Reflection: Creating an Animatic

 I've completed my first draft of my animatic for Together. This is my first time creating an animatic, so I've learned a lot through the process. Referring back to the storyboard and script helped a lot; this enabled me to visualise what actions and moods each shot would need to convey. In a conversation with my supervisor early on, we talked about how having all of these elements would mean that creating the animation is just a series of recreating and honing, rather than attempting to create something from scratch. Through this process I've definitely found that to be true, and I think this animatic will be hugely beneficial during pre-production in the next trimester. 

Project Bible

 

Development: Environments

I have been using an app (Floor Plan Creator) to visualise my layouts. The app has a 3D mode as well, which has helped with visualising the perspective for my environments. Below are the results of this experimentation. 

Floor plan for Sunny's bedroom created in Floor Plan Creator

Hand drawn floor plan for Sunny's bedroom with extra details. 

3D render of Sunny's bedroom using Floor Plan Creator

Sketch of Sunny's room using the 3D render as reference

Lineart of Sunny's bedroom

 I used a similar process for developing Alistair's bedroom layout and environment. 

Floor plan of Alistair's bedroom using Floor Plan Creator

Hand drawn floor plan for Alistair's room with extra details

Drawing of Alistair's room from my storyboard

Lineart of Alistair's bedroom with more detail

Through this process I have been able to visualise how 3D perspective works and how to fill a space with objects. 

Pose and Expression Sheets

 Below are my pose and expression sheets for my three main characters in my film. This process required a lot of experimentation and research to create, which I have documented on earlier posts. 
I'm really pleased with the results however, and I think these will enable me to think through my animation with much more ease than had I not created them. 

Taking reference videos of myself acting out the different poses enabled me to think about my characters in three dimensions, and consider how they interact with their surroundings. I was able to consider angles and cinematography, which I'm still new to and trying to wrap my head around. 

Pose Sheet for Sunny

Expression Sheet for Sunny

Pose Sheet for Alistair

Expression Sheet for Alistair

Pose Sheet for June

Expression Sheet for June

Experimentation: Pose Sheets

 

In developing my pose sheets for my characters, I created a reference video of different poses tailored to each of my characters. Above are some traced images from this reference video, using some of the key poses for my character Sunny. These display a range of their emotions and how they might look when expressing these feelings. As Sunny is a particularly expressive character, their emotions might appear more animated or lively than Alistair, who is more reserved. 

Using these traced images, I can stylise the poses to create a pose sheet for Sunny. I'll do the same process for Alistair and June. This process enabled me to visualise the poses of my characters more thoroughly than doing it from my imagination. I'm able to see how gravity and clothing change how the figure appears, and I'm able to consider how camera angles might alter how much of the face is visible, and how much expression is visible to the audience. 

Development: Expression Sheets

 Below are the sketches I used in development of my expression sheets. Using the pose sheet I looked at previously in my research, I considered what sorts of expressions I wanted to showcase for each of my characters. Sunny is an expressive character, and they go through a wide range of emotions in the film, so I needed to draw them expressing a wide range of facial expressions. 
I started this process using the simplified, cartoony style that I used for my animatic, but this changed when I referred back to a drawing I had done several years ago of a crying expression that I wanted to reference for Sunny. 

A drawing I did in 2015, which I referenced when working on my expression sheets

Looking at this drawing, and others of its time, I departed from the cartoony style and leaned into a slightly more detailed style for the rest of the expression sheets. 

Initial sketches for Sunny's expression sheet

Sketches I used to create Sunny's final expression sheet

Sketches for Alistair's expression sheet

Sketches for June's expression sheet

Reference: Character Designs, Poses and Expressions

In developing my character designs and reference material for my production bible, I've been looking at how other artists develop their own pose and expression sheets. 

Anatomy: 

Anatomy reference sheet

I used this sheet in developing my turnarounds, checking that my figures conformed to the anatomical guidelines above. This enabled me to confirm the proportions of my characters and create more accurate turnarounds. 

Expressions: 

Facial Expression Sheet

From these I'm able to gauge what expressions I could include in my own sheet, and what level of expressiveness to include. Looking at this expression sheet, I can see how some facial expressions contort the face, and what areas to focus on, such as eye shape, eyebrow position, and mouth shape. 

Poses: 

Character Pose Sheet

This pose sheet shows a variety of expressions and poses, and the way emotions are expressed through different poses. In my own pose sheets, I am incorporating emotion and feeling into my characters' poses. 

References:

Catrinella, L. (2017) Character Pose Sheet. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/VRWyg (Accessed 11 December 2021)

Medlej, J. (2021) Human Anatomy Fundamentals: Basic Body Proportions. Available at: https://design.tutsplus.com/articles/human-anatomy-fundamentals-basic-body-proportions--vector-18254 (Accessed 5 December 2021)

Wong, E. (2013) Facial Expressions Buddy Sheet for comics/cartoons. Available at: https://www.deviantart.com/darkspeeds/art/Facial-Expressions-Buddy-Sheet-for-comics-cartoons-359562676. (Accessed 9 December 2021)

Background Research: Steven Universe

 In developing my backgrounds for my film, I'm looking to the style of Steven Sugar's background illustrations for the Cartoon Network show Steven Universe. 

