Thesis Execution Begins!

Wednesday marked the end of the semester in Previs for me, and the beginning of Thesis execution! Man, what a week it's been! After spending the past 3months planning the story, design, color palette, shot list, film date, finding a DP, finding a crew, and other content, almost all of began to unravel in 1 week. The film insurance from the university for equipment rental needed to be changed because the lighting studio I originally had scheduled to rent from could not fulfill my request for equipment. I had to locate another rental house AND have the school process/confirm my request for the new rental house in less than a week. My entire production schedule was in jeopardy. The long and the short of it is I explained my situation to M. Hosenfeld and he was able to accelerate the turnaround time for the new insurance certificate. Thanks to Michael and thanks to ALNY (Available Light New York), the lighting rental house I ended up using. They're attentive,professional, reasonable discounts for students, and I highly recommend them to students interested in using set lights in their productions.

Special delivery

Hurray it finally arrived!! My HECO cuckoo clock was delivered this afternoon. The weeks of searching finally paid off. I'm extremely fortunate that the previous owner was in the market to sell it. This was totally a case of the right moment at the right time. Thanks again to Ms Cheryl G. I definitely have to add her name to my credits. Here's what the lil' buggah looks like:

Production is on schedule

Great news! Things seem to be on schedule. Last week I found nearly all of my resources. I located my DP (Director of Photography), Seth Melnick. Seth is no stranger to CADA. He was the cinematographer for Rodrigo and Chris' individual thesis projects last year. We've had several conversations on the phone, and he has a production list that's longer than the Mississippi River. All jokes aside, Seth is extremely skilled at his craft, and came highly recommended. I'm terribly excited to work along side him. I also found my principle location to film my this. My classmate Danielle agreed to let me film in her living room and backyard. She was even generous enough to take scouting photos of her place for me to get a since of the environment. BIG UPs to Danielle!! Through Craigslist.org I bought my cuckoo clock prop. Yes, many thanks to Cheryl G. in Georgia for being able to fulfill such an unusual request, at an affordable price. I even like the design; it's quite close to my visual references. Finally, I received approval from NYU Insurance & Risk Management Dept for the film insurance. I'm extremely thankful to all these people for their help and interest.

I'm meeting with Seth next week to plan out the order of events for the day of the shoot, Dec. 22nd. Now all I need is a crew and for the weather to remain pleasant (please God no snow just yet!) until after the shoot. Otherwise, I'll be outside 6am with hair dryers to melt the snow on ground. Haha. Ha?

Shot List draft 01

This is my first draft of the shot list.

Shot List(in PDF format)
View it!

Animatic Draft 02

This past Friday, I had my industry critic. I must admit I wasn't as nervous for this one as I was for the faculty crit. When it comes right down to it, you just have to do it. Hmmm, that's a slogan. Maybe I can print it on a t-shirt? Hahaha. Anyways, the critique went extremely well. There was some confusion in the beginning about my thesis statement. I know it was because I structured it in a classic academic fashion. Never mind the fact I write in my statement that its Man's internal struggle, when actually my story is about a wooden bird. It was quickly understood that I was speaking figuratively rather than literally. I received several helpful ideas for planning my shots. The panel recommended things to look for regarding post-production that I had not considered, for example window reflections, and the weight of objects (leaves) as they get affected by rain. Basically, I need to observe elements in nature better and take more photo references.

They liked this 2nd draft of my animatic. I removed the mirror in this version. Also, I located a better score for my scratch music. It's got the playful quality I've been looking for as well as the type of musical instruments I wanted. I bookmarked the URL location in advance, but hopefully I can find someone to create an original piece just for my film that is similar.

Animatic 02 (6mb)

Animatic Draft 01

Today I'm posting my first iteration of the animatic for my thesis. Right now however, my animatic is not synchronized with the storyboards & script because I am currently revising certain story elements: The mirror is out of the story. One of the biggest arguments that arising from the faculty critique (almost 2wks ago) was the issue of over complicating the story. This was a hot topic for me because I really had become so attached to the idea. I feel very strongly about taking the internal struggle with leaving the clock and visually externalizing it for the viewer. I believe the mirror will accomplish this in the scene. Then later in the story, it reflects the turning point for the bird, when the cuckoo bird sees, because of the mirror, the device which originally prompted it to make the choice that it made. Thank God for my friends.

