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)
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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)
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Storyboard Revisions v. II

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

Story Boards (in PDF format)
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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.