Copyright 2005, Dale Storer
Don't forget to feed the starving artists of the world. 'Think Globally - Act Locally!'
In 2004, I felt the need to do something...else - as if I'm not busy enough. For a long while now I have wanted to make a 3d animation short, and its currently in pre-production.
The story is a light-hearted tale about a children's ball that strives to be something which it isn't - and learns a good lesson in the process.
In the animated short the ball has dreams of fancy, good advice which is not taken; and of course, gets into trouble. The story has an ending which strengthens the importance of listening to others.
If you'd like to know more about the short, and how it got to where it is, keep on reading...
This is a prime example of a hobby 3d project which is taking over my personal life. It started as an idea in late 2003 while I was putting my son's outside toys away before going inside for the night. One of his toys was a ball, and the 'precision-manufactured' valve would make it wobble wildly whenever you threw it hard. Of course this made it so it would never go in the direction that you wanted it to - as if it had a mind of it's own... You know where my mind went from there.
As with most ideas, I can't get them out of my system till I do something about them. I also want to make an animated short from start to finish, including storyboards, a narrative, etc. So where does one go for inspiration and example???
(Yes, the word above is a link.)
No, not because they paid me - but because their site has a simple animation process example. You know they make it look so effortless. The extras on any of the Pixar DVDs are also a great resource into the process of making an animated movie. Yes - yes I know, Geek worship... Anyways, I love animation!
So that's where it started - look on the internet as well for more examples and inspiration - lots out great stuff out there.
STORY
At first there was just the idea - and a 'loose framing' of a story concept. There were some pictures in my head, but not enough for a solid story. I roughed out some 'still' shots on 3x5 card stock with text snippets on the other side describing the action in the illustration and later arranged them this way and that - and soon enough, the story started to take shape. Once that was done, I pitched the story to some 'unsuspecting candidates' to see where I had to refine the story and it's pace. I would add or subtract card illustrations as needed to get it right, and redo the 'pitch'.
NARRATIVE
The next thing to work on was the narrative. That began as captions on the back of the rough 3x5 card illustrations. Each card had a caption on the back for what was happening on that card. A little more work and we had a narrative, although it is still rough in a few spots - always room for improvement. An since it's still in pre-production, now is the time to give it the needed attention. Remember, it's much easier to make changes at the pre-production stage of a project than it is at production. The best team and artwork will not help a project without good, well thought-outplanning.
STORYBOARDS
The best visual way of conveying the concept and timing of an animated sequence is through storyboards. It's bunch of stills which show the action and what the camera will show in the final animation. This gets pitched to 'unsuspecting candidates' as well. There is nothing better than feedback - positive or negative - it will help you to see what others see. It's not just you on this planet... The images on a storyboard can range from real rough sketches or fine illustrations. Now, since I am the only one working on this short, I didn't go all out - I have to try to get this finished after all. In this stage, I reworked the story a little to get the 'pacing' right and had to add some narrative. It helps to get the kinks worked out now! There are also some good storyboarding examples on the web - go fish.
Click me to enlarge.
Click me to enlarge.
Click me to enlarge.
CONCEPT ART
Here's another area where it's easy to experiment and let your imagination loose. Explore all alternatives in your mind, make at least 3 different sketches for your ideas. Like mentioned above, "changes at this point are fine - and sometimes necessary." There is always another way or point of view to the same idea or issue. And remember, when you get the character concept done, start thinking about rigging NOW. You already know about 'when' it's easier to make changes - right???
Click me to enlarge.
Click me to enlarge.
Click me to enlarge.
Click me to enlarge.
Click me to enlarge.
3D MODELING
Take your sketches and turn them into the 3d objects to bring them onto the stage. I have to make all these items myself, so this is taking some time - after work, raising 2 children, etc. (take note: it starts w/family - don't believe any of the other hype!) And that's where we are now. Remember what I said earlier, you have to think about rigging and how you intend to animate a character so you model and rig a character once (maybe twice). Here is where that good planning we were talking about really pays off!
Click image for test movie.
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Click image for test movie.
(3.5 mb)
Click image for test movie.
(0.5 mb)
Would you like to get your hands on anice piece of wallpaper for your desktop??
Click left for wallpaper.
Click left for wallpaper.
Click left for wallpaper.
Click left for wallpaper.
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