I asked a few friends of mine for their opinions about having the mirror in the story. Not surprisingly they agreed it did add a level of complexity which may not be necessary. Why does everyone prescribe to that proof: "The shortest distance between to points is a straight line", except me? But you know what? They all make a lot of sense, and I'm not above admitting when I'm wrong (sometimes ;-)). One suggestion I received was to have the bird escape to the outside world, but unbeknown to the bird, he is no better outside than he was inside the clock. This conclusion really would be obvious to the view, but not to the bird. Stupid birds. I think it's a brilliant idea! So I wrote the mirror out of the story. Except now I need to re-think the layout of my opening sequence. Oh bother.



Animatic (6mb)

Style frame designs

Today I'm uploading style frames for my thesis. What's interesting about them is that I'm using photographs rather than sketches or illustrations. This is better because it not only helps my audience/viewers to instantly understand that this project will be 3d composited over live footage, but it also allows me to make adjustments (rather quickly) regarding color correction for setting the time of day, tone of the sequence, color palette.

I think what's working is the interior lighting vs. the exterior. Inside the room lights are lit. Perhaps it's because of the time of day? Anyways, it's much darker than the outdoor, which is naturally lit. The point is that I'm trying to emphasize why the outdoor is more alluring. It's brighter, warmer, more natural. Wouldn't you want to be outside too?

Style frame design (3mb)
Story Story(in PDF format)
View it!

Thesis Statement revision 05

I tried, in my 5th revision, to make my thesis statement sound more objective. Here's what I came up with.

Digital compositing and visual effects makes the story of man’s inner conflict over what he wants versus what he needs more convincing.

Story Synopsis revision 03

This is my 3rd revision of my story synopsis.

Story Synopsis

A cuckoo bird patiently waits its opportunity to escape the confines of the clock. Seizing the moment, the bird breaks out of the clock, and out through a nearby window. But the grass isn't always greener on the other side. While our bird perches on a neighboring branch, inclement weather sets in. Now drenched the silly bird stares longingly back at the image of clock on the wall.

Thesis Project Story Script revision 03

This is my script with detailed descriptions of sounds audible in each scene.

Story Story(in PDF format)
GO!

Storyboard Revisions v. II

I noticed some grammatical errors. Here's a repost of the boards.

Story Boards (in PDF format)
GO!

For Your Eyes Only | Cuckoo Bird Storyboards

It took me a day to complete, but I like the direction I'm heading. This is my second draft. I'm not too sure about how to set up the camera when the bird flies out the window. Should I keep it as I have it laid out in the storyboard, or should my camera follow the bird as it flies out the window, some type of in-camera effect that I would track the bird to in 3d? I need a good lead-in to the exterior shot. I'm also re-thinking the shots of the backyard. How the hell am I gonna get shot, especially with the sky color changing? Maybe it would be more effective if the camera (at this point) rests on the window sill? Just one of a few things I'm thinking about over breakfast.

Story Boards (in PDF format)
GO!

Design: Clock reference

With origins dating back to Black Forest in 17th century Germany, the recognition of the clock is owed much in thanks by "Ührschleppers" (or peddlers). The people would make the clocks during the Winter and the peddlers would take them off for re-sale in the Spring. (Cuckoo Clocks: A History)

Work cited
Salem Clock Shop. Cuckoo Clocks: A History - The Origins of Cuckoo Clocks in the Black Forest - Salem Clock Shop - Salem, Oregon. http://www.salemclock.com/extra/cuckoo%20history.htm

I like the classic shape; because it's the most familiar to people.




Although I would choose a varnish that is not so dark, I do like the contrast of the light clock face numbers against the dark housing.

