Final Rendered Videos

This is the final render of my obstacle course

This is my final rendered animation for the obstacle course. I'm very pleased with the outcome and i think i managed to portray the character's performance accurately. 

The process, success and challenges faced:

• It took an extremely long time to render out each video frame by frame as JPEG files. This meant that hours were dedicated to just rendering and therefore i couldn't work on anything else for my project.
• When imported into premier i was able to import the rendered images and audio files. However a problem arose when trying to export the files as a movie as one image in the sequence wasn't rendered properly. i was able to locate the unedited image and delete it from the sequence.
• I animated these sequences to the best of my ability and with more time i would love to edit them and work more on the animations as they are not yet perfect. 
• I used camera angles to frame the animations i believe are engaging and correct. I wanted to make the videos immersive as well as anatomically correct. 
• This piece shows a man walking, jumping, turning, running and sliding. I used these movements to animate an interesting and dynamic obstacle course for my character. The most challenging movement was the slide as the timing slowed down and it was unusual to be moving the feet across the floor without lifting them off at any point. During the slide, the legs,feet,hip and body turns and these had to turn in a certain order. for example the feet and knees move first and the upper body follows. 
• The jump was fun and easy to animate as i was able to use less frames to make the correct timing. The jump was interesting to animate as this was the first time i had to animate a character with both feet off the ground. This was challenging, however the movement turned out quite smooth.

Render of extreme interaction - Lip sync

• This piece was fun to create and i thoroughly enjoyed animating the lip syncing and facial expressions. I feel the expressions and audio add to the performance of the character and emphasise the feeling of the piece. 
• The most challenging thing with this piece was accurately matching up the audio with the animation of lip sync. The main problem i faced was that when i created a 'PlayBlast' file of the animation, the frames didn't match up with the lip sync. However, this was very helpful as i was able to go back and re edit the piece frame by frame and then playblast it continuously to monitor my progress.  
• I keyed in the key frames of the phonemes first (Just open and closed mouth movements) and then added in more details such as tongue movements and facial expressions.
• I used a low angle shot in these animation to show the dominance of the larger character as he shouts at the other one. The high angle shot depicts the view from the other character. And then i also used a Low shot to show how weak the other character is. 

• The most challenging thing i faced whilst animating this piece was when trying to animate an angry walk. The back was at a 45o angle and so i tried to focus on that straight diagonal line when key framing the character. Also the timing of this 'angry walk' was hard to animate as it is so different to a normal walk cycle. I am not entirely happy with this walk cycle, however i was able to again use camera angles to showcase the more successful aspects of the piece. With more time i would like to redo the walk and possibly fasten the pace to further emphasise the anger of the character.
• I feel this animation uses the best and most dynamic camera angles. For example i used an 'over the shoulder' shot to show the character walking towards the camera. This camera angle involves the audience as they are on the same eye level as the characters.
• Towards the end of the animation, the camera pans up 'Derek's' body as he is lying on the floor. This just further highlights that the character is on the ground and below the other person. The frame also starts under the larger males legs. This again portrays the dominance of the character as he stands above Derek.

Example of Rendered Animation

Below are a few examples of some rendered images from my final animations:

I rendered using Mental Ray and the image size is set at 1080 HD. 

I set up lighting in order to make the animation more realistic and aesthetically appealing. I used the 'Sun and Sky' lighting effect, and love the way it turned out. As it's my first time making a proper rendered animation, i am very pleased with the result as it flows smoothly and is immersive to watch.

Rendered images from the obstacle course Animation:

I am very pleased with the camera angles i used as it adds an interesting dynamic to the piece. A lot of importance was put of the performance of the animation and i addressed this by trying to accurately depict movements and show facial expressions. Also i added a number of different camera angles to help illustrate the story and direction of the films.

As a result of rendering and lighting, some textures of the model change in the light and this can make the image look strange. If i was to do this again i would make sure the textures were continuously accurate. This particular animation took about 4 hours to render and was 400 frames long.

The rig and model which is used is not my own, it is a freeware rig downloaded from 'Creative Crash', it is a simple rig which is very easy to work with

References

Some of my references were based on the videos from the website 'Reference! Reference!' The website is extremely helpful and has a variety of different movements from humans and animals. With these videos i was able to pause the videos and then key in my frames for my animation

Young Man sideways walk Cycle

Example Front Kick - Side view

This was very useful for my fight scene when the main character kicks the other. There is also a front view available which i used. This helps to create a more accurate animation as you can see the movement from all angles.

This is a video of an elephant lying down which i used for a test animation where i experimented with different rigs.

