Presentation Research

For the end of the year, we have the task of creating a presentation to show to our class, talking about our progress and experiences through the year.
This can involve pretty much any technique I like, whether it be animation, a powerpoint, performance etc.
I have decided I want to make an animation, because I want to keep practicing physically animating, to further explore and show the techniques I have learnt so far.

Since I have mostly been drawing for all the projects set for me this year, I want to use the stop motion technique to complete this presentation; It will allow me to practice using a camera and making models.
So the first thing I have decided to do is some research into other stop motion projects, to see how they are portrayed and will hopefully start generating ideas of my own.
This is the first animation I have found that uses a wooden model:



It has an interesting concept, where the model is interacting with the animator. I could use this to demonstrate how a project sometimes doesn't go to plan, or turn out exactly how you imagined it.
This animation in particular moves very fluently, with a simple concept that is still entertaining to see.

I also like the concept behind this piece:



The worlds smallest animation, made by Aardman, is the film I showed to my class in the introductory week to this course.




Using advertising in the commercial world is a growing industry, and animating for it is increasing in popularity.

Ohh Deer

'Ohh Deer' are a company who support illustrators world wide, selling products and artworks from 35 illustrators who work for them.

I have been following them on Twitter for the past few months, and find a lot of their work interesting and quirky! Their illustrators explore all sorts of different techniques to create marks and patterns, including:

Festivals

There are lots of things happening all over the country (and World!) involving animation; festivals, screenings, talks, much like BAF that I went to last year!

These are some that have caught my eye, and potential places I could visit in the summer/year to come:

Klik is a festival taking place in Amsterdam, Holland 4th-9th November 2014. This was the trailer of 2013:



It looks really interesting, crazy, and they seem to cover a range of animating techniques. The trailer suggests there's lots going on, which sounds really exciting!
I will find out my schedule for my second year of university and see if there's a chance I can go there for the week.
http://www.klikamsterdam.nl/


Canterbury Anifest is said to be a good festival for budding film makers to go. It's starting from 30th September - 5th October, which is the week I start back at university after the summer holidays.


This trailer from 2011 shows lots of great animators, companies, films, special effects and much more to enjoy, so if the 2014 festival is anything like this one then I think it's definitely worth considering going to!
http://www.canterburyanifest.com/about-us/what-is-anifest/
http://www.animation-festivals.com/festivals/canterbury-anifest/


http://www.fmx.de/

Aardman Animation Studios

Aardman are one of the top stop motion companies out there right now.
All of their work uses a similar style, which is simple yet brings out their characters so well (which I think is partly down to the animating/movements of them) and defines them as a company.
The most memorable for me is Wallace and Gromit, which has been the most popular amongst audiences around the world.
I like this style and I think looking at my own work, I have been sub consciously inspired by their style for years...

There's an exhibition, being opened 24th May 2014, called 'Wallace & Gromit From The Drawing Board', which will display development work and memorabilia from the iconic series of short films.
It's taking place at the 'M Shed Museum' in Bristol, which is very close to the actual Aardman Studio!
http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/forum/read/52546/1/

Even their website is quirky and interactive, with animation on a constant loop running along the bottom:

The Hobbit

Seeing The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug in cinema was an amazing experience.



I loved seeing the dragon on the big screen - the detail gone into the scales and the lighting

The set designs are truly spectacular, you wouldn't think they were shot in real locations in New Zealand! 

Some fans take it to the extreme and build their own Hobbit Hole:

• I like the characters - Interesting designs/outfits
• Amazing special effects - Smaug the dragon!
• Locations are beautiful
• I'm generally interested in set designs and how they use green screens
• Love seeing the actors at work - so funny!