Animation style

I've been thinking a lot about animation. What style should I incorporate into my story. First off, I acknowledge I have minimal experience in character animation and construction. So why am I proposing a story that's character centric? Hmmm...I've been asking myself this very question for weeks now! For starters, my focus is Digital Compositing. I want to create a project that has a 3d character interacting within a live action environment. Secondly, its one of those things (ideas that grab you) that you keep coming back to. I have a story that needs to be shared with others. Anyways, I've been researching Tim Bird. No he's not the 2nd-cousin of Larry Bird. A Tim Bird, or Ornithopter, is a mechanical bird that flaps its wings and flies like a natural bird. There are kits you can buy to make your own. But what's interesting about them is the fascination people have with them. "People are blown away when they see one of these machines, flying high overhead, doing something they thought was utterly impossible. The Ornithopter Zone

Here are some video clips which demonstrate their mobility. I think the way they operate lends itself accurately to the movement of my cuckoo bird, plus it adds legitimacy to. Yeah I know, these ads are pretty cheesy.

Cuckoo Bird Story reference

Here is the story reference I am using for my short film. What I like about it is the story arc. It begins slow, gradual, like we're going to discover something. However the ending is rather abrupt and not very exciting. Right now I'm left saying, "is that is?" Why not have the bird fly out the window? Or the bird sees its reflection in a mirror, is frightened, and flies back into the clock? Give me excitement! It needs to be bigger. Maybe a larger/deeper meaning in the end?


Title: "Mazout Bird"
Work Cited
VFX, Grid, post prod. Making Of Mazout Bird. http://www.grid-vfx.com.

Thesis Previs: New Story Synopsis #5

Okay, I know I said I have 5 story ideas, but this one's been vetoed by me.

Thesis Previs: New Story Synopsis #4

A cuckoo bird patiently waits its chance to escape the confides of the clock. Soon the day arrives and the bird breaks out of the clock, then out through the window. But the grass isn't always greener on the outside. While our bird perches on a neighboring branch, inclement weather sets in. Now drenched the silly bird stares longingly back at the clock on the wall.

Thesis Previs: New Story Synopsis #3

A girl gets sucked through her vacuum while trying to dislodge a coin stuck inside.

Thesis Previs: New Story Synopsis #2

A child riding (bored) in a car writes messages in the sky using the clouds as her ink.

Thesis Previs: New Story Synopsis #1

A man ignores a lady at the laundry mat when she tells him to use fabric softener. Thinking nothing of it, he goes home. The next morning as he gets dressed he discovers that he can pick things up without physically handling them. At first, this seems amusing to be able to have small, random objects gravitate towards him - almost like having supernatural powers. But by the end he's horrified because the objects get larger, heavier, and sharper than before.

Scratching my head

I'm still scratching my head about my concept. It doesn't appear to be taking shape. I think part of the reason is I couldn't decide what the context for the card should be. Am I talking about collecting or keepsakes? There's a difference. But the main reason I'm not excited about my concept has to do with the visual effect, morphing. I feel the effect draws too much attention to itself, and therefore the overpowers the story.

Over the weekend, I read an old interview in Computer Graphics World magazine (Jan 2007). They sat down with Jim Rygiel, the VFX supervisor for the movie Night at the Museum. I'd just like to share what he said,

"Some shows, even though they're done very well, instantly scream 'effects'. I like the challenge of making things so real that you know you're watching something odd, but you're not quite sure where that like is."

I can identify with this statement. Need less to to say I did some brainstorming and came up with 5 new concepts that I would like to share. I'll narrow them down to 1 by Tuesday. I know this places me behind schedule, but it's better for me to make the change now rather than 2wks from today.

Thesis Previs: Thesis Script-writing draft 02

Between watching broadcasts of ESPN and NY1, I thought of a conclusion for my story this morning. I'll have the talent place the card on his shelf. This signifies closure to perhaps this chapter of his life. But it's got to be understood that he's now opening the door to new experiences.

Thesis Script Draft 02

Thesis Previs: Thesis Script-writing draft 01

The script writing was a bit easier for me to visualize because my project treatment was very descriptive. I haven't figured out a resolution or conclusion to finish my story yet. It's about 80% complete thus far.

Thesis Script Draft 01

Thesis Previs: Thesis statement revison 2

I think working backwards this time, for me helped. I wrote my project treatment first, and then my thesis statement.