Steven Sugar - Illustration of Steven's room

Version of the background as it appears in the show

I'm looking particularly at the shape language and gentleness of the lineart, and the naturalistic colours. The way certain details are simplified in a stylised way is particularly effective for animation, and to evoke the tenderness that I wish to achieve in my film. 

Animator Research: Victoria Vincent (vewn)

 Victoria Vincent or vewn is an animator and illustrator from California, USA. She makes short films with a distinctive style using shifting lineart, sharp colours and pointy corners. 

Victoria Vincent, Twins in Paradise, 2020

Vincent's films use a simplistic art style to tell engaging and profound stories dealing with a host of issues, such as grief, addiction, loneliness, and coming of age. Her use of inconsistent lines, jumpy animation and unrealistic proportions creates a childlike effect, which contrasts greatly with the subject matter of her work. 

Victoria Vincent, Floatland, 2018

In terms of the practicality of producing animation, I find her work inspiring as well, showing that an animation doesn't need to be complex, highly detailed and realistic to be successful. Her work prioritises story, mood and tone over "quality" (detail and realism). As I'm considering producing my own animated film, I find myself looking at Vincent's work and considering how I can incorporate this looseness into my own film, and perhaps there's a line to be drawn between totally focusing on making the film look realistic and totally focusing on the story. 

Character Designs: June (Alistair's Mom)

June is Alistair's mom. She uses she/her pronouns. She is a single, middle-aged woman, around fifty years old. She is very warm and nurturing, and works as a primary school teacher. She enjoys baking and crafting, and she collects eclectic items. She loves nature and keeps many plants in her home. 

Bust view

Turnarounds

 

Student Animation Research: LOUISE - Gobelins

Gobelins, Louise, 2021

(Content warning: this film includes sexual content and nudity.) 

 Louise is an animated film produced by a team of students at Gobelins, l'école de l'image. I'm most interested in the painted style of the film, and the way lines are used sparingly to evoke this painterliness. 
I've been looking at the team's Instagram accounts in which they are documenting the process of creating the film, from storyboard to animatic to lines to final cut. 

Looking at this process, I can see how many times an animator might work on the same scene. I'm keeping this in mind while working on my animatic, both knowing that it's fine if my animatic isn't perfect, but the composition of my shots may heavily influence my final animation depending on how attentive I am to each scene.  

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Animatic Work in Progress

 I've boarded scenes 1, 2 and 3 in my animatic, though I still need to work out the timings. I also want to clean up some of the lines and colour it, but I'll only do this if I have time. 

https://youtu.be/Zv6JArX02Ew

Character Designs: Sunny

Sunny is a 16 year old nonbinary person. They use they/them pronouns. They struggle with school, and much prefer making art. They are a bubbly, creative person, but they struggle with their self-esteem, and they don't have many friends. 

Full body view

Bust view

Turnarounds

Character Designs: Alistair

 Alistair is a 16 year old nonbinary person. He uses he/him and they/them pronouns. They do well in school and enjoy retro video games. They are socially awkward and struggle with making friends. 

Full body view

Bust view

Turnarounds

Script: Draft 2

 

SCENE 1

INT. SUNNY’S BEDROOM – MORNING

Sunny is getting ready for school. They open the curtains to the camera. They are smiling. They turn around to sit at their desk and write in their diary.

SUNNY (INTERNAL)

Okay Sunny. Today’s going to be a good day. We’ve got this.

 

The camera shows their back, with a view of their desk. Some test papers with C’s and D’s are visible.

The camera cuts to them standing at the mirror fixing their hair and clothes, taking a deep breath, and sighing at their reflection.

 

SUNNY’S MOM (OFFSCREEN)

(Calling from the hallway) Lucy, you’re going to be late for school!

Sunny visibly recoils from the wrong name.

 

SUNNY

Mom, you know my name is Sunny! I’ve told you this before.

SUNNY’S MOM

Ugh, you’re still on this?

SUNNY

Yes, it’s my name. Please respect it.
 

SUNNY’S MOM

Whatever, I don’t have time for this.

 

Sunny looks back at their reflection and sighs heavily, looking defeated.

 

SCENE 2

INT. HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM – DAY

A bell rings and the camera shows a wide shot of a classroom. Sunny is sitting at their desk by the window, still defeated. Their teacher is handing back test papers. They see Alistair get an A+. Sunny’s test shows a D. They put their head on the desk.

TEACHER

Okay class. We’ve got another assignment coming up. You’ll be working in pairs for this. I've posted the groups on the board.

 

Sunny looks nervously around.

 

SCENE 3
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY – DAY

Sunny is packing books into their locker. There are cute stickers and artworks pasted onto the door of their locker. Sunny looks around at the groups of people talking and sighs, feeling lonely. 
They close the locker and Alistair is standing behind the door. Sunny startles a bit.

SUNNY

Aah! You scared me!

