ax3022-ancutadantepelgrom

[ax3022-ancutadantepelgrom]

Linework and Animatic Production

[ax3022-ancutadantepelgrom]

Line sequence test

So after completing the line work, I exported the images for each frame as GLframe/image sequence from Harmony Toon Boom. A few are duplicates, I will then go through and delete those when etching, however, will use them for reference for how long to roughly hold the frame.

Only printing out a small beginning sequence since I only have smaller log slices that would fit that amount of detail. I drew the frames onto each log slice using a pencil. I then downloaded a stop not app on my phone and used the hole to centre and reference when taking a photo of each frame. Since I don't have a pin to keep it centred, they didn't align well. I also need to hold specific frames for better pacing when animating in real-time.

Feedback is pending because I have to talk to Mario and Jon about etching onto the real thing. So I will keep you updated.

[ax3022-ancutadantepelgrom]

Testing Materials Week 2-3

This is a compilation of tests I did on the multiplane.

At first I started with charcoal, then some string animation, and clay and oil. As well as a pyrography test on a slab of wood. I am writing to describe my thoughts and processes of each and to hopefully decide on one medium.

I first started with the pyrography tool which essentially was a soldering rod. It was great fun, very hot, and Smokey so I will definitely include a mask and a heatproof glove if I choose this going forward. Its burn effect is exactly what I'm looking for, so I am eager to make this work for me. I will however need to source my own wood potentially going out and finding it rather than ordering this. I did a quick test of drawing charcoal next to the pyro test to see how they look next to each other. I feel as though I could combine them together, possibly closer to the design stage/production.

On the multiplane I did three different charcoal tests, on different coloured paper. I had quickly drawn a rough plan for the first sapling animation. Since it was at the beginning of using the multiplane we had the lighting set up however the bulb went off one which is why it wasn't set so well. And wasn't until later this was replaced. I wasn't to worried about this since its only to see if I like the materials and If it's doable. We used dragon frame software to capture this, and made sure with a focus check it was picking up the details with the camera. Once this was sorted we added the keys for either two or single frame buttons. I was told that the lens would also have to be changed for the multiplane to a 50mm however I was just glad to even start. Once all setup and wires were in order My next issue was that I would have to animate upside down. I did this for the first two. As you can see they are off centre although I did try to mark out the corners this was still hard for me. Versus the last version which you can see I flipped this after in after effects. Certainly drawing the face is clearer, but it is to high up and not centred. I have to also be sure not to leave things on frame, I momentarily left a rubber on the first one within a shoot. Luckily I have managed to edit this out. I am really drawn to the express nature of charcoals in general and would hope to find a way I can Incorporate this.

When it comes to clay I did not have a lot to use. So I had to try to make the slab tile I rolled out thick enough for when I drew into this as you can see it wasn't to visible versus when I applied clay above. If I had ore clay I might have been able to do a larger slab and more able to do bigger, artwork for it's animations. At this time we managed to get a second light working so I had to rework the exposure and camera settings again. I think if I had spent a little more time working with this I might have got a better looking result. However, I personally got the feeling I would not be using clay since it did not give the same expressive freedom I had in charcoal. It was still a worthy try as I personally do love working in clay. It would just not meant to be.

When It comes to the oil which I barely touched and was only 0.5 of a second, it was an instant no. And I could not think of a way to get it to animate clearly. So what I did to save clean up was tape this clear film above the class. Now reflecting, since I used two planes instead of one the lower one was the back ground anyway. Instead of Making the top layer with too much white, I should have only done the black branch. My thinking was I need the white to add and take away. Upon this reflection I am learning from my mistakes and taking the time to reflect has certainly helped in this case.

Last but not least I just did some quick string-over-fabric animation. Initially, I was going to embryoid this. However, I could not see a way to do this unless I had something to stretch the fabric like a hoop or a frame I could secure and staple fabric to this. Unfortunately, I thought of this a little late as I do not have the funds for this. So instead I played with the string. and tried to see how much control I would have over this and how could I make it look like something. Well, I tried at first to see how tight I could hold the shape. Unfortunately, It could not do this very well. It could, however, look and move very fluidly like so the first one is meant to resemble water a bit, whereas the second one is meant to resemble a fish whose tail is reacting to the forces around this. Overall this is not bad and I may come back with a hoop or something to update and add later as a side project if I have time before Thursday so I can really get a feel.

[ax3022-ancutadantepelgrom]

Inspiration For the Project

So my friends saw this film at the Manchester animation festival 2022, I, unfortunately, could not make it. However, they kindly shared the trailer with me since when explaining my project it reminded them of this film. I would say we have very similar ideas about using wood however it is much different to mine. As I have an emphasis on the environment. I like the aesthetic of wood being carved in a stop-motion manner it makes it feel organic rather than 2D, and it draws the audience into the environment as though you could touch it. I would like to try and engage a similar effect in world-building however, my desire is to have a burnt aesthetic instead.