Thesis Statement: Through the use of Visual Effects and Compositing, I will show how memories never fade, even as we grow older.

Thesis Project Treatment Draft 01

It feels great to finally get something written down on paper. I'm still not 100% pleased with the story or my chosen visual effect. But at least now I have laid down the foundation for future revisions. Here is my treatment for the baseball card story. Currently it is untitled.

Draft 01 Project Treatment

Enjoy!
Russ

Research Outline draft 01

I spent last couple of weeks reviewing thesis projects of other students from previous years to get a better idea about what I might want to include in my own thesis. After a one on one council with my Thesis Advisor, Mike C., I came up with a preliminary outline for my research:
Cultural Aspect:
1. Analysis of collecting memorabilia
- What is the philosophy behind it? Why do we collect keepsakes?
- Investigate the emotion connection between keepsakes and fond memory
- How much of the emphasis is on the object vs. the personal experience of participating in the activity?
- References: Reading materials on Baseball Memorabilia

Artistic Aspect:
1. The Design of the baseball card
- From a historical perspective, study the changes in print design of the cards
i. Typography
ii. Pattern
iii. Color palette
iv. Information printed on the front/back of cards
- Various degrees of degradation quality which occurs over time. That "worn-look"!
- Compare different card designs: Realistic, Hyper-stylized, Historical precedence
- Choreography of the card
i. How does it move from one scene to the next?
ii. Scale
iii. Physically it is small. How large should the card appear in the frame?
- References:

2. The Design of the Live-Action background areas - Modern (Present day)
- Neighborhood quality of life
- Time of year
- Choose a Color Palette that is alive and pensive
- References: ESPN Without Sports campaign

3. The Design of the Live-Action background areas - Past memories
- Passage of time
- Choose a thoughtful Color Palette
- Under-exposed, de-saturated hues that evoke "faded" memory characteristic
- References: ESPN Without Sports campaign

4. Context and Proximity
- Recognize and plan out the placement of the baseball card from scene to scene
- How close is the card from the talent in the scene?
- References: Panasonic Toughbook advertisements

5. Look of the Visual Effect
- How does the environment morph from scene to scene?
- References: Panasonic Toughbook advertisements

Technical Aspects:
1. Tracking
2. Compositing
3. Morphing (Environment)
4. Texture and Lighting
5. 2d Animation
So far, this is what I came up with. I believe as I continue my research, there will be more ideas, documents, and opportunities to refine my concept, thus adding to my paper.

Source Material and reference

I've started planning for artistic research sources, technical research sources, and visual reference component of my thesis. I hope to collect quite an extensive resource library of source material by the end.

Storyline concepts about child development:
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants
http://sisterhoodofthetravelingpants.warnerbros.com/story.html
http://www.amazon.com/Sisterhood-Traveling-Pants-Book-1/dp/0385730586

Toy story
http://www.pixar.com/featurefilms/ts/tale.html

Ideas for style and art direction:
ESPN advertisment
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GHIQkS1TY50

Thesis Previs: Thesis statement revison 1

I've decided to choose the story about the young boy and the baseball card as my concept.

Thesis Statement: Through the use of Visual Effects and Compositing, I will tell a story that characterizes the natural maturation of a boy from childhood to adolescence as described by a baseball card.

Draft Revision for Story Synopsis #1

After meeting with my thesis adviser, Mike C. earlier this week, we both agreed that since the central message of the story is littering, making changes to the story so the creature arises from the environment would add to the realism of the experience. In other words the context of the story is about littering, and it would add to the realism if the creature was a) something affected by the environment, or b) a product of the environment. And then it hit me!
______________
Lionel Essrog is having one of those days where nothing seems to go right. After nearly getting ran over by a passing motorist, he spills his morning coffee on his shirt. Not wanting to appear unprofessional during his meeting, unsuccessfully he tries to remove the stain. However, carelessly he discards the napkin onto the ground.

