Friday 9 May 2014

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Polydoodle Final Submission

Final Animation "& Son"



Polydoodle Art of "& Son"


& Son Turnaround Video




Technical Director Pipeline "& Son"



Character Shaders Technical Document

Thursday 8 May 2014

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Last Minute Shot Fixes

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (08/05/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The animated gifs below show some of the fixes done to Benjamins eye blink which was distorting the mesh. There is a fault in the characters blend shapes causing the brows to move when we need him to blink with sad eyes. Let it be a tip for everyone out there to be careful when making blendshapes... Try to do everything seperate.


EXTRACT

"The images above show Benjamin's head with a Black Hole mask which Sammy asked Stitch to render out as Benjamin's eyes were cutting through his blink cycle. The problem with doing this is it impacts the eyebrows which sadly is a fault in the facial Blend-shapes of the Benjamin rig. We will probably look into this before New Designers to possibly make a sad facial emote that doesn't impact anything but the eyes."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Logging the Exposure Sheets

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (08/05/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The scribd presentation below shows the exposure sheets for my shots specifically. These were created so we could easily execute our renders at the end of the project. My shots involved Scenes 4, 5 & 6 and were hand written on a print out before making their way onto the digital rendition.


EXTRACT

"The scribd document above shows the exposure sheets for Scenes 4, 5 & 6 which involved Stitch's 3D elements. To break the document itself down we were tasked to fill out each shot with a file and camera name along with the final frame count. These were done so we could know the render ranges of each scene. This was actually quite handy when digging through files looking for the right render setting and scope. Anyway thanks again Sammy these were handy!"

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 62 Alpha Version

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (01/05/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Alpha progression of "& Son's" Shot 62 Scene 6 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see Barnabas reacting to the final calamity that Benjamin's pranks have resulted in. This shot was a complete redo as the original corrupted. Anyway Enjoy!


EXTRACT

"Having been loosely told on Monday that my animation was without weight I thought I would use this shot to play with the graph editor a little more in depth... I added a little tweak to Barnabas's arm to add a little urgency. I also tried to spread out the motion a little more and offset areas of it. I will do this more in future animations, we are just out of time for me to figure it all out for hand in and revise every shot."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 47 Alpha Version

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (01/05/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Alpha progression of "& Son's" Shot 47 Scene 4 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see the aftermath of Benjamin's catapult hat prank. Barnabas has to run to pick up all of the hats, he then realises who is responsible.


EXTRACT

"The change log for 47 includes an adjusted crouching while moving forward cycle with the usual third pass animation traits which include idle and blink. There was also subtle motion added to Benjamin. Each character also has hidden models attached to the root of their respective hand joints. The inclusion of the 2D character is also a new feat for this rendition of 47."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 42 Alpha Version

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (27/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Alpha progression of "& Son's" Shot 42 Scene 4 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see Benjamin a little bored before he gets the idea for a new prank. Once again calamity ensues for poor Barnabas.


EXTRACT

"For the alpha version of shot 42 a lot of the rigid mechanical motion has been fixed for both characters. There is now a sigh incorporated into Barnabas aswell as a better executed shifty face from Benjamin at the end... There is also idle motion so things are not too still."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" ND Minor Renders

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (27/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The image below shows one of the renders we sent to Phil to go to the New Designers public submission. This is 1 of 5 of the minor renders, there were Major renders but they were dealt with by Sammy. These are light renders with texture occlusion.

 photo photos_zps6be148c1.jpg

EXTRACT

"The first image was Benjamin Badgersworth pulling his "Tah-Dah" pose technically this is a major project pose but we figured why not. This is where the lighting was experimented with and its more or less how we found an effective balance of shaders vs. light. This is actually where Stitch decided to base our feature renders on a more washed out skin tone like the Benjamin render above. "

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Lighting & Shader Tweaks

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (26/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The image below shows the lighting disparity from the earlier before texture light pass to the latter. There are specific settings I followed to create a nice ambient skin tone. To see the settings used please check out the post itself. I will probably be basing my technical document on this process so look out for that shortly!

 photo photos_zps6be148c1.jpg

EXTRACT

"The image above shows a partial render of an unlit relatively flat Benjamin Badgersworth before fixes were applied to the shaders and the lighting in the scene. This is of Shot 51 where Benjamin denies that he is plotting a new prank. Light linking also played a role by allowing light to come through the windows of the interior church. This creates a kind of natural light."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - 365 Day Project Shirt

