Context of Practise 1: Visual Journal Ideas

Context of Practise

Visual Journal Ideas

I decided to explore the idea of the Uncanny Valley, looking at expressions and stylised characters. I struggled to fully explore the Uncanny Valley, with the format I was using, so this developed into looking at animals, textures, which then developed into exploring colour. I wanted to look at how with stylised media, you are able to create visually impacting scenes, landscapes and backgrounds, which work to convey emotion, rather than a photo-realistic visual does.

This also lead me to explore 'Plein air' landscapes and how these can be adapted from real-life to a interpreted drawing or background, in animation.

Context of Practice 1: Feedback

Context of Practice 1

Essay Feedback

After having submitted my essay and had my visual journal reviewed, I found that my essay had several improvements to be made. These consisted of inconsistencies with the references, some grammar and phrasing mistakes and some additional changes needing to be made in my evaluation. As my next steps I will explore the Uncanny Valley in my visual journal to tie back with my research and correct the essay mistakes.

Context of Practice 1: Visual Journal

Context of Practice 1

Visual Journal

After my research for the essay, my visual journal focuses on how studios create sense of realism using CG animation and whether the "authentic" appeal is required to make the story or characters immersive and full of life. I decided to explore this idea once finishing my essay, and with the research I conducted, explore CG creatures and environments within the journey of my journal. This also included looking at Concept Art for my case studies and understanding how this was later transferred to CG.

Although I may have explored Avatar, Harry Potter and Star Wars in my essay, in my research I also looked at the Disney "live-action" remakes and and how the environments and creature design contributed to authentic worlds.

Context of Practise 1: Academic Writing Notes

Context of Practise 1

Academic Writing Notes

From the Academic Writing lecture, I learnt how to structure the essay and plan my ideas. The essay structure consists of an introduction, followed by the main body of paragraphs, offering different viewpoints and with a logical progression of ideas. This is then followed by a conclusion, which is my viewpoint.

The bibliography follows after this, then the Image list, with appropriately labelled figures. It should consist of specialist language, an explanation of ideas, objectively written and in third person. I intend to follow this structure, write my essay and then proof read to make changes.

Context of Practise 1: Triangulation

Context of Practise 1

Study Task 4 - Triangulation

Source 1: https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/real-magic-harry-potter-and-prisoner-azkaban

Source 2: https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/star-wars-behind-the-scenes-history-ilm-
industrial-light-magic-making-special-effects

Source 3: Furniss, M. (2016). Animation: A Global History. New York: Thames and Hudson.

With the creation of Buckbeak, described in Source One (The Real Magic of ‘Harry Potter’), being a digital creation allowed for quicker changes and feather manipulation, without limitation. It is stated that due to creating the realistic visuals of the creature, there were challenges in bringing “character to Buckbeak”. This was done through Buckbeak’s interaction with the actors and this allowed to create sense of character into something that doesn’t talk nor can move it’s beak in ways for emotion. Similarly, Source Two states (The Rise of CG in ‘How the making of Star Wars Changed Hollywood Forever), in the prequels, George Lucas makes use of the full CG character Jar Jar Binks. Due to the technology not being as advanced as during the making of ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’, the character, along with the writing of said character, is “lampooned” by audiences, in comparison.  Source 3 (Furniss, M. (2016). Animation: A Global History. p372-373) further emphasises this idea of “incongruity between realism and lifelessness”, explaining how the Polar Express was criticized for its realistic visuals, but the eye and mouth movements didn’t work right and thus ruined the overall visual experience. My understanding of this is that they all reference this idea that CG is being used within film making to portray visual realism to audiences and almost “show off” what technology can now provide for movies. It allows for more immersive content, however this is undermined by the idea of lifeless characters and the “dullness” which CG provides to movies.

I didn’t find the process to compare and contrast the sources entirely difficult, in terms of content, however it was being able to compile everything I found into a short paragraph. It was difficult to remain on topic. If I were to do this again, I think I would plan further or try using the PDF booklet more to look further into the process of active reading.

Context of Practise 1: Propaganda and Politics

Context of Practise 1 - Propaganda and Politics

How in which Animation can propagate what they wanted to be the norm and being subversive is going against an established norm or regime. This could be argued in terms of political correctness, also in this context and what would be seen as politically correct now is different to in the past and across the world. I most likely won't be discussing this topic within my journal and essay. 

Context of Practise 1: Referencing Different Sources

Context of Practise 1 - Referencing Different Sources

Study Task 3

Bibliography of Sources, from Study Task 1

Besen, E. (no date) Animation and the Art of Action-Based Storytelling. Available at: https://www.writersstore.com/animation-and-the-art-of-action-based-storytelling (assessed 23 November 2018)

Blaise, A. (2018) [Twitter] 25, October. Available at: https://twitter.com/AaronBlaiseArt/status/1055504189814538240 (assessed 23 November 2018)

CGMeetup. (2015) ‘CGI Making of Pixar Animation Inside Out | CGMeetup’ Youtube, 19 June. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-gPD00ksxQ (assessed 23 November 2018).

