Studio1 Folio 2 Plan
Junzhe Yan s3848212
In the past folio, I had always wanted to show graphics in the old way like making character action and camera panning. Through this project, I will learn more about software skill in particle effects and make progress in rendering . At the same time, I will further learn post-production techniques such as 3D model action making and environmental effects. In this practice, I would also design a new character “Chimera” by using Zbrush modeling, Substance Painter and MAYA to produce a little short cut animation. Meanwhile, I would further learn AE video effects composition or Blender.
Purpose of Creation:
Cyo symbolizes the disadvantaged groups that are excluded in the real life due to inborn or acquired defects. Chimera symbolizes the image of redeemers and mentors in the life to help the disadvantaged groups to get through difficulties. Through this animation, what I want to convey is as follows: Even in adversity, do not lose hope of survive because of the cynicism around you. Instead, you should face life positively, and believe that through these "specialities", you can discover the reward that ordinary people cannot get one day.
Context: Field
Thematic Research:
The main driving factor for me to make this character is the short 3D animation “Fungi, the mushroom spirit”, which is a fresh animated short film by Grégory Monard. This film has given me much sense of creation about the camera shot design and narrative design, whether it is its exquisite graphics, special effects music, the fascinating plot, or the rebirth finale. The exploratory nature and the background story theme deeply impressed me.
Method: Conceptual, Technical, Craft & Management
Unfolding of the Plot:
When discussing about the story at the very beginning, I had an idea in my mind: To shape a small the humanoid monster called “Chimera”, with some horns. Although Cyo is small and short, it is very keen on exploring. Cyo’s perplexed life is highlighted through its resistance for destiny, thus a pathfinder is urgently needed to guide it. As a result, Chimera, an illusory monster, comes into being by smog, invade Cyo's body, and Cyo would be reborn as Chimera at last. Chimera, become one with Cyo, aim is to guide it to get rid of the puzzle and go bright future.
This scene mainly explains the adventure experienced by the character, a small humanoid monster Cyo in the forest, before it encountered the smog, In the beginning, when sitting by the tree and walk into the depths, Cyo feels depressed for his longliness, but unconsciously sees a light shining the distance. So it was invaded by the light and transformed into Chimera.
Character Design:
The character of child in that film has many details. I was deeply impressed by the medusa’s hair style In Greek mythology. I also looked for a lot of character references, combined with some impression of the game characters and felt that the hair style of six tentacles fits this character.
The Character is ambitious, and it is the descendant of the monster, so his skin should be deep red, giving a cool feeling of the material, and his overall tones are mainly purple color and violet of the warm colors, due to Chimera’s mighty character, the six strong tentacles is a symbol of defensive instinct that represents its resistance to the unknown.
Production: Tools
Production Details:
Adobe Effects will be used for editing the film, special effects and sound effects.
Maya will be used for animation, substance painter will be used for character texturing, and ZBrush is used for character modeling.
There is no overly complicated content, and sculpture models are used heavily.
Scene Settings: Grassland, forest, river, flower, stone
Production Timetable:
In week 7, query, I collected and sum up related data for integration, conduct research and analysis, and determine the picture frames. Meanwhile, organize related works or tutorials found on the Internet for learning. Finalize character models and scene models.
For week 8, I compared and analyzed the integrated material, divide the styles of different animation character and plan the following production process rationally.
In week 9, I started designing, sculpt the models in ZBrush, and complete the scene objects modeling in MAYA. Summarize the weekly progress every week and carry out planning and arrangements according to the master plan.
To week 10&11, I finished the rest of the scene, landscape and boat in MAYA and texture painting in Substance Painter, and begain to rigging the character and key frame in MAYA.
In the last week, starts to render and produce the video in AE.
By Junzhe Yan (Jun)
Email Junzhe Yan (Jun)
Published On: 23/04/2021