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (26/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The image below shows the front image for the 365 Day Project T-Shirt probably my most favourite to date. I added in a little gag on the side which I always found funny on one of my old T shirts... Felt right for Barnabas falling from a ladder lol.

 photo photos_zps6be148c1.jpg

EXTRACT

"The image above shows the quote combined with Barnabas as a close up just in case the small image is a bit confusing. This design has been on the cards for a while Stitch just didn't have time to sit down and knock it together... Thankfully he managed to find an hour or two while knocking out other speedy designs for a couple of minor commissions. This shirt will no doubt  turn some cheeks."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - Polydoodle Easel Cards

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (26/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The image below shows the front image of our official Polydoodle Business cards. The back contains all our vital information and actually stands like an easel frame. We will be using these in our event roster for "& Son".

 photo photos_zps6be148c1.jpg

EXTRACT

"The image above shows a close up of the front of the card. The render itself was taken from Shot 57 of our actual short in a certain "Tah Dah" moment. Again its quite ironic because its this pose that causes the chain reaction which knocks the portrait over. Anyway we figured this was a healthy alternative to trying to crush details onto a whoopee cushion no matter how funny hearing farts around new designers would be."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" When Your Smiling

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (26/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows Polydoodles day out at Sunlight Studios where they recorded the "& Son" track "When Your Smiling" previously performed by Louis Armstrong. The singing was done by Samantha Butlers sister Lisa Butler. We hope you enjoy the video!


EXTRACT

"The video above is actually a behind the scenes look at our day out over at Sunlight, there was not a lot of recording time in the studio as Lisa seemed to have nailed the song within 2 takes. Never the less Polydoodle Stitch was there with his trusty camera to get the pre, prod and post play banter of the day. The music track itself was recorded by a contact of Polydoodle Chrissie's and she got us into the studio for the day so thanks to Chrissie for that too."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Scene 6 Mark 2

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (25/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 2 of "& Son's" Shots 57, 58, 59, 60 & 61 of Scene 6 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In these shots we see the resulting tragic candlestick knock and its aftermath. Little Benjamin really wishes he hadn't done this one. The music is now "When Your Smiling" the music in our short.


EXTRACT

"The video above shows the playblasted shot 57 with 58, 59, 60, 61 & 62. 62 is the only shot remaining in this sequence for revision so that will be the next adjustment for this particular Scene. There are a couple of versions of our adaptation of "When your smiling" and we will get those up shortly. For this the only version used was the one without any lyrics."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Scene 6 Fun Pass (Featuring MJ)

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (22/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 2 progression of "& Son's" Scene 6 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In these shots we see Benjamin's accidental candlestick knock and its final outcome. What makes this shot fun is the music that I originally used to animate along with it.


EXTRACT

"We did this video mainly because Stitch couldn't hold back this scene any longer but didn't want it to be taken too seriously just yet. Now to everyone out there this is to show musical timing as well as a nice dance animation (Shot 57). I originally animated this to Michael Jacksons "Black or white" (before we had our music recordings). Anyway don't read into it just enjoy and laugh :) If the video is removed for copyright reasons it don't matter... the damage is already done!"

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Scene 5 Mark 3 (with 2D)

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (22/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 3 progression of "& Son's" Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In these shots we see Benjamin's gag in its entirety with 2D from the start of the scene to the very end leading us into Scene 6. Obviously there are no transitions in this pass.


EXTRACT

"The video above shows the playblasted shots 50, 51, 52, 53 & 54. 51 is the only shot not to have any 2D as it involves Benjamin playing puppy eyes to his sceptical father. For clarity we placed in same scene twice with and without reference to show its influence as well as its "clean" state as windows all about the screen kind of take away from the experience within the playblasts."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 54 Alpha Version

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (18/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Alpha progression of "& Son's" Shot 54 Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see Benjamin's gag successfully executed. Barnabas who is seemingly unawares suddenly realises the trick his son has pulled.


EXTRACT

"In this video we see the run of the gag which Benjamin has finally managed to unleash on his unsuspecting dad. There are going to be lots of 2D frogs jumping about this scene so we really hope that you don't mind a few slimy friends haha... Its going to be awesome!"

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 53 Alpha Version

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (18/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Alpha progression of "& Son's" Shot 53 Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we have the camera pulling back to reveal Barnabas and Benjamin at the back of the church watching the proceedings as they go on... prank ensues.


