This week felt a little out of place, starting from the advisory meeting to team updates by the end of the week. I am trying my best in my situations to overcome these hurdles but things aren't looking too good as of now. Here's why...
Advisory Meeting
In our advisory meeting, we were told that our progress has been and is going way too slow. I agree. My concepts, however, were approved and I was tasked to create a proper concept art, model sheets for front, side and back view and begin modeling asap. However, my teammate was letting us down for not picking up his slack, which eventually would lead the whole team falling back.
Concept Art
I was tasked to concept some more head designs apart from the body variations I had.
Head concepts
These were strictly based off the main actors features but needed variations in styles to see which one would suit well. The middle one from the lower row was selected. I used various references for these based on 3D models or concepts of stylistic differences.
Moodboard of references
(Fernandes, 2020)
Character body and costume
The costume for the character that was most voted by the team for animation was the 2nd one. However, what we decided was that the live action will choose to go with the first costume because of the ease and comfortability of that attire compared with the 2nd. By keeping a different costume for the live action, it makes the idea seem less forceful and more ambiguous to think that in you dreams you would usually visualize yourself in your best attire.
Final concept art
Hence, this was the final concept art that was approved.
Model Sheet
After this, the model sheets were done. However, it went through a series of feedback before being finally approved.
Draft 1
This was the first draft that had issues with the shoulder anatomy, front and back. I realized that i lack in knowledge with body anatomy, so i carried out research through looking and studying at muscles anatomy in order to understand how to draw them out on a body.
Below are some references I used to study body and muscle anatomy. These were super insightful and helpful to me as I learn and understand better through visual references.
(Fernandes, 2020)
Draft 2
This was my second draft. As seen, the shoulder were redrawn according the anatomical guidelines. Bing was impressed at this new change and saw that the feedback was implemented well. However, I needed to fix the shape of the feet.
Draft 3
Costume Model sheet
The costume model sheet was fairly easy although concepting the side and back were a little challenging since the lines needed to align well.
Head model sheet
Draft 1
This was the first draft. It needed fixes for the eyes and lips in the side view.
Draft 2
These face fixes were fine but i needed to fix the neck anatomy.
Draft 3
This was near to "alright" but a lot of fixes would be required in 3D. Hence, I had to start modeling asap.
Team Updates
Team updates for this week aren't too good to say the least. Our collaborator, Natasha Kitching's models were not approved by Bing as he didn't really like the models. Shortly after informing her about this feedback, she informed me that she got a job and wont be able to work for the team anymore. Hence, she left with submitting all her assets to the team. We were given the opportunity to find models from online and just redesign them if things come to worst, but we are currently on the look out for new animators to help us with as much work as we can.
Amos, on the other hand, has really be slowing down progress. Im not here to complain but just document how hard it has been as an animation lead because I find it to be extremely annoying to follow up on his progress. Its like if i don't ask him about what he's doing, he wont tell me, nor will actually be working on anything until i send my work for feedback on the group. It can clearly be seen that he works on things only after i submit mine for feedback and his work seems very rushed. I really don't think it should take someone longer than a day to make mood boards.
I brought this up with our CIU facilitator, Hind, to ask for advice and how to go about this. We did what she told us to do - inform him about how he's pulling the weight of the group, how he should be giving constant updates, keep setting deadlines and if he still doesn't improve to implement a strike system and get the advisor and team lead involved. So far, Josh is already aware of all these things and how he has been missing so many deadlines already. It is stressing me out that if this is the case in the initial stages of the production pipeline, how will we make it to the end...
Art Director Updates
As for my updates from the filming side of things being an art director, I compiled a set of accessible props that were essential to the shoot such as the Mirror and handcuffs. I set up a document with best prices and the availability of these assets.
This is a document stating the above.
As for the handcuffs, I ordered them online and it was delivered within a day. they seem to be pretty cool but also easily breakable.
This is an image or my brother begging me to tie him up in the handcuffs because it "looks cool".
As for the mirror, I have checked the availability of these in stores and will be going with Josh on Sunday to buy it from the store. We have "locked in" (haha see what I did there?) our location and date for shooting. Rehearsals will be done this upcoming week prior to the shoot happening on Wednesday 29th July 2020. Im super excited for this, by the way. It will finally be my first official shoot!
(noon, 2020)
Personal Updates
So as a side update on things, i finally got a job at Grassroots Creative Agency for my internship course. The interview went extremely well and they were all so excited to have someone who "fits the profile" so well. Honestly, it was very relieving to hear that considering how awful this week has been going for me.
On Tuesday, as well, I went to my dad's company (where he works, not his own) Precision Machinery for a job offer from his CEO. It was for a long term project that he wanted me to get my hands on and wanted to get some ideas and input of the overall project too. I had previously edited a couple of commercial videos for them which they absolutely loved, therefore wanted to learn more from me to benefit the company in its promotional aspect. Although I was only supposed to be there for half a day, I ended up working a full day 9 am to 6 pm at the office. I worked on some personal tasks as well as on the brief they assigned to me.
In addition, I had an online meeting with another CEO of a company named Sensistan where they also had a request for animators for another long term project - a web series. The interview went well and they are ready to take me on board, although they are currently finalising some preliminary ideas for which Im put on hold.
Therefore, I know this is not a valid excuse but because I was really busy with these interviews and job opportunities, my tasks were pending. I still managed to get back on track, though, and got my work approved.
Conclusion
Hence, all-in-all, this week has thrown me off guard. I did not see any of this coming my way. It has been stressful but I hope we find a solution to some of these issues soon. I don't want to see this passion project go down.
References
Fernandes, L. (2020). Paradise [pinterest board]. Retrieved from
https://www.pinterest.com/Leighferns04/paradise/
Noon (2020). Metal Toy Handcuffs With 2 Keys 11.2 x 6.9 x 3.6centimeter. Retrieved from
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