Category: Advanced and Experimental 3D computer Animation Techniques 1

My Previs Progress

This week, I am focusing on revising the previous work. I have made adjustments to each shot in order to enhance the smoothness and bring them closer to the final desired outcome.

Changes made

The changes I implemented primarily encompass the following areas:

1. Timing
2. Pacing
3. Framing
4. Proportion
5. Modeling

While focusing on the adjustments recommended, I occasionally overlooked certain compositional principles, particularly the rule of thirds in framing. For wider shots, I realized that incorporating closer shots might improve the visual impact and provide a more balanced perspective.

In terms of proportion, I paid particular attention to the relationship between the building and the human figures, ensuring that both elements were appropriately scaled to create a cohesive and realistic representation.

As for modeling, I enhanced the first shot by adding a path, trees, and taller fences, effectively transforming the scene into a park-like environment. Additionally, in a scene where a car is depicted speeding, I widened the road and introduced streetlights to reinforce the impression of a busy roadway. These modifications collectively contribute to a more dynamic and immersive visual narrative.

Changes to be made

There are still several areas I need to refine:

1. Timing
Some shots appear awkward in terms of timing. For instance, certain sequences are too rapid, which makes it difficult for the audience to fully comprehend crucial moments, such as when the balloon slides under the car. To address this, I plan to extend the duration of these shots to allow for better visibility and smoother transitions.

2. Transitions
In the scene where the balloon is floating towards the sky, the subsequent shot transitions to a view of the park. However, this change feels abrupt, as if something is missing in between. I believe inserting a shot that bridges the two scenes would help the audience better understand the direction in which the balloon is traveling, creating a more seamless and coherent flow.

3.Proportion
There are still proportion issues to address, particularly when duplicating props across different shots. I did not initially account for the scale, which resulted in human props being as large as trees. This inconsistency needs to be corrected to maintain visual realism and balance throughout the scene.

My Previs Progress

This is the updated previs for this week.

Changes made

I have primarily revised the final camera angle to depict the balloon nearly colliding with the cactus, only to be saved by an external intervention, as opposed to simply having the balloon drop to the ground with someone retrieving it.

Additionally, I have made minor adjustments to the movement of the floating ball. Instead of following a straight diagonal path, it now rises initially before drifting toward the city.

To refine this, I conducted further research to better understand the mechanics of this shot.

Furthermore, I have adjusted the pacing of several scenes. In the previous version, many sequences, including the car scene and the balloon floating scene, progressed too rapidly. I have now slowed them down to create a more balanced flow.

Lastly, I have organized my project files by shot, ensuring that each individual shot is less cumbersome to work with when making edits or adding new elements.

Changes to be made

For clarity and to enhance audience comprehension, my tutor has recommended adding an additional shot following the current one, in which the balloon is shown floating towards the city.

As the previs progresses, I am required to incorporate more complexity and detail. Rather than using simple cubes with incorrect proportions, I will focus on creating a more realistic and polished environment.

I will be taking reference from the central park.

With regard to the balloon animation, several key aspects require attention:

• Timing and Physics Considerations
• Stretch and Squash Effects

Currently, the timing of the balloon’s floating motion feels off, and in certain scenes (such as when the car passes by), the balloon should be slightly displaced by the air particles created by the car’s movement. I had initially overlooked this aspect, but I plan to review reference materials and implement the necessary adjustments as I continue refining the animation.

Additionally, I will apply stretch and squash techniques to the balloon, especially when it passes over the car, in order to make the movement appear more dynamic and exaggerated.

Something like this.

For the final shot, I intend to adjust the camera angle slightly to enhance both the clarity and excitement of the scene. At present, it may benefit from a more pronounced zoom in and out, particularly when the balloon is about to be struck by the cactus.