Principles of Motion. (2005). Men | young man | forward walk : side view. Available: http://www.referencereference.com/men.html. Last accessed 14th May 2014.

Camera Shots To Be Used

Extreme Close up:

Extreme close up is used to show small details such as emotions and feelings. By creating an extreme close up in invites the audience in to the frame and includes them in the film. Most variations of close up shots are to let the audience in on a secret or to reveal an important point in the plot. This shot is also used regularly within the horror genre to emphasise the terror a character is experiencing.

    I may Will use this shot in my extreme interaction Animation to show the antagonist shouting at the other character. This close up will emphasise the character's anger.

        This shot can also be used in the extreme interaction where Derek gets kicked to the ground, The shot can show Derek's eyes rolling into the back of his head as he passes out from the harsh blow.

Extreme Long Shot:

This is used as an establishing shot to frame the setting of the animation. It usually includes an outside setting, possibly with buildings and a landscape. This shot is often used in action films or disaster movies to show the devastation or intense impact to the environment in the film. It does not focus on detail but outlines the important actions which are taking place.

     If my animation had a more dynamic and interesting environment i would definitely use this shot. However this module is based on the performance of the animation and so it isn't relevant to my work right now.

    I will use a Long shot  NOT an extreme one in my animation. I can use the long shot to show a character running to emphasise the distance he has covered.

    

Medium Shot:

This shot shows a character from the knees/waist up. The shot is to depict an element of detail or shows an important part of the plot. The main character is always in focus and the background is out of focus. The background has no need to be in full focus or include a lot of detail as the environment the character is in had probably already been shown in the establishing shot.

    I may use this shot to show characters emotions and hand body gestures to highlight the interaction. For example i'll use it when showing my character 'Derek' getting shouted at, as he lowers his head. It will also be used to show characters waving and performing an angry walk.  

    This will also show the character 'Derek' performing his subtle interaction of waving and getting a stern look back at him. This shot will just show the character's emotions and reactions to one another.

Bird’s-Eye View:

This shot is used as an omniscient third person shot which shows a direct overhead angle of a scene. This puts the narrative in 3^rd person as the audience is able to see more and know more than the characters in the animation/film. Many objects viewed from this angle can become difficult to recognise as it is an unnatural view to use.

    Again this shot will not be used in my animations however it is very useful to know for future projects. I could possibly use this shot to show the isolation of a character if my scene environment was bigger.

       

High Angle:

This angle is elevated above a character or object. This angle can be used to make objects appear smaller and less significant. For example it can suggest that a character is weak and vulnerable.

          This angle will be used to show that 'Derek' is a weak and vulnerable man who is much smaller than the other character. This is a fun camera angle to use and it supports the narrative well.

           This will be used in the extreme interaction shot when the smaller character falls to the ground. This will emphasise the fall and the potential pain the character has. 

Low Angle:

This low angle shot can show characters to be dominant and powerful. It also emphasises height and importance in many objects such as buildings. The scene can cause confusion to the viewer as objects and figures become distorted.

      This will be used to show how large and strong a character is. It will also reflect the view one character has of the other. This will help the audience empathise with the smaller and weaker character. This makes the piece more engaging and interesting.

      This shot can also be used in the obstacle course scene when looking up at the character as he looks around his surroundings. This could show the character's importance and also lets the audience in closer to engage more with that person. 

Obstacle course Animation

Obstacle course Animation, Superhero themed with Camera Shots

Storyboard:

Lip Syncing Animation - Extreme interaction between two characters

This Animation shows an extreme interaction between two characters and the character Will shouts at Derek.

Below a storyboard for the Animation:

• The mid shot shows the main character's emotions and establishes the scene.
• The low shots show the view from Derek's eyes as he looks up at Will. This emphasises the threat and dominance will has over the other character. It also helps the audience empathize with Derek as they experience what he does. 
• The high shots looking down on Derek highlight the character's personality as he appears weak and timid.
• The focus on the hand pointing into the camera again implies Will's authority.
• This piece is supposed to be humorous and fun as the main character is clearly being 'crazy'.
• I had a lot of fun creating this piece and thoroughly enjoy lip sync and facial animation.

Animation With Camera Shots- Extreme Interaction - Fight Scene

Animation with camera shots of fight scene

Storyboard for the fight scene.

Large Blue Character is called Will

The brown character is called Derek

• Shows the main character welcomely waving at the other - Subtle interaction.
• The close up camera angles showing both characters emotions also represents a subtle interaction.
• The extreme interaction happens when the large male kicks the smaller character. 
• Establishing shot to show how far the characters are away from each other.

