Here's an update on my year long animation project:

The basic premise for the story is a Post-Apocalyptic  digital speed painting styled animation short. Set in Neo-China around the year 2115 focussing on the day to day life of a young male who collects supplies for his village from the enormous run down mass-production facilities that have been left behind.

This is all I will reveal about the story at the moment as I don't want to give away any spoilers.

We'll start off with the project mood board:

These are the environment concepts starting with the home village of the main character.

The next image is a representation of the road he has to travel on to get to the city.

This would be the moment when he first reaches the city outskirts. The environment becomes increasingly more polluted and barren.

 He then moves into the city and into the mass production facilities area.

 Some character concept drawings.

and lastly the main characters Mood expression board. This was a great challenge which really helps you wrap your mind around your character.

At the moment there are storyboards and colour scripts as well, however displaying them would reveal too much about the story. 

May the power of coffee be with you in all that you do.

May have gone a little too deep on my last post, so to balance it out check out this picture: http://www.dumpaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/3-funny-memes-sports-bra-and-make-up1.jpg and these cloth dynamics: http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/082/9/3/metrolastlightphysx_by_teddyterror-d5z1byf.gif I mean wow right?!?!?! amiright!?!?!

For all the fans of Studio Gibli: http://www.behance.net/gallery/Howls-Moving-Castle-tribute/5506203

Despite my great love for animation I only watched Spirited Away for the first time yesterday! Unexpectedly I came across this and thought I'd share. Despite liking Spirited Away I much prefer both Howl's Moving Castle and then even more so Princess Monoke. I think what sets Studio Gibli anitation apart is definitely the uniqueness of the fantasy worlds that they create. All the underlying concepts are the hero, demons, spirits, transcendence into the other world, but they're all unlike any other. It makes me wonder about the parallels between Western fantasy and Eastern fantasy and why we both have a passionate culture of fantasy but they are both so distinctly different. Obviously the human imagination is then a constant between the two but why do our fantasy concepts follow similar lines, is it unconsciously brought out of our inherent biology, or do we reach outside of ourselves to intuit it? 

I have a love hate relationship with 3D animation. I love the final result but the technicality of the process to get there can be very infuriating. Sometimes however, someone will blow your mind away with whats possible in 3D and one such man is this guy http://www.behance.net/timcooper3D. Clearly a long term professional in the field, I just came across his work and though I'd share. Behance is also an amazing site and great reference for what is the current cutting edge standard of modern visuals...

Adam and Dog

Adam and Dog is a fantastic short film by Minkyu Lee. Centered around the story of Adam and Eve but fortunately steering away from any religious commentary the animation focuses on the bond between canine and human. There is no dialogue in the film with the sound using strong ambiance for effect, transporting the viewer into a prehistoric era with an almost zen-like quality. The animation is fairly simple reinforced by detailed painterly backgrounds that have great cinematic depth and scope. The film accesses the inner child  playing with nostalgia and innocence. It's in line for an Oscar this year as a nominee for the animated short film awards, and in my opinion a strong contender.

Keep an eye out for it as an online version isn't available for it yet...

This blog has been created as a forum and discussion point as well as a place where I can unleash my opinion on you, all in the name of animation culture, enjoy!