Research Project 1 - Svankmajer & Quay

As you move along and start to synthesize the various animation techniques learned in class thus far (Object based, ShapeKeys, Array, Curve/hooks), I want you to start thinking about creating your first experimental animation. This will be a bonafide project that will move beyond tests and into the realm of concepts and skilled execution.

Start by watching animation by Jan Svankmajer (youtube, vimeo and other other sources). In particular, check out Dimensions of a Dialogue.

Secondly, check out works by the Brothers Quay. If you have netflix, check them out HERE
Otherwise, hunt around YouTube, etc.

Your first project will be to create an experimental animation that is steeped in a central concept of your choosing, and which is technically considered (no tests, plenty of time and nuance).

Come to class on Tuesday with three distinct ideas. Try to purge conventional Disney/Pixar narrative from your mind, and invite abstractions, surrealism, minimalism and gesture. I will be meeting with each of you one on one to talk about those ideas, so make sure you spend a couple hours (not 15 minutes) developing the concepts. Ask yourself how you can avoid the expected, the cliche and the cutesy narrative and create something altogether different.

If you have questions, email me.

Meischeid Animation - made in Blender

Rigging Characters

If you really enjoy rigging characters and/or are interested in character animations, you may want to get a more in depth tutorial at blender cookie.

http://cgcookie.com/blender/2011/12/12/blender-introduction-to-character-rigging/
____________________________________________________

Also, if you want to deconstruct some really high-end rigs used for animation, check out these:

http://www.blendernation.com/2010/09/13/free-rigs-for-blender-2-5/

Looking at the 12 Principles of Animation

Classical animator pioneers Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas, both veterans from Disney, describe twelve vital aspects of animation in their 1981 book 'The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation'. This week we will explore armatures and look at two of these twelve principles ; squash/stretch and anticipation. From wikipedia:
------------------------------------------------

Squash and stretch

Animated sequence of a race horse galloping. Photos taken by Eadweard Muybridge. The horse's body demonstrates squash and stretch in natural musculature.

The most important principle is "squash and stretch",^[4] the purpose of which is to give a sense of weight and flexibility to drawn objects. It can be applied to simple objects, like a bouncing ball, or more complex constructions, like the musculature of a human face.^[5][6] Taken to an extreme point, a figure stretched or squashed to an exaggerated degree can have a comical effect.^[7] In realistic animation, however, the most important aspect of this principle is the fact that an object's volume does not change when squashed or stretched. If the length of a ball is stretched vertically, its width (in three dimensions, also its depth) needs to contract correspondingly horizontally.^[8]

[edit]Anticipation

Anticipation is used to prepare the audience for an action, and to make the action appear more realistic.^[9] A dancer jumping off the floor has to bend his knees first; a golfer making a swing has to swing the club back first. The technique can also be used for less physical actions, such as a character looking off-screen to anticipate someone's arrival, or attention focusing on an object that a character is about to pick up.^[10]

Anticipation: A baseball player making a pitch prepares for the action by moving his arm back.

For special effect, anticipation can also be omitted in cases where it is expected. The resulting sense of anticlimax will produce a feeling of surprise in the viewer, and can often add comedy to a scene.^[11] This is often referred to as a 'surprise gag'.^[12]

------------------------------------------------

Homework Week 2

  

For Thursday of Week 2,  read PART I of the 1884 classic book 'Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions'. Write a three paragraph blog post responding to the content of Part I of Flatland.

This is a fascinating read not only for its historical precedence, but also because Abbot writes eloquently on how one can anthropomorphize 'citizens' of different dimensions. 

Because the copyright is expired on this book, it can be found in many locations. Choose the one with the friendliest formatting to your eyes.

Location ONE

Location TWO

Homework - week 1

For your first homework assignment I would like you to watch at least 30 minutes of Disney's 1940 classic animation "Fantasia" and post the following responses to your blog.

• What are FIVE of the most timeless, effective and purely artistic uses of animation that you have seen in this work?

• Name three aspects to the animation that are LEAST relevant, useful or effective in light of today's animation techniques/tools.

Due prior to class on Thursday, week 1.

MatchMoving Examples and Resources

MATCHMOVING