DOZER OF HAZARDS - General Kill

I had this great idea of where extreme sports should go to next.

Tank + Bulldozer + racing = HIGH SPEED EXTREME JUMPING TANKS. I know I am showing my age. But I grew up on dukes of hazards and knight rider. These all involved using the vechile to save the day. I always thought as a young lad "how cool!". Now I don't totally feel like that now, but thought it was a cool idea to give them an identity. Through pop culture.
I have trained in animation for 4 years Feb 2010-Dec 2013 and 3 years was traditionally, making turn around model sheets apart of everyday life. Something I really enjoy doing is all pre-production processes. Not just for bringing out my best ideas. Bringing out the groups ideas. A small idea can turn in to something amazing. If you let it breath for a moment.

Here is my progression through the colour process.

1) First I like to get the general colour , doing the picture in my head first. To see if my idea looks like I imagine it. phew! it does. It usually does if you have taken the time to research. Research is so kickass. It can make anything become more authentic. 

2) Then I like to add a second tone to make it feel more three dimensional. Once I am happy with the hue and colour I move on to details LARGE. The overall feel.

3) Work on detail on the tracks. I wanted them to made out of a material that doesn't exist yet. Silicon tungsten .This makes them like a rubber but extremely durable /  unbreakable. The body would rust completely before this would show signs of decay.
Thinking about light source for the next step. To make it feel like it is the same vehicle.

4) Time to add overall wear and tear with some general shading. Getting more three dimensional shape. These are flat drawings that need to feel like it is jumping off the page 3D.

5) Add more varied shading across all three of the models. Add shadow underneath to give it some serious depth.

6) Shade and colour all minor details adding more wear and tear on specific parts/ well worn.
More shading in small areas. The engine needs to feel hot. Add engine and tracks shading.
Look at making the background a little lighter.

7) Add patches and labels to make it resemble "The Dukes of Hazards- General Lee"

8) Then add some specialized, personally made backgrounds and title. Some cool conceptual ideas can come to life.

ACNZ group project "STARFISH" - Term 4 week eight Part 1 of 1

FINAL WEEK. The film was rendered out over the weekend. We compiled the film in after effects and found the timing was working. We were feeling confident.

We spent all of Monday making sure all the renders had all the assets. We only had to re-render one small scene not effecting the production flow at all.

I went to my friend who is a sound engineer later that night to write the score. We completed it by midnight on Monday night. To have it ready for Tuesday deadline.

I am very happy and pleased with the final submission. We also put a "making of" so we could see all our hardwork and illustrate the work that was involved for our short film.

This has been a wild ride for our small group of people applying our animation skills. Some for only the 3rd - 4th time. So they have all been a pleasure to work with. all have taken my critiques and done a better job.

Please take the time to enjoy our short film. It is for everyone to enjoy, of all ages.

Enjoy.

Leon

ACNZ group project "STARFISH" - Term 4 week six part 1 of 1

                                                            ANIMATION TIME!

This is the rough layout a scene Sc02- Shot02.

In this screen shot on the right is the camera shot that has been locked in place to it does not change. In the layout process the timing has been decided and locked as well to prevent people from adjusting it. But ultimately save time.

Below are screen shots of a few of the key frames of Tierone approaching his sister who is building a sand castle.

 

Now that the main keys of my first scene are complete. I have started applying and furthering traditional techniques in CGI animation.

Here we have some screen shots with render view to have a rough idea what the scenes will look like previous to post production. Lighting and after effects. I am super proud of what we have managed to achieve in such a small time. Even with all our varied skill levels.

We have a great deal of commitment in our group and focusing what we are best at. Just like a real production, which makes it even more exciting. I found learning in a group situation ideal for how I learn and I have learned.

The CGI process is very clear to me now and I can understand what is involved. Which was important for me to understand this year. What a year.

The BIG EARS Basketball team

I am in my first year of CGI animation after 3 years of studying and applying traditional animation. So character designs I have done before and am still learning a lot about it. Forever learning and up skilling. All the character designs I had done before were only used in 2D/traditional/toon boom animation.

Most of the same things apply in CGI animation. Over the years I have read a lot about CGI and even seen others learn it. I have even watched videos regarding MAYA. It didnt make to much sense, but somehow knew it would make sense eventually.

Then suddenly it's all making a lot more sense. Every day. Starting to get really excited about it too. I understand there are many hurdles. But having idea how long the race is, is helping get clarity.