The other half of my Obstacle Course

First attempt at a run and slide combo. The running cycle was difficult as i tried to show that at some points in the cycle both feet left the ground. This became a challenge because as a result of the frame timing being shorter to make the cycle faster, there was less time and space to show the feet lifting high off the ground. The slide also proved difficult as the feet had to continue moving to the left but still had to look believable. The difficulty was making the character look like it was sliding on the floor and not gliding or hovering. I overcame this problem by creating bends in the knees and arms to show the weight distribution around the body which wouldn't exist if he was floating. 

NOTE: I know the right arm isn't moving correctly but i left that aspect of animation out for this beginning section as i just wanted to focus on the slide. I will be editing this piece to make it more realistic and interesting. I intend to add in different camera shots to create a dynamic and dramatic narrative. I will also be changing the direction of the walk and run as to maneuver the character around an obstacle course. This cycle will be combined with the 'Turn, Run and Jump' cycle.

Video reference for floor slide.

Obstacle Course- Test- And video reference

The first attempt at mirroring the video reference. The walk cycle is clearly not right. It's too slow and jagged. But my main focus was the jump and the starting position. I will edit the walk cycle so it's more realistic.

Video reference of my brother reenacting a superhero. 

• Dramatic kneeling pose
• Hears 'trouble'
• Stand up proud and ready for action

Theatrical Jump

Reference Sketches for the extreme interaction project

 

For these images i used a combination of live references and video footage. This exercise was very beneficial as it helped me understand the movement of certain activities and the weight shift of the body. It also helped me focus on the angle of the spine and legs when the subject performed grand gestures.

Subtle and Extreme interaction between Two people - Experiment. Not Finished!

Wave and then FIGHT!
The walk cycle will be edited to look more aggressive and realistic. At the minute the walk cycle looks jagged and way too slow. Also the main blue character will lean back on his right foot before kicking the other character. 
I am very pleased with how the kick has turned out and i think the bounce in his knees after this maneuver shows the weight of the character correctly and makes it look more realistic as his body is reacting to his grand movements.
    I want to use this animation for my final piece to show a subtle interaction (the wave ) and an extreme one (the kick). This animation will also include dynamic camera shots such as close ups on the character's face to convey their emotion and mid shots which focus on the main interaction (the wave and kick)

Lip sync- Experimental/Test. No way near Done

Scene from 'Funny Girl' - Musical with Barbra Streisand!

This animation is based on an old musical in which the main character is extremely expressive and so this proved to be difficult to replicate. However i enjoy lip sync animation very much and this was a fun challenge. Much work is still be done on this piece but it could make for an interesting animation which would be full of grand gestures and exaggerated facial and body movements. 

Fever by Peggy Lee, Lip sync

First experimental example of an extreme interaction

This piece is not finished, however this was my first attempt for this module at creating an interesting lip sync animation. I will use this animation in my final as it conveys an extreme interaction between two people. I will add in camera shots to show close up facial expressions which will add volume to the narrative. I will also attempt to show the weaker character 'Derek' walking away and crying. This will reinforce the interaction as he is effected by The main character.

Quick Elephant test

This piece may not be involved in my final, however it was very interesting to focus on animal movements and i think i will continue to study animal animation. One of the most interesting challenges of this study was to correctly convey the weight of the elephant. The anatomy and weight distribution of the animal made this an engaging activity. 

Captain Ham with Camera Shots

I am very pleased with how this final version turned out.
This was my first attempt at using camera shots and the process appears to be simple. I would like to improve the camera shots as some change from one to another too quick. Also some shots become messy as the camera zooms in and out too much.
I would like to see a fully rendered version of this animation.

Subtle Interaction Between Two Characters -Ideas:

1. Whispering
2. Phone Call?
3. Pointing at a character?
4. Walking past someone/ Avoiding them
5. Winking at character
6. Giving Evil eyes
7. A head nodding/shaking at character
8. A wave
9. A smile
10. Hand on shoulder/Arm around friend
11. Quick glance, side glance
12. Handshake
13. Passing an object to other character
14. Nudging a character

Extreme interaction between two characters-Ideas:

1. Drunk character, falling over on other person
2. Hugging/Kissing
3. Fighting- Martial Arts- Warriors 
4. Two characters shouting at each other
5. Two characters dancing with each other
6. Extreme emotional interaction ? Crying, Laughing together

Character negotiating a path through an obstacle course-Ideas:

1. Avoiding bombs?
2. Avoiding objects - Walking through corridor - Boxes and files - 
3. Jumping over objects, ducking underneath, crawling, side stepping, forward roll, on back shimmying, slowly stepping around/over something, tip toeing. 

