19 Shots for 19 Scenes sans VFX

As I'm compositing all of my scenes together I've been adding quite a few additions into a lot of my shots; so I thought it'd be interesting to see single shots from each scene without their added affects.

Just an FYI; the Bigfoot puppet is not giving the middle finger in the background; in this scene as he dances through the background he is doing a mocking dance in which he points to himself as he prances past.

                                    

A shot like this is going to have to be pulled hard through after effects to get my desired look; it's not like the others where Dragon just gives me an extra little bit of the top and bottom which'll be neatly hidden later.

Since I was working primarily out of my little bedroom studio, I had to use a lot of creative set management since I wouldn't have the space to accommodate multiple sets. Which is why the forestry sets were a series of interlocking segments that I was able to mix and match betwixt scenes to suite my various needs.

If I do another set like this, each of these shots'll have their added effects.

Bringing Up Bigfoot: Sneak Peek

Here's a short clip from my film: I'm in full compositing and vfx mode right now, so I should be done, with any luck, within the coming week.

Film Update.

(hey that's half of my head in the background, howdy)

This blog is in need of some love and what better way to start then with a thesis film update! I've just recently wrapped up principal photography: as I have shot all of my primary stop motion animation. My next step is to animate all of the faces for my characters (hopefully this stage will go smoothly) and on to final compositions!

BuB- Puppets

 A touch of aesthetic; as of right now I consider these puppets too be complete. Since shooting is still weeks off there may be extra things added before animation starts. Apart from that, I'm still quite pleased with how the group turned out.

Mac the head Bigfoot hunter.

Ern, Mac's sidekick.

ANDDDD.... BIGFOOT!!!

Ensemble cast with some early facial tests.

Film Updates: Bringing Up Bigfoot

Getting full into pre-production with my film now and that means puppets; and puppet updates for my blog and adventure. All of my puppets are still in their armature stages and my sets and props are soon to come underway. There are three main characters in my film; Mac the Bigfoot hunter, Ern, Mac's sidekick and Bigfoot the Bigfoot.

Each of my armatures were constructed using the same technique. Their core blocks are made from hard woods with a nut and bolt system drilled in to hold their various wire limbs in place. Their heads are left as sculpey as their faces are going to be composited on post animation. And for any of our portlier characters they have been shored up with upholstery foam.

First up is Ern.

Mac

Bigfoot

The gang's all here for a scaled lineup.

This is an early test of the facial composite; I'm very excited about the look that I'm getting with my characters and I think I'll stick with the design I've created. (Ern's mustache won't be a composite, btw, but he looked weird without it so I've put it in as a place holder.)

That's it for now, more updates to come with the next major production mark I reach.

Cheers

Prepping for 4th Year

Oh, my poor neglected blog; I suppose updates would be in order. I spent my summer interning at Cuppa Coffee Studios, a large stop motion house located in Toronto, Canada. It was a great experience that left me largely drained at the end of the day, but it was the good kind of tired. Now, I'll be heading into my fourth year in Sheridan College's animation program where I am obligated to make my thesis film. Additionally I had to petition this idea to the school in order to win one of the stop motion studio spaces, my choice medium; but if my own petition fails I will concede to Flash if it comes to that, and I won't argue to the fact.

My film idea is to make a Bigfoot mockumentary with an emphasis on being fairly ridiculous and hopefully a load of fun, not just for myself but for those who could potentially be watching. The film will primarily focus around the interview setup in which my main character Mac will lead us through the trials and challenges faced in their hunt for the legendary Bigfoot.

My two Bigfoot hunters Mac (Right) and Ern (Left)

Just some of the story beats and ideas from my film; as it is fairly early I could still change my mind, but  at the moment I am fairly satisfied with the product I am currently making. Although, once fourth year starts up I'll receive a teacher as a mentor and opinions from my peers so you never know what can happen.

Time for some Walkin'

Swambert decides to go for a little walk.