Disgusted by the gross display of littering, a pigeon lands in front of Lionel. Naturally, he thinks nothing of it and nonchalantly attempts to walk away. Except he is prevented. At that very same moment hundreds of pigeons appear from the sky and land in front of Lionel. Feeling the situation is steadily getting out of control, Lionel wisely takes off running down the street. Moments later the flock of pigeons take to the air, and form a colossal pigeon; it ambushes Lionel Essrog. The enraged flock swiftly chase Lionel through the streets and alleyways like the hunter in a game of hide and seek.

Finally, the mega-pigeon corners Lionel. The flock disperses from the huge form and land again in front of Lionel. With no escape, Lionel pleads with the flock. Aptly the pigeons are able to illustrate what has upset them, and once Lionel realizes his mistake, they release him. Lionel properly tosses his napkin into the trash and the statue returns to an inanimate object.

Thesis statement: Digital compositing is a new kind of realism, which creates the perception of something that could have happened, although it really could not.

I think what this story has that the other one did not is 1) context within the conflict. You have nature fighting back against human negligence. Furthermore, 2) there's irony. Pigeons have the label for being called "rats with wings". While I could not agree more, I feel its more significant for the protagonist to be something that contradicts that stereotype.

Thesis Previs: Story Synopsis #1

Lionel Essrog is having one of those days where nothing seems to go right. After arriving late to work for a conference call, he hastily soils his shirt while gorging himself on lunch. Not wanting to appear unprofessional during his afternoon meeting, unsuccessfully he tries to remove the stain. However, carelessly he discards the napkin onto the ground.

Disgusted by the gross display of littering, a statue of colossal proportions decides to take action; it ambushes Lionel Essrog. The enraged statue swiftly chases Lionel through the streets and alleyways like the hunter in a game of hide and seek.

Finally, the statue corners Lionel. With no escape, Lionel pleads with the statue. Aptly the statue is able to illustrate what has upset it, and once Lionel realizes his mistake, the statue releases him. Lionel properly tosses his napkin into the trash and the statue returns to an inanimate object.

Thesis statement: Digital compositing is a new kind of realism, which creates the perception of something that could have happened, although it really could not.

Thesis Previs: Story Synopsis #2

It is casserole night in the Montgomery household, but Christopher wants nothing to do with what's on the menu. Sternly, his mother encourages him to eat his everything on his plate, otherwise he cannot excuse himself from the table. Perhaps from the comments by the mother, or being poked repeated by Christopher, the food in the dish begins to address Christopher. Without further provocation the casserole picks a fight with Christopher.

As the food attacks Christopher, his parents are appalled and left scratching their heads. To the parents, Christopher is only acting out another tantrum, but for Christopher this is real.

Fed up by his antics, the mother scoops up Christopher's dinner, tosses it down the garbage disposal, and sends him to his room without any supper. Thankfully Christopher accepts the punishment.

Thesis statement:
Integrating effects with live action plates is the bread and butter of the visual effects artist.

Thesis Previs: Story Synopsis #3

On a delightful, yet uneventful summer day Trent rides his bike through the park on his way to the store. Thrown from the seat of his bike, because of the uneven sidewalk, he lands face down on the ground. As fate would have it, he comes across an old piece of cardboard partially protruding from the ground. He picks it up. It is an antique baseball card. Physically there is no significant value to this card. He examines the card. There is something familiar about this card, however. He then proceeds to secure it into the spokes of his bike, to operate as a noise-making device. Trent continues on his destination.

As he rides off, the spinning motion from the wheel with the card attached begins to animate like a Zoetrope. The card unlocks a dream-like gateway to fond old memories. These are the memories of the card, and how it use to entertain its previous owner. But gradually over time they grow distant between one another.

The interest to this card fades as the previous owner matures and finds a new interest, girls. Rejected now, the card falls to the wayside and remains unnoticed until Trent discovers it.

Back on the bike, Trent and the card continue on their destination.

Thesis statement: Digital compositing creates the perception of something that could have happened, although it really could not.

Thesis Previs: Story Synopsis #4

This concept is a work in progress. I'm still asking myself what the conflict should be? What's the subplot line? Or, where's the misdirection? Last semester I produced a short video which contained all these elements, and I think the main story benefited from this direction immensely. Anyways, this is what I have so far:

A documentary-style film about an ordinary man living the "American Dream". He works a 9-5, umpires at his son's little league games, home owner, drives a car, has a supportive (albeit repressed feelings about her husband) wife. Pretty normal except for his condition. This man lives with his head up his anus, literally.

