world. With the final steps in after effect to help with look and timing, it was a finished product. 

Moving Models

In maya the most we've done to move our created models were a 360 spin. this project we set a track for our flying figure to follow. It went through hoops, did tricks and avoided obsticals. 

Technical Tutorial

George Is On Fire

       Our most recent project focused on the interaction between animation and video. More specifically, How to use a green screen in your video to make a new and different setting. although it was not my job to insert the background over the green screen, I still had to make the setting believable and give it the extra boost of action our video wanted to convey.

Taking the clip already inserted with the jungle background, using after effects, I imported effects from "Action essentials" . Incorporating Fire, smoke, and dust, I added them to the jungle's composition 

I used minor color correction to achieve a consistent look from the files all together, and for one shot I key framed the fire to follow the subject.

 The Plausible Impossible

In the first scene, Mickey Mouse is transported into a fantasy world where object has human personalities and emotions. here he is shuffled like a deck of cards. This wouldn't be possible in real life, but because he is cartoon, his actions can defy the laws of physics and how a character is expected to function.

In the second scene, Donald duck's cousin is a goose with a huge appitite.

to convey this, the animators relentlessly have have him consume all sorts of food. they exagerate normal actions, such as eating spagetti. instead of eating it with a fork, the goose knits it like a sweater.

In the third scene, the seven dwarves wash up for dinner. using the interesting element of soap, it changes the circumstances and movement of the scene, having to adapt to the new texture. the dwarves slip and become covered in heavy soap. even a fly gets trapped in a huge bubble. dopey swallows soap and starts burping bubbles.

In the third scene, the devil starts halloween and summons dancers from fire. the scene has an overall darkness that follows a strict orchestral rhythm. 

The plausible impossible is important when creating a character and conflict in animation. without it, the stories wouldn't be as light hearted and entertaining.