Category: 4.1 Project 1 (George – Previs)

In week 11, we started learning and practicing a new 3D animation project, focusing on character body mechanics exercises. For the first class, we need to prepare a 3D action reference. You can search online for action references, extract the animations you need, and combine them to create a complete story. Alternatively, you can act as the performer yourself, recording your own performance as a reference.

I recorded a video of myself performing the scene, which tells the story of an angry man who stands up from his chair and furiously pounds the wall. However, he hits the wall with such force that it causes him pain and makes him jump in reaction. Additionally, based on my own reference, I sketched a quick draft of the animation sequence to facilitate the upcoming animation production process.

Thumbnail

In Week 10, the final week of this project and the last chance to get feedback from George, I received comments mainly about the transitions between different shots and their timing. Some of them were too abrupt, not giving the audience enough time to react. For example, in the few shots where the character picks up the potion bottle, I needed to leave some time during the cuts for the audience to understand that the protagonist is going to take the bottle, and then show them taking it away before cutting to the next shot. Additionally, I’ve been preparing for the Week 1 presentation of Project 01 for the new semester. First, I completed all the modifications to my preview animation, and I also added background music to provide a better experience for the viewers of the animation.

This week, based on George’s feedback, I made more detailed adjustments to my animation, including using geometric shapes to simulate special effects. By using circular geometry that grows and shrinks at different times, and adjusting its transparency, I was able to create the effect of a boiling potion in the crucible. It’s important to know that creating fluid animations can be very time-consuming, so presenting the animation samples in this way is a great approach. This also makes it easier for animators to observe the animation and avoid unnecessary time expenditure. Additionally, I made some changes to the protagonist’s actions, including more diverse facial expressions and movements.

This week, I completed the remaining ending scenes of the whole animation. In the end, the little cat helps the protagonist successfully brew the potion in a mischievous and unintentional way. However, I added an explosion in the final scene, creating an open-ended conclusion that leaves room for the audience’s imagination.

This week, based on George’s feedback, I made some changes and additions to my animation. I completed the entire animation, adjusted some character actions, such as when the protagonist throws the potion bottle into the pot, the pot emits gas and the protagonist takes a step back. I also extended the overall duration of the animation a bit to make the story more complete.

In this week I revised and established my final ideas. I re-established my scene, changing the forest scene into an

indoor magic room scenario. My story, which is about a wizard refining medication, will take place in a magic house.

I used existing prop assets from Sketchfab and then built them into the magic room scene that I wanted.

The video below shows part of the layout animations I made this week, they are not complete, but is good to show

all my characters, and the story that will happen.

Idea 02 (ghosts)

I created a storyboard for my ghosts idea to help organize the story direction.

In week four, I decided on my primary concept, a 3D animated short film titled “Magic Potion.” This is a 3-minute short film project that I hope can be completed in collaboration with others, but I would still like to consider the possibility that I will need to complete this project on my own, so I will also make two plans, one for the collaboration and one for the individual.

MAIN IDEA ( magic potion)

In this week, I have created a storyboard for the entire narrative, and there may be some minor adjustments, such as replacing the lizard character with a small black cat. Also, my scene is currently set in a fantasy forest, and I’m still deciding whether to move it to a magical room.

3D Storyboard:

3D Layout:

IDEA 02 （the black cat）

This idea is actually combined with the idea of the animated short film, in which the character of the black cat will appear as the witch’s pet, exhibiting humorous and exaggerated movements and behaviors.

Storyboard:

IDEA 03 (ghost partners)

In the story, a small pink ghost spots a dejected blue ghost sitting in a corner. She approaches him curiously and learns that he had a conflict with his father over his dream of becoming a sailor. The father is concerned about his son living an unstable life at sea, but the blue ghost is determined to follow his heart.

The pinkghost encourages him to pursue his dreams and suggests that he talks to his father and explains how much it means to him. The two ghosts start playing a sailor game together and have fun.

Overall, the story promotes the message of pursuing one’s dreams and encourages communication and understanding between parents and children.