Establishing Shot

An effective establishing shot:

• Conveys the setting and location.
• Introduces key characters.
• Establishes connections between characters and their environment.
• Grounds the audience in the narrative and context.
• Enhances the audience’s understanding of the unfolding story.
• draws audiences in, making them feel almost like a character in the scene.
  • showing a house in the beginning each time of the show (eg. Simpson, Harry Potter)

This is an aspect I need to consider and develop further. As my animation currently lacks a specific style or iconic opening scene, it doesn’t stand out or make it easy for the audience to differentiate it from other animations. In the upcoming previs and animation, I will focus on addressing this to ensure my animation becomes unique and iconic.

Dark Knight

The character initially appears on the left side of the frame, followed by a shot where they are positioned on the right. The sequence concludes with a central shot, which emphasizes the significance of the key character.

• The use of handheld camera work is prevalent throughout, enhancing the dynamic feel of the scene.
• This technique helps guide the audience’s attention toward the main character or key focal point.
• Directional lines, formed by elements such as buildings, lighting, and other visual cues, are strategically employed to direct the viewer’s gaze.

Although this is something I have learned previously, I did not fully apply it in my past storyboards and animations. Moving forward, I will pay closer attention to the placement of characters and props to create a more effective composition.

180 rule

The 180-degree rule dictates that, during a conversation between two characters, one must remain on the left side of the frame while the other stays on the right.

If either character shifts position, the other must mirror the movement to maintain the spatial relationship and prevent disorientation for the audience.

This consistency in positioning ensures a clear visual understanding of who is speaking, preserving the continuity of the scene.

Establishing Character

Characters

• should be

1. compelling, nuanced, flawed, and active.

Let’s take the Joker as an example. He is undoubtedly not a good guy; he is an evil character with numerous flaws. However, it is precisely these flaws that make him appealing to the audience.

2. evoking emotions and make the audience want to know more.

Carl is a character who takes an unexpected action—attaching thousands of balloons to his house because he refuses to give up the memories of his late wife. This act resonates with the audience, reminding them of the things they cherish but may have had to let go of. At the same time, it sparks curiosity about what will happen next.

3. Considering their appearance and personality—are they shaped by past experiences

Tanjiro’s hands are notably rough, reflecting the immense effort he has put into training to slay demons as part of the Demon Slayer Corps, all in a desperate attempt to find a cure for his younger sister. This detail highlights his hardworking nature and his deep commitment as a protective brother.

Show, don’t tell—reveal traits through:

• Props, clothing, gestures, actions, music, and lighting

I often find it challenging to convey a character’s personality solely through their acting, appearance, camera angles, and outfit without dialogue. I plan to conduct more research in this area to better express the traits of the character that I intend to convey.

My Previs Progress

Character Bio

I have developed character biographies for both the main and supporting characters to clarify their personalities, ensuring that their actions align with their backgrounds, experiences, and traits within the context of the animation. I have found it particularly useful to include a section detailing the events before and after the narrative (“Before/After”) to gain a deeper understanding of the characters’ mental states during the story.

Furthermore, through the process of writing the character biographies, I realized that I aimed to maintain a positive narrative tone, culminating in a happy ending

My tutor recommended that I consider the character design, specifically suggesting that the character’s tail retain a rounded shape rather than a long, wiggly one, in order to create a more cohesive and streamlined appearance in relation to the other characters.

Updated Previs

I also made adjustments to the previs and connected various shots. Currently, the sequence feels somewhat disjointed, with issues arising in the timing, transitions, and the overall connection between shots. Upon receiving feedback, I will make further modifications and refinements as necessary.

Establishing the world

World-building involves constructing a world where the story takes place.

• Incorporating props helps guide the audience’s attention towards the central character, directing focus to the main element of the scene.

In the above scene, the ice cream in the background serves as a guide, directing the audience’s attention towards the central characters. The gradual shift in colours, from lighter pink to darker shades of pink and orange(vice versa), further enhances this focus.