I do wish I had the opportunity to go as I was not able to stream this at home.

I would say I, of course, have to include William Kentridge as an inspiration for my work since he is using a non-traditional form of medium to make animation with charcoals. He is a South African artist, now 67 years old with several exhibitions in several museums around the world, recently he had one in London that I was unable to attend. He works within many mediums with a political, science, literature and history ground within them. In 2016 he created a centre in his home town called Less Good Idea to create a space for experimentation and creativity whilst holding workshops, public performances and mentorship. He is also a recipient of honorary doctorates.

He is an inspiration because I found enjoyment from using charcoals through him and his expressive medium. And try to replicate this has been fun through my experiments. Its artwork intrigues me about how it can make art move and further express an emotion. It has a gritty sense of realism and humanity which I also desire to express within my work.

Jodie Mack

English born (1983, Uk London) American woman, experimental film maker and animator. Attending the Florida university for the MFA in film, video, and new media at the school of art institute of chicago and teaches at Dartmouth College.

I choose her for my research because of her in-depth abstract experimental animated films. I love to play and push boundaries and so does she.

Most importantly her creative chaos comes from her exploration of pattern, place and life. I will say however I was not able to recreate a similar experiment. However, it has helped frame what experimental can be.

Hayao Miyazaki & Studio Ghibli

Created from three men, Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, Toshio Suzuki. ( there was a fourth guy Yasuyoshi Tokuma, executive producer owning the parent organisation to studio ghibli. but he has passed away, and it was only recently that Isao passed. He wasn’t very prominently seen, but a close friend to Hayao)

The studio was founded June 15th 1985, tokyo, by themselves. Including there music composer Joe Hisaishi.

They’ve created so many films, even Hayao’s son was involved directing a few movies. (And i have watched nearly all of them apart from the ones in the museum that are stricted). The one movire that signified to the western world and Disney was Spirited away, winning an Academy Award for best Animated Feature at the 75th Academy awards. Making it the first of its kind as a foreign film. Surpassing Titianic worldwide grossing.

In 2016 it was voted the fourth best film of the 21st century picked by 177 film critics around the world. It has continued to recieve appraise.

The Studios Net income is 1.426 billon yen (2011) and has around 150 employees.

Hayao has truly been the centre of the operation and has masterful talent. Not to say that Isao is his equivalent but suited to different audiences that have made his movies stay hidden from mainstream television in the west. Hayao just won’t retire because it’s his reason to live, to show the small joys in life. His pacifist views are the core of his work dealing with this through each film from Nausicaa to Howls Moving Castle and his new upcoming film Boru the caterpillar. He reflects on what he learns and the struggle of being in the very medium that is a part of most of the problems he dislikes capitalism, pollution and war.

His films also touch on some of the positive nature of humans as well and in this way, he gives vigour to us imperfect beings. Yet leaving it up to us, introducing positive things that his characters do such as cleaning and cooking etc.

He is an inspiration since he started me on this journey towards animation, as well as giving me the courage to show what I believe and nothing less. People may not like your work however you will find your way. As well as to use yourself within your work, as that's what sets you apart. His activism is what he can do, and that's something I believe should be the core of any topic such as this. Further his way of being empathic to the environment as though it was a character is something I wish to bring into my work.

[ax3022-ancutadantepelgrom]

Studio setup

Below we can see the studio setup I have, with help from my tutor job and Mario we con a work table and clean multi plane. Might get my squeegee for clearer class before full experiments.

The work bench is a dig by jud by what’s around, so I can arrange my materials out. I am currently flattening out my rolled paper so I can test my charcoal on this. It was a full effort of sorting out rubbish as I should of taken a before picture. Anyway it is now a clear run way. I will need to sign out a canon camera, lens and board frame so I can start experimenting.

[ax3022-ancutadantepelgrom]

Week 1 - Planning and Schedule

The first week is done and a plan is to follow, which makes me see that I cannot take this lightly for my last year.

This is my general weekly schedule flexible outside of my working and class hours. Although I will try to dedicate my time roughly like I have set throughout the week to make the most of this.

I was then able to plan my calendar for the next few months until the deadline finished. As a visual of how much time I exactly have to make this work. So I will continue to edit this online as to how many days passed where I should be in my schedule and goals to reach or adjust.

From This, I looked at where the brief deadlines were to set what I will be handing in at those times. Again making myself commit and be serious as I do want this passion project to show who I am.

My next commitment after this is to do experiments to decide what media I wish to use, if not multi-media. Since my focus is mostly on aftereffects. Laying the itinerary for the types I wish to do and a shopping list which as of this weekend I have gathered in preparation for tomorrow, the week ahead. So I can complete these for the next deadline.

[ax3022-ancutadantepelgrom]

Semester Two Welcome