Using Maya, I built the sets for the inside and outside scenes so I could refer to these when sketching the background from different camera angles. I did this so my proportions were more accurate.
I then focused on colouring the backgrounds first so I could later animate over the top. I needed to remember to focus on my animation itself as in the last module, I spent too much time on the backgrounds and it was recommended that I spend less time on these in the future.
I added key frames to my animatic based on my storyboard directions and reference videos. I did this so I could check the timing was correct before I added the in-betweens and extremes.
I then started adding the in-between frames to my animation to make the movements appear smoother and more natural. I animated mainly in Photoshop as this is the software I am the most confident in, however I also added some effects, such as the light around the lamps, in After Effects and finally, I edited all the clips together in Premiere Pro so this module, specifically this task, has allowed me to explore a range of different software.
My illustrative style isn't very exaggerated or abstract, the proportions are more realistic, which meant I felt adding extremes wouldn't be very suitable. I thought another way to build anticipation and exaggeration would be through sound, so I rerecorded my grandparent's lines and looked into potential other sound effects to build the atmosphere better.
Once I had finished each scene within my animation, I edited the clips together and added the finished project to my second Pitch Bible. I had some issues regarding file size but otherwise, it was an easy task to complete. Between the pitch bible presentation and the deadline day, I worked on refining individual scenes.
Link to Second Pitch Bible
From this lesson, I had some feedback regarding certain proportions and character sizing within a shot. I was praised on the voice acting I chose and the facial expressions I animated which I am happy with as after LAUAN403, I wanted to work on my expressions more so feel I have achieved this for this module. I also believe my timing has improved.
Below is my final animation. I am proud of my lip sync and how I displayed subtle yet impactful emotions through the character's facial expressions and atmosphere. I believe the voices I chose work well for this animation as the content is very dark, so I feel these vocals (provided by my grandparents) add a subtle humour to the short.
Link to Final Animation
If I had more time, I would work on making the lighting and shadows more prominent as I feel this would really help give the animation a darker and more intense atmosphere. I could do this by adding yellow highlights to objects gathered around the street lamps in the outdoor scenes as the bright yellow should contrast the dull blue tones well. I would also make my characters' movements more fluid and loose.
I did originally add yellow highlights to my character in the opening/ establishing shot however, due to her thick black outline and how small she is, I felt this looked obtrusive and too blocky, so I removed them again.