Shot Testing & Moodboard

This is the moodboard I created for the balloon story. I envision the balloon taking a dog shape, as it is likely to be more appealing to the audience, particularly younger viewers. I also want the overall colour palette to feature bright and sharp tones, enhancing its visual impact.

However, the colour tone of both the environment and the character is quite similar, which makes it difficult for the protagonist to stand out. Based on my tutor’s advice, I took inspiration from the colour palette of The Incredibles to create a more distinct contrast between the character and the surroundings.

With the new moodboard, the protagonist is now more distinct and stands out clearly within the environment.

I also created some establishing shots and conducted tests with various camera angles for the previsualisation.

They are currently in the initial stage, so further modifications are needed. I will make adjustments, particularly to the transitions, the emotional tone conveyed by different shots, and the smoothness of the scene. Once these changes are made, I will link the shots together to create a more cohesive previsualisation for the animation.

Elements of Mise En Scene/ Camera animation

Use the golden ratio in storyboards – place key elements at the interest points for balanced composition.

In this image, the two red circles indicate the interest points where the main character (balloon) intersects with the guiding lines. Placing the character at these points creates a more balanced composition and effectively follows the rule of thirds.

This image shows the character not intersecting with the interest points, resulting in a less appealing composition for the audience.

• Plan before setting up the scene – ask key questions to ensure clarity and purpose.
• Guide the audience’s focus – a well-structured scene prevents confusion.
• Build up before major events – create anticipation and context to enhance impact.
• Use different shots intentionally – each angle conveys a specific emotion or meaning.

• Example: Shot 1 – Camera angle from inside a car, set in a darker outdoor environment.

Without showing the car, the audience can still understand that the scene takes place in a car. Additionally, shooting from a low angle creates a sense of pressure or impending action, making the scene feel more intense.

In my opinion, the elements above are essential when filming or planning. I need to study them in detail before creating storyboards and animating. Since there is so much to consider, waiting until I start the storyboard would be too late, and I might overlook important aspects.

The Hero’s Journey

Character and story are fundamental elements in animation, as highlighted by a Pixar senior animator. To create a vivid and appealing character, it is essential to follow the Hero’s Journey (refer to the image above). Many well-known characters have followed this structure, making them more engaging and memorable to audiences.

3 Storyboard Ideas

For this week’s task, we created three storyboards for our Final Major Project (FMP) or other animation work. This proved to be quite challenging for me. Although I had been recording ideas as they came to mind, developing three fully-formed concepts within a week remained difficult.

To generate ideas, I utilised mind mapping and conducted online research, including analysing YouTube short animations and exploring visual styles on Pinterest. Through this process, I developed the following three concepts.

Inspired by a real-life scene, when I returned home one day and saw a balloon floating on the street, I developed this story. It centres on a balloon that is simultaneously scared and worried about being crushed by a car, yet also excited by the experience. The story conveys the message that, even in extreme circumstances, we should remain positive, as this mindset can lead to a different, often better outcome.

For this story, I aim to depict a character searching for a coal rock, which, when found, will set him on fire, just like it did for others. The character exhaustively searches in various places, while everyone else succeeds, leaving him the only one who fails. In the end, he discovers the rock at home. This story conveys the message that the things we often seek are right beside us. It encourages being observant and appreciating the loved ones around us.

For the final story, I was inspired by the Frisbee disc. I am not entirely sure why, but I found it intriguing to imagine someone running on the Frisbee disc, and felt it could lead to an interesting narrative.

I developed a story in which the protagonist, like others, is focused on running as fast as possible. In his pursuit, he becomes so absorbed in competing that he neglects the time spent with family and overlooks the beautiful things, such as flowers, along his path. Eventually, he realises that time has passed quickly, and his family has grown older. In response, he runs in the opposite direction, hoping to find his family in a younger version. This story aims to inspire people to slow down and cherish their loved ones.

Among the three ideas, I am most interested in further developing the first balloon idea, as it is the most fully-formed. I already have a clear vision of the aesthetic and style I want to achieve.