EXTRACT

"The video above is Shot 53 showing Benjamin and Barnabas standing patiently at the back of the church why the priest reads his sermon. This scene is probably one of our most populated for the short, the version that comes after this will be something to look at!"

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 52 Alpha Version

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (18/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Alpha progression of "& Son's" Shot 52 Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see Barnabas accepting Benjamin's innocence just before he unleashes a box of frogs.


EXTRACT

"The video above is Shot 52 in playblast form devoid of light effects, at this level people should only be looking at the animation of the characters. Keeping everything at a low grade within the viewport is fundamental to being able to animate within a 3D program... If its too laggy how can you animate?"

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 51 Alpha Version

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (18/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Alpha progression of "& Son's" Shot 51 Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see Benjamin innocently denying that he has any tricks up his sleeve. Of course we know better then to trust the little tyke.


EXTRACT

"Above is shot 51 with little Benjamin denying that he is up to his usual tricks to his father Barnabas. There have been many work in progress versions of this but from discussions with Alan the hand gestures were altered as was the head movement to copy the Sammy reference more."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 50 Alpha Version

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (18/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Alpha progression of "& Son's" Shot 50 Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see Barnabas cautiously gazing at his son in hope that there's not another gag coming in this funeral procession.


EXTRACT

"Above is Shot 50 all on its own as we have previously established continuity with the previous works in progress. The main reason for these posts is to show the Alpha versions animated in play blasts, this is also to show a single frame of the rendered scene. Please check out the still below!"

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Scene 6 Development

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (15/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 3/3/1/1 progression of "& Son's" Shots 58, 59, 60 & 61 of Scene 6 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In these shots we see the resulting aftermath to Benjamins little accidental candle stick knock. The change log can be found underneath.


EXTRACT

"These shots are primarily following the integration of 2D characters into our 3D playblasts. There have been a couple of camera adjustments to shots 58 and 59. Shots 60 & 61 are solely based on 2D planes within Maya, one camera moving one not."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 58 Mark 2 WIP (with 57 & 59)

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (15/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 2 progression of "& Son's" Shot 58 (with 57 & 59) Scene 6 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot Benjamin is chasing after the falling candlesticks which he accidentally knocked over. The gag ends in total chaos, we have "Clerks" to thank for that.


EXTRACT

"This shot has the end of 57 with 59 to show continuity. Shot 58 now has Benjamin with a decent run cycle, liken to the Sammy reference. Added some shocked frames prior to delay Benjamin reaching the portrait before the end of the shot. Everything seems to flow a little better now."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Scene 5 Mark 2

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (10/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 2 progression of "& Son's" Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In these shots we see Benjamin's gag in its entirety from the start of the scene to the very end leading us into Scene 6. Obviously there are no transitions or 2D in this pass.


EXTRACT

"The video above is the video in question and only contains a small 44 second section of our short which is the equivalent of 1100 frames at our standard 25fps rate... well that's what it says on the exposure sheet so lets go with that. These shots go into each other this is why we thought a small play blast compilation was in order. Anyway please provide feedback should you have any words of wisdom."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 54 Mark 3 WIP

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (10/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 3 progression of "& Son's" Shot 54 Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see Benjamin's gag successfully executed. Barnabas who is seemingly unawares suddenly realises the trick his son has pulled.


EXTRACT

"In this shot the adjustments include moving some of the key frames so Barnabas actions made more sense. He is now angled more towards Benjamin at one point to be aware of his sons actions. This is followed by the embarrassed hand to head gesture to shield his eyes from the embarrassment."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 54 Mark 2 WIP

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (10/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 2 progression of "& Son's" Shot 54 Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In these shots we see Benjamin's gag successfully executed. Barnabas who is seemingly unawares suddenly realises the trick his son has pulled.


EXTRACT

"For this shot the Benjamin frog jump has been slightly increased in distance and height to look more exaggerated. Added some additional curious looks on the Barnabas facial controls. Moved the head slap moment down in the timeline... it is still a bit too slow."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 50, 51 & 52 Mark 7/6/5 WIP

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (10/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 7/6/5 progression of "& Son's" Shot 50 51 & 52 Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In these shots we see Barnabas question Benjamin we then see Benjamin acting innocent before hiding his next prank from Barnabas.


EXTRACT

"Okay this shot is possibly the final for 50, 51 and 52 unless told otherwise by the Polydoodle crew. For this shot I refined the Barnabas motion which included incorporating a turn and basic walk cycle motion. This completes the refinement of these particular shots... I think."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 50, 51 & 52 Mark 6/5/4 WIP

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (08/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 6/5/4 progression of "& Son's" Shot 50 51 & 52 Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In these shots we see Barnabas question Benjamin we then see Benjamin acting innocent before hiding his next prank from Barnabas.