Thesis statement: Digital compositing is a new kind of realism, which creates the perception of something that could have happened, although it really could not.

Finished Projects

Here's a shortcut for viewing all my video clips. You can also navigate via the sidebar in the Archives category. Enjoy!

My Spring Reel

Well it's not just the final projects from the spring term. My recently updated spring reel is chop full of interesting work. My emphasis is the seamless integration of various graphical elements (i.e. 2d and 3d design) together with live-action footage; creating a believable photo-realistic experience. Many of which incorporate multiple techniques including keying/matting, color correction, rotoscoping, and digital painting. Try not to blink! Ha.


Run time: 01:15
Frame Size: 320x240 px

Watch the show reel in Large format:

Play Now!

Nursery

This is my Maya I final project. In post, I used After Effects to color correct, add audio, and edit my sequence for final composite.


Run time: 00:09
Frame Size: 320x240 px

Animadenss Competition 2007

Several of my classmates and I participated in a national and international animation competition which took place March 2007. It's called Animadness. The object of the competition is to create an animation from concept to completion in 3 weeks, hence the madness. My role in this group project was sound engineering and editing. I think it helped prepare me for my final project in my Editing course. We took 4th place.


Run time: 03:33
Frame Size: 320x240 px

Dreams in Transit

Here is my final project for my Final Cut Pro Editing course. Entering into the class with basically zero knowledge of editing for video or film, I must say I am quite pleased with the results. The story centers around an adolescent and his hobby, trains and rail simulation. He shares with us his thoughts and extensive knowledge of the subject. And we explore with him his enthusiasm for trains both metaphorically and physically. But it's more than just an interview.

I also incorporated a secondary plot. This plot is introduced in the form of an errand. This was great because it allowed me the opportunity to work with lighting, directing, b-roll footage, multiple camera angles, plus more serious concentration with diegetic sound. This is another interest of mine, audio.


Run time: 05:10
Frame Size: 320x240 px

The Awakening

Things DO go bump in the night! For this final project I wanted create an out-of-body experience (i.e. a ghost effect). Rotoscoping, matting, photo re-touching, and color correcting became my best friends on this project. I started by changing the time of day in the room from day to night in post. If you look closely you'll see I've added flicker effect to the character lying on the sofa. Again, I look for detail. It's a small detail but it adds to the story. Why is this person asleep on the sofa? Oh he must have been watching television and fallen asleep.


Run time: 00:07
Frame Size: 360x240 px

Happy Hour

I loved working on this assignment because everything in the composition has been manufactured. This was an exercise in creating traveling mattes, but I decided to take the assignment a bit further. I appropriated my background from the web. The bottle was an image sequence provided by my professor. The assignment was to animate the liquid in the bottle. Starting with my style frame, I brought each of the graphical elements into Combustion and applied several applications of blend modes and mattes. Everything from the matching the color of the bottle to match the hue from the background environment to creating the reflection of the bottle onto bar surface was performed in Combustion. My goal was to integrate each of the elements in the scene into a seamless composition.

Even the bottle top was created. Working from a 3d model, I deformed the top in Maya and animated it over time.


Run time: 00:01
Frame Size: 320x240 px

Underwater Explorer

Here is my Digital Matte Painting final. For this project, I began with a basic photograph of an underwater ship wreck. I then applied a garbage matte to the guard rail in the foreground, which allowed me to extract the rail from the flat image. Next, after filling in the gaps left in the background after isolating the foreground, I imported these elements in Maya. In Maya, I was able to replicate the parallax found in the original photo; giving the environment depth and perspective in motion.

Do you thing those particles floating in the water were created in some program like After Effects, or Shake? Guess again! I created my own particle effect simply by using flour and water. It really details the murkiness of you would expect the deep sea, and gives it a more natural effect. Finally after some minimal color correction and camera movements I achieved the desired effect. The audio adds a nice touch!


Run time: 00:12
Frame Size: 384x216 px