Overall I'm happy with the progress I made during this project - actually researching into studios and looking up how to contact them has made me feel a lot better about starting a conversation with them, since all of their work is already in one place, so I can research into them and engage in their practice.
As you're probably fully aware by now, I'm not the best at managing my time during a project. This has faulted me again with the practical element of this submission, since I didn't leave myself enough time to resolve the issues that arose. Despite this, I made a decent animation that I still intend to submit to Loop De Loop once I have fixed the problems with the file, since it would definitely benefit me to submit my work to competitions and external sources, to reach a wider audience and hopefully get noticed by them.
In terms of my showreel, I want to give myself more time in the next month to finish off the current projects I'm working on, as well as some more short sequences, to update my showreel with a standard of work that I'm happy with. For now I'm happy with the 40 second reel I have. I also intend to edit any marketing material and update my websites ready for the exhibition at the Leeds College of Art in June.
My time on the course has taught me a lot about the animation industry and myself as a person, I'm proud of how far I've come and I look forward to the future!
Thursday 19 May 2016
Morpheus Bloopers
So Morpheus broke on me... At first the textures detached from the original source, so they didn't appear when rendered - I sent it to a friend of mine who is good at texturing 3D objects and fixed this issue. However some data got lost in the file he sent back to me which made the legs move position from the original rigging system.
I don't really understand what happened, but it's an issue that's going to take a while to fix and unfortunately I don't have enough time right now to do so since the deadline for this module is today.
This is due to my bad time management of this project, since I didn't give myself very long to complete this film. When animating with Moom previously I had no problems rendering him out, so I assumed Morpheus would be fine too, however after researching online how to fix the problem I found that a lot of people have had issues rendering Morpheus out. It's a shame that I couldn't get it finished for the module deadline tomorrow, however I still have time to fix it before the Loop De Loop submission ends on 29th May.
I don't really understand what happened, but it's an issue that's going to take a while to fix and unfortunately I don't have enough time right now to do so since the deadline for this module is today.
This is due to my bad time management of this project, since I didn't give myself very long to complete this film. When animating with Moom previously I had no problems rendering him out, so I assumed Morpheus would be fine too, however after researching online how to fix the problem I found that a lot of people have had issues rendering Morpheus out. It's a shame that I couldn't get it finished for the module deadline tomorrow, however I still have time to fix it before the Loop De Loop submission ends on 29th May.
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| A still of my film, with the legs changed position to how it's supposed to look |
Wednesday 18 May 2016
Practical - The Final Piece (Playblast)
Despite my epic fail using Maya, I still managed to animate Morpheus in a successful loop! Overall I'm happy with the outcome, saying I spent about 4 days working on it.
Some of the movements still look a bit stiff, particularly when he stands up off the floor, which I think would be resolved with some more head and back movement to make it look more natural, as well as applying more secondary action to his arms. Apart from this I like the movement and exaggeration in his walk, and the stretch he does once he stands up (I animated the fingers to stretch further when he leans back but you can't really tell from this camera angle!)
I've learnt how easy it is to animate a walk cycle on Maya - and how easy it is to mess it all up! But I will need a lot more practice in 3D animating to get to a better standard.
Some of the movements still look a bit stiff, particularly when he stands up off the floor, which I think would be resolved with some more head and back movement to make it look more natural, as well as applying more secondary action to his arms. Apart from this I like the movement and exaggeration in his walk, and the stretch he does once he stands up (I animated the fingers to stretch further when he leans back but you can't really tell from this camera angle!)
I've learnt how easy it is to animate a walk cycle on Maya - and how easy it is to mess it all up! But I will need a lot more practice in 3D animating to get to a better standard.
Archive, Heritage and Exhibitions Intern...
My classmate shared an opportunity with us all that I thought looked quite interesting. It's not very specific to the animation industry, but becoming an intern anywhere and showing people that you have the basic skills required for most jobs with the experience you have on your CV is ultimately a good thing.
It would be a good opportunity to learn how a company works nonetheless, and the start date is perfect timing for when I plan to move out of Leeds. Originally I was going to have a break for a month or two first as I search for a job, but if the opportunity arises to start working in June or July, then I'll take it.
http://www.bafta.org/jobs/archive-heritage-exhibitions-intern
It would be a good opportunity to learn how a company works nonetheless, and the start date is perfect timing for when I plan to move out of Leeds. Originally I was going to have a break for a month or two first as I search for a job, but if the opportunity arises to start working in June or July, then I'll take it.
http://www.bafta.org/jobs/archive-heritage-exhibitions-intern
Manchester Animation Festival - Intentions to Submit
As I have been thinking of ways to put my work out there and get in touch with industry professionals, I saw an advert for submitting short films to Manchester Animation Festival.
