Specialist Study One Proposal

The first module of my final year is specialist study one. This module is designed so that I can choose the area of animation in which I want to further my knowledge and develop my skills as an animator. As I have previously written, I want to go into 3D animation, but I have now narrowed down the particular field within 3D animation I want to pursue, which is character animation. I have every intention of continuing my learning in the other fields of 3D e.g. modelling, rendering and rigging but for me, the key area of my study now and for the final year is character animation.

Character animation is something I have always loved, regardless of the form of 3D or otherwise e.g. 2D or stop motion. I have always enjoyed seeing good characters that connect with the viewer, often making them ‘feel’ for them and engaging with them emotionally, thus what could be termed as ‘investing’ in them. The ‘Toy Story’ films are the first films that come to mind of doing this; they are a good example of capturing the audience through the characters - not wanting to let go. Audiences are still eager to know what is happening in the lives of Woody and other characters, thus Pixar are creating new short features and a rumoured ‘Toy Story 4’ is in the works (which is probably going to happen). This is perhaps best described as manipulation; getting the viewer to simplify or feel a particular emotion with the character. This is something that goes deep down into the psyche of humans; to ‘root’ for the underdog or the demise of the malevolent villain. Upon reflection, this is something I want to achieve with my characters and partly why I have such a passion for character animation.

The Aim

The aim for me in this module is to create a believable character performance animation, focusing on being 'believable'. I want to create a short animation that entertains the audience and one that they believe in. I have two ideas of how I would like to achieve this. The first is by entering into 11 second club. They produce a sound clip, fully rigged characters and an audience to critique it. The second is creating a short silent animation piece with more emphasis on the performance of the character and making him feel real. My recent watching of Buster Keaton’s short films has inspired this idea. In both cases, my workflow and the information that follows will stay the same.

 My Learning Outcomes 

• To develop and enhance my knowledge of character performance in animation and what makes a character believable.
• To critique and analyse techniques used in performance.
• To demonstrate an understanding of the principles of animation and application of them in 3D character animation.
• To complete tasks according to a clear production pipeline, including the use of tests and procedures, resulting in improvement and development in animation.

 Reflection and Action Plans

I want to increase my knowledge of character performance and animation and thus intend to complete a number of different micro projects, including the basic walk cycle test to more challenging facial expression tests. I also see this as a chance to further develop my character design work and therefore, will undertake some more life drawing classes. I will also be creating storyboards and thumbnails.

Personal Aim

I am hoping this project and the tasks I complete will in turn, greatly benefit me as an animator and widen my knowledge of the field. I believe this will be achieved and enable me to produce a substantial piece of work that will be compiled into a character animation show reel. 

 
 Resources

My main books resources areas followed:

• The animator's survival kit
•  How to cheat in's Maya 2012
•  Acting for Animators
• Animated Performance