EXTRACT

"This will probably be my final pass for Benjamin as I have added in additional coat tail functionality for this particular shot so it moves correctly with the leg. I also added some time at the end for the frog entrance which exceeds the allotted 200 frame allowance to 250 frames (2 additional seconds)."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 50, 51 & 52 Mark 5/4/3 WIP

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (06/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 5/4/3 progression of "& Son's" Shot 50 51 & 52 Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In these shots we see Barnabas question Benjamin we then see Benjamin acting innocent before hiding his next prank from Barnabas.


EXTRACT

"Made a number of corrections following discussions with Sammy and Phil as of last Friday. Removed frames from 51 adding them to 50 so the motions follow each other seamlessly. Fixed shot 52 for Benjamin's leg motion. The camera is also more subtle within 52 when moving to Benjis legs."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 52 Mark 2 (w. Shots 50 & 51)

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (03/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 2 progression of "& Son's" Shot 52 (with 50 & 51) Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see Barnabas walking away having accepted his sons innocence. Benjamin of course has more tricks up his sleeve.


EXTRACT

Mainly focused on getting the Benjamin character to flow across the 3 shots. Adjusted the foot that pushes the box of frogs to act more like the reference. Just generally refined the Benjamin character animation. Barnabas has not been touched.

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 50 & 51 Mark 4/3 WIP

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (03/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 4/3 progression of "& Son's" Shot 50 to 51 (with 52) Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see Barnabas cautiously gazing at his son in hope that there's not another gag coming in this funeral procession, he walks away unaware of Benjamin's next gag.


EXTRACT

Adjusted camera focal depth on shot 51 making it more from Barnabas POV. Added blink functionality, Benjamin has quick (nervous) blinks Barnabas regular blinks. Check out this guide I found on animated blinking!" http://www.bloopanimation.com/blinking-animation/

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 50 & 51 Mark 3/2 WIP

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (03/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 2/3 progression of "& Son's" Shot 50 to 51 (with 52) Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see Barnabas cautiously gazing at his son in hope that there's not another gag coming in this funeral procession, he walks away unaware of Benjamin's next gag.


EXTRACT

"Providing motion continuity for Benjamin into the next shot (51), refined some of the motion for 51 brought in 52 to see the flow of all 3 shots it is yet to be retouched. Just fixing as I go right now."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 50 Mark 2 WIP

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (03/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 2 progression of "& Son's" Shot 50 Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see Barnabas cautiously gazing at his son in hope that there's not another gag coming in this funeral procession.


EXTRACT

"Gave Barnabas more curious animation then the more obvious tell tale finger. Benjamin responds in kind which follows through to shot 51 (yet to be retouched)."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 59 Mark 2 WIP

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (01/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 2 progression of "& Son's" Shot 59 Scene 6 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see the aftermath of Benjamin's dance act. He knocks the dead mans picture into the coffin knocking the coffin over.


EXTRACT

"Adjusted the camera angle of this shot making it lower so the frame is more imposing (more to Benjamin's POV). Adjusted the focal depth to help fit objects in the frame."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 53 Mark 4 WIP

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (01/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 4 progression of "& Son's" Shot 53 Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see Barnabas and Benjamin with idle motion at the back of the church.


EXTRACT

"Just slowed down the motion of the foot roll to make it more casual. It now rolls a little smoother at a more decent rate. Erm I guess I hope this is better :)"

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Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 53 Mark 3 WIP

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (01/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 3 progression of "& Son's" Shot 53 Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see Barnabas and Benjamin with idle motion at the back of the church.


EXTRACT

"Just refined the quirk a little added in my reference video... please do not laugh at my pyjamas it was a bit of a late one..."

Read the full article here >>

Unit 11: Major Project - "& Son" Shot 53 Mark 2 WIP

Hello Everyone,

Here is a sample extract from my latest contribution (01/04/14) direct from Polydoodle Pictures Studio Blog. The video below shows the Mark 2 progression of "& Son's" Shot 53 Scene 5 of the Polydoodle production schedule. In this shot we see Barnabas and Benjamin with idle motion at the back of the church.


EXTRACT

"This is a little quirk I thought an idle Benjamin could do... Rolling his feet back and forth. Not sure but thought it looked cute I guess.."

Read the full article here >>