Unfortunately I didn't attend the festival last year, but those who went in my class seemed to believe it was a good experience - similar to Bradford Animation Festival (which got cancelled last year). The event will take place in November, and submissions are open from now until 29th July, which is plenty of time after uni is over to definitely make sure I have a finished film to submit.
The film I'd like to finish off and submit is my Extended Practice final piece, since it is my most recent major project, and will advertise my capabilities as an animator to audiences as I develop my practice and contacts in the industry. My film isn't finished yet, but it should be by the uni's exhibition on 10th June, and once it is I will submit it to the 'Student Films' category.
In the meantime, I just need to keep working on my film and keep an eye out for updates about the festival, since I'd like to see if I can apply to be a volunteer there as well. It looks like an amazing opportunity to meet the guest speakers, watch the screenings, and meet new people who have similar interests to me.
If becoming a volunteer doesn't work out, I'd like to attend the event anyway, since similar opportunities will arise if I give them the chance to.
Unfortunately I didn't attend the festival last year, but those who went in my class seemed to believe it was a good experience - similar to Bradford Animation Festival (which got cancelled last year). The event will take place in November, and submissions are open from now until 29th July, which is plenty of time after uni is over to definitely make sure I have a finished film to submit.
The film I'd like to finish off and submit is my Extended Practice final piece, since it is my most recent major project, and will advertise my capabilities as an animator to audiences as I develop my practice and contacts in the industry. My film isn't finished yet, but it should be by the uni's exhibition on 10th June, and once it is I will submit it to the 'Student Films' category.
In the meantime, I just need to keep working on my film and keep an eye out for updates about the festival, since I'd like to see if I can apply to be a volunteer there as well. It looks like an amazing opportunity to meet the guest speakers, watch the screenings, and meet new people who have similar interests to me.
If becoming a volunteer doesn't work out, I'd like to attend the event anyway, since similar opportunities will arise if I give them the chance to.
Tuesday 17 May 2016
Showreel
So it's finally time to review my work over the duration of the course and add my best assets into one showreel...
There was a period between the end of second year and my dissertation hand in where I didn't animate much, so I don't have as much to show for myself as a third year as I'd have liked. However after a few talks with my tutor it was clear that less is more - his main advice was to only put work that you're definitely happy with, even if it means your showreel is only 20-30 seconds long.
This makes sense, since if you have loads of work you're not completely proud of in there then potential employers will see that too.
The only difference between these showreels is a 2 second clip I initially put in. The Propercorn advert I collaborated on with Cara Lambert at the time was some of my best work, but my drawing skills have developed since then. At first I felt I needed more than 3 animations to show off my skills, however I think this two second clip sticks out compared to the rest. If I had more shorter clips in, like in my previous showreel, then the propercorn clip would work better, but taking my tutors advice "less is more" is a better option to show off my best work.
In comparison to my 2015 showreel, I think overall I prefer the tempo of the first reel; some of the work in it is not at a high standard, however with the changing clips and music to go with it, it made the film to the point and easier to watch. Despite this I'm happy with the showreel I have for now - I intend to finish off those works and create some more short animations in the next couple of months, so I can update it when I see fit and as I apply to jobs.
There was a period between the end of second year and my dissertation hand in where I didn't animate much, so I don't have as much to show for myself as a third year as I'd have liked. However after a few talks with my tutor it was clear that less is more - his main advice was to only put work that you're definitely happy with, even if it means your showreel is only 20-30 seconds long.
This makes sense, since if you have loads of work you're not completely proud of in there then potential employers will see that too.
The only difference between these showreels is a 2 second clip I initially put in. The Propercorn advert I collaborated on with Cara Lambert at the time was some of my best work, but my drawing skills have developed since then. At first I felt I needed more than 3 animations to show off my skills, however I think this two second clip sticks out compared to the rest. If I had more shorter clips in, like in my previous showreel, then the propercorn clip would work better, but taking my tutors advice "less is more" is a better option to show off my best work.
In comparison to my 2015 showreel, I think overall I prefer the tempo of the first reel; some of the work in it is not at a high standard, however with the changing clips and music to go with it, it made the film to the point and easier to watch. Despite this I'm happy with the showreel I have for now - I intend to finish off those works and create some more short animations in the next couple of months, so I can update it when I see fit and as I apply to jobs.
Friday 13 May 2016
Practical - Animating Progress
After reviewing my initial tests, I kept the original walk cycle and started fresh with him falling over. I made him pause for a second when he stumps his foot, and then fall flat on his face whilst swinging his arms back - which I think works better since the movement is a lot faster and sudden, which adds the comedic value to the shot.
Standing him back up was difficult, because his legs can only move to certain angles, so as he moves up his foot goes through the floor for a couple of frames... I think the movement is good but a bit stiff as he rolls his arms back and forth. If I have time I will add more movement to his back and head, to give it more secondary action and look more natural.
