Class Content
George went over the work we will be doing with him this term, including how it can be incorporated in our FMP and with Serra’s side of the Adv&Exp unit.
We will be doing two animations with George, an advanced body mechanics shot and an acting shot. For the advanced body mechanics, we will be also covering some acting on top.
What is pantomime?
- Dramatic or dancing performances with expressive body or face movements to convey the story.
Acting with the body: Creating clear, full body expressions. To fully convey this, staging needs to be set up first for the shot which includes:
- Elements: Characters/Props/Sets
- Camera: Placement/Angles
- Action: What is happening in this shot?
- Idea: Keep it to one idea at a time to not overwhelm the viewer
- Point of the shot: What purpose does this shot have? Why include it? Make sure that is clear
Workflow Checklists:
George showed us some workflow checklist examples, aka ways to approach working on an animated shot. Workflow checklists are especially useful when starting out, later they become second nature but shouldn’t be forgotten. These checklists should include:
- Planning: Thumbnails/Reference/Layout/Staging/Composition
- Blocking: Stepped keyposes/Fundamentals /Timing/Arcs/Weight
- Splining: Inbetweens/Arcs/Timing
- Polish: Details
Additionally, it is important to consider the order of working with different parts of the character’s body. The example given to us was: hips > spine > head > arms > fingers > legs > feet
You don’t want to do clean up work on the arms and legs only to then change the hip placement and have to go back again to adjust the arms and legs. Work on the core first, then work outwards. This will change slightly if you have a specific shot where a different part of the body is leading everything else in place of the hips, so adjust accordingly.
This week’s assignment:
- Rough planning drawing
- Reference (video/filmed reference)
- Shot thumbnails
- Maya layout would be good, but not a requirement
Keep the shot to 5-10 seconds AT MOST (aim for 5 second range though, George would rather us have a nicer, more polished shot that is shorter than an unfinished longer shot)
Try to add a bit of humour in the shot