Week 4: Nurbs modelling

Using the CV curve tool, I tried to create the hard-edge box shapes, applying more points to create the corners and then closing the curve created. Then duplicating the curve, resizing and lofting between to create the box surface/shape. This same rule was applied to the shelf and these shapes were just duplicated and re-sized to accomplish the desired shape.

The process started off surprisingly slowly, for such basic shapes. Having never modelled anything in nurbs and with very little 3D and maya experience in general, it took a while to get into the correct way of thinking.

Eventually it all kind of began to come together.

Week 3: 48 Hour Project

And finally a film was born.

This was a pretty substantial learning experience for me having done very little live action projects. I learned a good bit about filming and touched on some editing. I even had the chance to play my hand at compositing some missing teeth and acting (both in a very terrible manner). We wanted a short(ish) film with a simple story packed with cheesy vampire cliches that would hopefully get a few laughs. Naturally, time limit was a huge restriction in the process and of course the quality of shots, compositing and effects may have taken a slight hit as a result. Of course we had already deliberately in many of the gags gone for a 'badly done' look to enhance the theme (which was our main concern) so in many cases this worked in our favour. The most important aspect we focused on was the comedic story-line and I do actually feel that we managed to portray the story and the theme well enough.

Week 3: Mind Mapping - Programme of Study

           Throwing my hazy thoughts and ideas about my POS down on to paper using the tool of the genius.

Then creating it electronically....to double my odds of becoming a genius.

I can only hope that Tony Buzan would approve.

Week 2: 48 Hour Project

After being separated into our groups we were given a theme, prop and line that had to be used in the film we were to produce. Kieran, George, Lilly and I were grouped together.

Theme:     Comedy

Prop:        Leather Gloves

Line:         'Listen to them, the children of the night. What music they make'.



The Idea:

 

Having only 2 days to make the film we could not spend too long running over possible ideas and plots. So after it came about that the quote was from Bram Stoker's Dracula, the natural idea flow for the team was to come up with a comedic short film about a vampire...Perhaps not the most creative, but definitely a story feasible for the time restraints. We spent the remainder of the evening finalising our ideas so we could begin shooting.



Filming:

After a good start, our aim to have most or all of the filming completed on Tuesday was a bit of a flop, as at soon became too dark to shoot and the rest had to be done the following day. Despite a few unexpected difficulties with lighting, weather, locked graveyards, face-paint melting chilli-peppers and other external factors we managed to keep the story and comedy relatively in tact. In fact the whole process was rather organic and a couple of the ideas and gags were created on set.

Week 1: Introductions

We had a brief presentation discussing everyone's background.

Being predominantly in 2D roles throughout the past few years, I felt that I would like to go down a slightly different path this year. First and foremost my interests lie in compositing and visual effects. Only ever using After-effects in the past, I tried to explain to the group that I aim to really hone into compositing and am eager to learn to use Nuke and composite in more 3D or even Live Action environments.

It was brought forward that I could use the 2D skills I practiced previously in 3D processes, such as using the elements of digital painting in texturing 3D models and environments etc.