Complex And Dynamic interaction between no less than two people lasting no less than 5 seconds of action:

1. Dancing- Party
2. Fighting

Lip Syncing- Ideas:

1. A speech- Famous/powerful/memorable
2. A podcast
3. A stupid/Gormless/Silly character saying pointless things
4. An angry character- Shouting/pointing
5. Sad Characters
6. Happy character/ Laughing and joking
7. Conversation between two people
8. Radio Show?
9. Character singing

                                     

Captain Ham Walk Cycle

Watch at 720p HD

Storyboard - Camera Shots For 'Captain Ham'

What is Character Animation:

Character animation is the process of bringing animated characters to life. It focuses on the performance of the character rather than the narrative of its subject. This is produced by using accurate timing and spacing techniques. It is similar to the movement and fluidity of an actor on stage or film. A successful example of character animation is able to portray the subject’s emotions, thoughts and personality without any text or audio.

In the context of gaming, animated characters are generated as fully interactive and interesting. A good animated character will be able to engage with its environments and react to social rapport and dramatic changes in their surroundings. This creates an immediate ‘effect and cause’ relationship with the gamer and their character. This is a very rewarding and successful method of character animation as it achieves high levels of audience engagement within the game. All game characters have a collection of specific yet basic movements for them to perform. For example, running, walking, crawling, jumping, attacking or reacting to injury are the fundamental and necessary controls most characters posses in games.           

There are many approaches to successfully animating a character. One approach is the ‘Pose to Pose’ technique. This is when the animator creates key frames and then fills in the passing poses and midway actions of each movement. This will make the character appear to move from pose to pose with very specific timing and spacing elements. This is a very traditional way of animating and is used regularly in 3D animation. However in the 3D universe it is referred to as inverse kinematics. ‘Straight ahead’ animation is the opposite to ‘Pose to pose’ and is a concept which exudes more artistic freedom. This approach has little or no planning to the character’s animation. This creates a spontaneous and wild animation style, however results in the animator having less control over timing as a consequence of having no key frames.  

Character Animation for children’s films focuses on the simplicity and expression of it’s characters. A young audience responds to vivid colours and simple designs with minimal detail. Teen film ‘Coraline’ manages to create an alternative world full of horror. It’s full of Edgy angles, straight lines and elongated characters. The characters are animated as if they were moving and talking toys, however it still conveys great heights of realism and this adds to the horror and unnerving narrative of the animation.

The two important aspects of character animation is the use of timing and spacing. Timing is the aspect of animation which gives meaning to a movement. Newton's first law of motion stated that things do not move unless a force acts upon them. So in animation the movement itself is of secondary importance; the vital factor is how the action expresses the underlying causes of the movement.  Good timing is split up into sections. The first is the preparing the audience for an incident. The second is constructing the action itself. And finally recording the reaction to the action. Different audiences react to different timings when engaging with visual entertainment. For example a children’s education show would have a slow pace in order to correctly connect to the young viewers. However for an action packed film for adults, the frames would be faster and more edgy.

            Character animation is bringing life, energy, movement and expression to any character. It is approached in the same way through many mediums and to create successful character animation, the focus is on the performance of the character as well as capturing accurate timing.

References:

Popovíc, Zoran. (2000). Controlling Physics in Realistic Character Animation.. Controlling Physics in Realistic Character Animation.. 43 (7), p50-p58.

McKay, R. (N/A). Game Character Animation using Armatures. Available: http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Doc:2.4/Books/GameKit_2/10.Character_Animation. Last accessed 27th March 2014.

Giang,T. Mooney, R. Peters, C. O'Sullivan,C. . (2000). Real-Time Character Animation Techniques. Real-Time Character Animation Techniques. N/A (N/A), P1-P11

TED-Ed. (2014). Animation basics: The art of timing and spacing - TED-Ed. Available: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/animation-basics-the-art-of-timing-and-spacing-ted-ed. Last accessed 27th March 2014

Animation Tutorials. (2008). STRAIGHT AHEAD AND POSE-TO-POSE ACTION: 2D Animation principle - See more at: http://www.animationbrain.com/straight-ahead-and-pose-to-pose-action-2d-animation-principle.html#sthash.A1MOdLhl.dpuf. Available: http://www.animationbrain.com/straight-ahead-and-pose-to-pose-action-2d-animation-principle.html. Last accessed 27th March 2014.