CGMeetup. (2016) ‘CGI Dreamworks Animation Studio Pipeline | CGMeetup’ Youtube, 4 January. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru0tQRJ4qKs (assessed 23 November 2018).

CGMeetup. (2016) ‘CGI Animated Short Film HD “Majora’s Mask - Terrible Fate” by EmberLab | CGMeetup’ Youtube, 5 December. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqc4gno0Hso (assessed 23 November 2018).

Discovery. (2009) ‘Avatar: Motion Capture Mirrors Emotions’ Youtube, 24 December. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wK1Ixr-UmM (assessed 23 November 2018).

Dreamworks Animation (2011) Po Finds the Truth. Available at: https://www.redgiant.com/blog/2011/08/25/trapcode-kicks-it-for-kung-fu-panda-2/  (assessed 23 November 2018)

Failes, I. (2016) 25 Years Ago: The CG Secrets of the Ballroom Sequence in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Available at: https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/25-years-ago-cg-secrets-ballroom-sequence-beauty-beast-145174.html (assessed 23 November 2018)

Failes, I. (2016) How the Making of Star Wars Changed Hollywood Forever. Available at: https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/star-wars-behind-the-scenes-history-ilm-industrial-light-magic-making-special-effects (assessed 23 November 2018)

Furniss, M. (2016). Animation: A Global History. New York: Thames and Hudson.

Just Write. (2017) ‘How CGI Transformed Animated Storytelling’ Youtube, 22 September. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guQzTr1YK40 (assessed 23 November 2018).

kaptainkristian. (2016) ‘Pixar - What Makes a Story Relatable’ Youtube, 9 May. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTM-AdrIpaE (assessed 23 November 2018).

kaptainkristian. (2016) ‘Pixar - What Makes a Story Relatable’ Youtube, 9 May. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTM-AdrIpaE (assessed 23 November 2018).

Keane, G. (2013) Facial Model Sheet by Glen Keane. Available at: http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/File:FlynnStudiesGK.jpg (assessed 23 November 2018)

Margo, K. (2018) ‘CONSTRUCT’ Vimeo, 24 September. Available at: https://vimeo.com/291628768 (assessed 23 November 2018).

Many Jony. (2017) ‘How Are Characters Animated at Pixar? - Toy Story’ Youtube, 23 October. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TqPl3MSSow (assessed 23 November 2018).

McLean, C. (2017) Is Disney sexist?. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/24e20f4c-5f17-45fa-9179-f8a9fdccbe9a (assessed 23 November 2018)

Mirror Dimension from Doctor Strange (film) (2016). Available at: https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/marveldatabase/images/5/5d/Mirror_Dimension_from_Doctor_Strange_%28film%29_001.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20180427164334 (assessed 23 November 2018)

New Rockstars. (2016) ‘Star Wars Rogue One - CGI Tarkin Explained’ Youtube, 18 December. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-KJGLRmt0w (assessed 23 November 2018).

Peters, B. (2018) 6 Rules of Great Storytelling (As Told by Pixar). Available at: https://medium.com/@Brian_G_Peters/6-rules-of-great-storytelling-as-told-by-pixar-fcc6ae225f50 (assessed 23 November 2018)

Skweres, M. (2004) The Real Magic of ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Available at: https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/real-magic-harry-potter-and-prisoner-azkaban (assessed 23 November 2018).

TheThings. (2017) ‘Disney’s Long Complicated History with Gay Characters’ Youtube, 16 December. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbmpRVMyNuo (assessed 23 November 2018).

Werewolves. (2018) [Exhibition]. Warner Bros. Studio Tour, London. (viewed 24 June 2018)

Wierenga, J. (2016) Gravity Falls - Storyboard Test. Available at: https://www.behance.net/gallery/33331541/Storyboard-Gravity-Falls-Test (assessed 23 November 2018)


Wintersweet Animation Studio. (2017) ‘First Bloom Teaser’ Vimeo, 23 January. Available at: https://vimeo.com/200698638 (assessed 23 November 2018).

I found that the process of referencing was tedious, however I found it easier when I grouped sources, so I could follow a similar format for all of the video sources, then for all of the web-pages. Through using this format, I was able to compile all of the sources into the bibliography, although I struggled sometimes identifying exactly what reference I should use for specific sources, because I wasn't completely sure whether it was a blog post or a specific web-page. I feel that once I use this referencing style more often, I'll understand the process more.

Context of Practise 1: Inclusive Storytelling (Representation)

Context of Practise 1 - Inclusive Storytelling

Representation in Animation can be unforgiving because of societal norms today that are different from the past and is arguably essential to storytelling. Progression of roles in animation are influential to society and even just the use of voice actors and casting can play a role in the representation of a certain demographic of people. If I were to explore storytelling in relation to the first topic, CG Animated movies, it would be how the aesthetic and medium would change representation of gender, age, etc.