Standing him back up was difficult, because his legs can only move to certain angles, so as he moves up his foot goes through the floor for a couple of frames... I think the movement is good but a bit stiff as he rolls his arms back and forth. If I have time I will add more movement to his back and head, to give it more secondary action and look more natural.
Thursday 12 May 2016
Practical - Starting the Animation
For my practical piece, I want to refresh my memory in Maya and animating a walk cycle, and I thought the best opportunity to do this would be for Loop De Loops theme of the month 'Tumble'.
At first I considered getting a couple of my classmates to design characters for me to animate in different styles - this would have been performed with 2D animation, which is my most comfortable technique to use; However I thought trying out 3D software again would be good practice for me.
There are a few rigs that I have wanted to try out for a while, but never got around to it. So far working with Morpheus has been pretty smooth (apart from his breaking knees), the rig is easy to control with a number of joints and a few more capabilities then Moom...
I wanted to try an exaggerated walk cycle to create an upbeat, overconfident character, so I created this initial test. I am happy with how it's turned out, however I think I could exaggerate the poses even more, to create a more lively performance.
I thought the animation would be funny if he tripped over a bump in the road, and went to carry on walking to then fall over; however this first test looks strange in that he moves his leg forward as if to take another step, and then moves his leg back as he falls over.
I like that he falls flat on his face, but I will edit the movement so that he falls over straight away, rather than delaying it and moving him forwards.
At first I considered getting a couple of my classmates to design characters for me to animate in different styles - this would have been performed with 2D animation, which is my most comfortable technique to use; However I thought trying out 3D software again would be good practice for me.
There are a few rigs that I have wanted to try out for a while, but never got around to it. So far working with Morpheus has been pretty smooth (apart from his breaking knees), the rig is easy to control with a number of joints and a few more capabilities then Moom...
I wanted to try an exaggerated walk cycle to create an upbeat, overconfident character, so I created this initial test. I am happy with how it's turned out, however I think I could exaggerate the poses even more, to create a more lively performance.
I thought the animation would be funny if he tripped over a bump in the road, and went to carry on walking to then fall over; however this first test looks strange in that he moves his leg forward as if to take another step, and then moves his leg back as he falls over.
I like that he falls flat on his face, but I will edit the movement so that he falls over straight away, rather than delaying it and moving him forwards.
Wednesday 11 May 2016
The Dots
One thing I have realised whilst searching for a job in the animation industry is that there aren't very many advertised right now. I think looking at specific companies I'm interested in to see if they're advertising any internships or junior positions would be the best way to go (since there's more likely a job I'd want there), but another alternative is search engines.
My classmate told us about 'The Dots' which is an engine specifically designed to advertise creative jobs! Whilst searching you can list specific aspects of a job you'd want, such as the position, location, level, and a list of your skills - which all sounds fancy, but after listing the specific skills and position I'd like to go into nothing comes up on the list.
My classmate told us about 'The Dots' which is an engine specifically designed to advertise creative jobs! Whilst searching you can list specific aspects of a job you'd want, such as the position, location, level, and a list of your skills - which all sounds fancy, but after listing the specific skills and position I'd like to go into nothing comes up on the list.
So instead I had to widen my requirements to none specific skills or levels, and I found this stop motion animator advertisement:
The job requirements and tasks aren't very specific, but this opportunity could be interesting to consider. The contract is only for a month but earning a lot of money in that time. The main softwares are DragonFrame, Photoshop and Illustrator - all of which I can use. And it would give me some experience to put on my CV, as well as opening up opportunities for more work and gaining another contact (in the employer). It would also be a good opportunity for me to practice using Stop Motion more, since at the moment it's my least used technique (despite me really enjoying using it).
When my CV is completely put together and ready to submit, I will see if this advertisement is still available and potentially apply to it as one of my first jobs.
Social Networking Sites
Since a lot of the creative industry operates online, I made several profiles on various websites to promote myself as an animator. It has proven to be an easier way to communicate with people, since fans get to ask direct questions to companies all over the world, as well as being able to document their own work for everybody to see.
One point I should consider for my accounts is to make a square icon for a business card to work as profile pictures, to create a complete collection of social media accounts that all link back to me. Apart from this, I think that I have done quite well to establish my online presence, and it will give me a reason to animate and update my profiles if nothing else!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-neild-353630a8?trk=hp-identity-name
https://twitter.com/AlexAnimates95
http://aneild95.tumblr.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwMKgyessTrzrBDkDMjXtWg
https://vimeo.com/alexanimates
https://www.instagram.com/alexanimates95/
http://alexandraneild.wix.com/alexanimates
One point I should consider for my accounts is to make a square icon for a business card to work as profile pictures, to create a complete collection of social media accounts that all link back to me. Apart from this, I think that I have done quite well to establish my online presence, and it will give me a reason to animate and update my profiles if nothing else!
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| Tumblr |
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| Youtube |
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwMKgyessTrzrBDkDMjXtWg
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| Vimeo |
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| Wix Website |
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