Week 8

Scene updates:

 Quick Ideas from discussions:

1. We could hide those abnormal parts before fully revealing Mrs. Wrinkles,

 

2. We should focus on showing only one supernatural power, I quite like how it uses psychic power to impact the surroundings

 

Scene modification:

Opening shot: Keep the opening shot in Animatic 4, perhaps add some phrases like We miss you/Best class pet in the world, 
or kids drawings of "My favorite moments with Mrs. Wrinkles, RIP", to establish the classroom setting.

 

Shot 2: Shows the kid shaking the spray can and approaching the wall
      - Left side view, Wall on the left, then the kid enters the shot from the right

Shot 3: Mrs. Wrinkles walks toward the kid, but only shows the normal parts e.g.(the lower jaw and front part of the body)
      - Right side view of Mrs Wrinkles, enters the shot from left and walks to the right 
      p.s. contrast with kid's intro + visual storytelling technique of establishing protagonist & antagonist

Shot 4: Kid hears Mrs. Wrinkle's meow, looks back
      - Before looking back: Subtle bell ringing from weak to strong, then meows

Shot 5: Kid expresses friendliness and invites Mrs. Wrinkles to come closer, as Mrs. Wrinkles enters the light, Kid sees the abnormal looks of Mrs. Wrinkles
      - Camera angle from the kid's perspective?
      - Mrs Wrinkles approach with caution/shyness
      - Reveal the ears at last (if possible)

Shot 6: Kid panics and throws the spraying can at Mrs. Wrinkles
      - The camera follows the flying can

Shot 7: Mrs. Wrinkles stops the can with its psychic power right before can hits her
      - Side angle probably, the camera stops right after the can

Shot 8: Mrs. Wrinkles hisss at the kid 
      - Front close-up shot, emphasize on the third eye opening

Shot 9: Mrs Wrinkles jumps to the highest point of the floating furniture
      - With windows shaking, blinds blasting open, or something idk

Shot 10: Mrs Wrinkles stares down at the kid, ready to pounce

Ending shot: Mrs Wrinkles jumps at the kid and the camera cuts

Cody the Intruder:

I really like playing around with Marvelous Designer, the whole cloth simulation process was super quick and in real time. 

Create a Fitting Suit in Marvelous Designer

Using  the default avatar to setup the outfit

Import the previous outfit file to the DAZ character

Using the Auto Fit function to resize the outfit

Importing back to Daz Studio and compiling everything to the body skin weight. Exporting to Maya using the DazToMaya bridge.

The previous attempt was super laggy in Maya, so I was forced to use presets made for Daz characters instead :))

I much prefer the first outfit but unfortunately, it gives Maya too many attributes to calculate, making the scene file extremely laggy and not efficient for animation.

Weekly Report:

 

Character design is crucial in animation, shaping characters with expressive features and relatable traits to foster connections with viewers. As we watch, we empathize with their struggles and revel in their triumphs, forming emotional bonds that keep us engaged.

Animation breathes life into characters through movement, conveying a myriad of emotions through gestures, facial expressions, and body language. From exuberant dances to subtle gestures, animation captures these emotions with striking authenticity, drawing us deeper into the story.

Colors play a significant role in setting the tone of animated worlds. Bright, vibrant hues evoke feelings of happiness and warmth, while muted tones can create a sense of tension or unease, enriching the emotional experience for viewers.

Music acts as a powerful complement to the visual narrative, stirring our emotions with its melodies and themes. Whether it's a powerful orchestral score or a catchy tune, music enhances the emotional resonance of the story, guiding the audience through its highs and lows.

Additionally, storytelling techniques such as pacing, framing, and narrative arcs skillfully shape the emotional journey, drawing us further into the narrative and eliciting a range of emotional responses. These elements work together harmoniously to create immersive experiences that resonate deeply with audiences.

Overall, animation's ability to evoke emotions stems from its adept use of character design, movement, color, music, and storytelling, creating immersive experiences that resonate deeply with audiences.