Context of Practise 1: Nostalgia

Context of Practise 1 - Nostalgia

After the lecture on nostalgia, the idea of colouration within the new remake of the Lion King interested me, as people had argued that the dullness of the "live-action" remake was what they took away from the original. Those in my class preferred the brighter colours, in comparison to the lifeless colour palette used in the trailer, which is something I wanted to explore. Through opting for a more "realistic" colour palette, its almost pointless, as it's juxtaposed by the unrealistic element of singing and talking lions. In addition to this, we are unable to empathise or feel connected to characters, as they're too realistic to properly exaggerate and express emotions. In order to understand this, I would like to explore colour palettes and the affect of colour on mood, within my visual journal. This also ties in with my visual analysis of the Kung Fu Panda 2 screen grab, where CG is used successfully in conveying emotion, use of colour and audiences are able to still enjoy and connect with characters. 

Context of Practise 1: Visual Analysis

Context of Practise 1 - Visual Analysis

Study Task 2

VISUAL ANALYSIS - Kung Fu Panda 2, 2D Scenes with CG VFX

The first notable visual in this image is the use of colour and how the scene is composed, with the characters in the centre. The eye is drawn firstly to the white fire, to the right of the image, as the eyes are naturally drawn to lighter parts of an image. The audience is therefore drawn to the character Lord Shen, himself, whom of which is the antagonist, conveyed in the use of colour. Unsaturated tones are used for the shadows and characters in the centre, which makes the reds and brighter tones appear more saturated in contrast. The only character whom consists of a highly saturated colour is Shen, with the red symbol on the back of his cloak. This utilises the colour red to demonstrate him as a danger, but also in control and authority over the scene. Through visually associating him with fire, it conveys to audiences he is a destructive character and has lack of control over his anger and emotions, however it could also be representative of the idea his control is spreading, like fire. Items used within the image, such as the hammer used by both the protagonists and antagonists, represent a more defensive means of fighting, in contrast to Shen holding a sword, which again shows his more destructive and controlling character. His figure casts a grey shadow across the grass and further emphasises his power over the other characters, through use of shadow on the buildings and the characters themselves.

Context of Practise 1: New Technologies

Context of Practise 1 - New Technologies Lecture Notes

After the lecture on New Technologies, I found that I would like to focus on CGI as a technology or MotionCapture. Therefore, I will further research the two areas, when collecting initial sources on the topic. I will additionally explore the Storytelling question, to help refine my research to those areas. Within my visual journal, Ill explore my response to the findings, such as through looking at how Mo-Cap works and understand creation of texture and environments within CG animation.

Context of Practise 1: Types of Sources

Context of Practise 1 - Types of Sources

Study Task 1

NEW TECHNOLOGIES

Moving Images:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-gPD00ksxQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wK1Ixr-UmM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru0tQRJ4qKs

- Use of CG to recreate Tarkin and Leia in Rogue One

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-KJGLRmt0w

- Use of CG Animation, with 3D, VFX and Motion Capture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqc4gno0Hso

CONSTRUCT from Kevin Margo on Vimeo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TqPl3MSSow

Written Sources:

https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/real-magic-harry-potter-and-prisoner-azkaban - Article talking about the VFX used within the Prisoner of Azkaban

Furniss, M. (2016). Animation: A Global History. New York: Thames and Hudson.

https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/star-wars-behind-the-scenes-history-ilm-industrial-light-magic-making-special-effects#

https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/25-years-ago-cg-secrets-ballroom-sequence-beauty-beast-145174.html

Still Images:

Construction of worlds/morphing worlds using CG in Maya for Doctor Strange

https://www.redgiant.com/blog/2011/08/25/trapcode-kicks-it-for-kung-fu-panda-2/

Other:

After visiting the creation of Harry Potter at Warner Bros Studio Tour, London, I gathered images

and photographs of their process in creating the VFX of animals, use of green screen and CG.

INCLUSIVE STORYTELLING

inclusive

adjective

1. including all the services or items normally expected or required.

Moving Images:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guQzTr1YK40

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTM-AdrIpaE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbmpRVMyNuo

Written Sources:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/24e20f4c-5f17-45fa-9179-f8a9fdccbe9a

Furniss, M. (2016). Animation: A Global History. New York: Thames and Hudson.

https://medium.com/@Brian_G_Peters/6-rules-of-great-storytelling-as-told-by-pixar-fcc6ae225f50 - Article

https://www.writersstore.com/animation-and-the-art-of-action-based-storytelling/ - Article/Blog

Still Images:

Storyboard from Gravity Falls

Flynn Ryder Concept Expressions

Other Sources:

https://twitter.com/AaronBlaiseArt/status/1055504189814538240 - Livestream of Aaron Blaises’ Character
creation and talking about using characters for storytelling

During the research process, I found that it was more difficult to find sources which I didn't have full interest in and
struggled to include more diverse and interesting sources of information, when I initially didn't understand much
about the topics chosen. I found it was easier to source for New Technologies, than Inclusive Storytelling, despite
knowing more about storytelling concepts. I want to develop my visual journal to focus on New Technologies in
Animation and exploring use of not just CG, but also Visual Effects and Motion Capture, which I can then further
narrow my interests.