 

ALISTAIR

Sorry. Hi, I’m Alistair. You’re Sunny right?

 

Sunny perks up.

 

SUNNY

That’s me!

ALISTAIR

We’ve been paired for this science project.

SUNNY

Right! Do you want to meet up to start working on it?

ALISTAIR

I’m free this afternoon.

SUNNY

Same! [Moment of realisation] My mom’s got people at ours this afternoon though. Could we go to your place?

ALISTAIR

[Nervously] Yeah, I guess that works.

SUNNY

Great! I’ll meet you after school!

 

They both go off to class. Sunny smiles a little bit.

 

 

SCENE 4
EXT. SIDEWALK – AFTERNOON

Sunny and Alistair are walking to Alistair’s house. They pass by many fenced gardens with lush trees, shrubbery, and flowerbeds.

 

SUNNY

Nice weather today…

 

ALISTAIR

Yeah…

 

There's an awkward silence. They keep walking. 

ALISTAIR

Here’s my house.

They arrive at a lush garden with many different plants, and a charming house is visible behind the foliage. Sunny does a double take.

SUNNY

I wouldn’t have expected your house to be so… cute.

Alistair smiles slightly at that.

 

SCENE 5

INT. ALISTAIR’S HOUSE - KITCHEN – AFTERNOON

Sunny and Alistair arrive at Alistair’s house into the kitchen where their mom is busy baking something. The kitchen is cozy, with lots of plants and soft colours. Alistair’s mom is standing in the middle, framed by sunlight coming in through the window. She perks up when she sees Alistair and Sunny.

ALISTAIR

Mom, I’m home.

 

JUNE

Welcome home darling!

 

She comes around the counter to give Alistair a hug. She notices Sunny and smiles at them.

 

JUNE

I see you've brought a friend home, how wonderful!

SUNNY

Hi ma'am, I'm Sunny!

JUNE

Call me June. It's a pleasure to meet you! Come, sit!

 

Sunny and Alistair sit at the kitchen island. Sunny looks around.

 

JUNE

Now why haven’t I heard about you before? (She looks at Alistair)

 

ALISTAIR

We've got a project together. 

JUNE

Well, I’m glad you’re bringing people home. Can I get you two anything to eat before you get started? I made cookies!

 

She picks up a tray of cookies off the counter behind her and shows them to Sunny and Alistair. Sunny looks at them excitedly, and then up at June, smiling.

ALISTAIR

No, we're fine Mom.

JUNE

Alistair, your friend looks absolutely famished. Look at them. (To Sunny) I insist, have a cookie.

 

Sunny takes a cookie.

 

SUNNY

Thank you so much.

JUNE

Oh, I'm so glad to see my Alistair bringing home friends. They're such a shy little thing! 

ALISTAIR

Okay, we're done! Come on, Sunny. We'll be in my room!

Alistair drags Sunny to their room. Sunny giggles and waves to Alistair's Mom as they leave the kitchen, cookie still in hand. 

 

SCENE 6
INT. ALISTAIR’S HOUSE - BEDROOM – AFTERNOON

Sunny and Alistair are in Alistair’s bedroom. Alistair starts getting out notebooks and their laptop to begin working. Sunny walks around the room, looking at Alistair’s stuff.

 

SUNNY

Your mom’s really nice. Has she always been so supportive?

 

ALISTAIR

She was great when I came out. She takes me to pride every year and she’ll aggressively correct anyone who misgenders me. It’s really sweet.

 

SUNNY

I can’t imagine a parent being that supportive.

 

ALISTAIR

I take it your folks aren’t like that.

 

Sunny sits down with Alistair, who has their laptop open. Sunny is visibly fidgeting, and they are slumped down.

 

 

SUNNY

You could say that. My mom thinks I’m making things up for attention.

 

ALISTAIR

I’m sorry.

 

SUNNY

(Takes a deep breath) It’s fine. Anyway, let’s get started with the project.

 

Alistair looks at them with concern, but continues.

ALISTAIR

(Uncertainly) Yeah, okay. So I had this idea that we could… [their voice fades out]

 

 

(Sunny’s POV) Sunny’s vision goes blurry and fades out. Their hands start trembling and they are breathing heavily. There is a heavy audio track for a while.
Alistair’s voice fades in.

ALISTAIR

(Voice distant, growing closer) Sunny? Hey, Sunny?

 

Sunny looks up at Alistair, and then hides their face.

SUNNY

(Voice soft, nervous) I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.

ALISTAIR

(Voice gentle) It’s totally okay. Hey, do you wanna do something else for a while?

 

Sunny nods nervously. Alistair pulls out a games console and an old TV. Sunny is looking at their hands, and a retro games controller is placed on the floor in front of them. They look up to see Alistair booting up a game.

 

 

SUNNY

(Voice still soft) Wait… Is that Catchemals?

 

ALISTAIR

(Voice gentle) Yeah! You know it?

 

SUNNY

(Voice more energised again) It’s my favourite. (They laugh softly)

 

Scene pans out on Sunny and Alistair chatting about their favourite characters and moments in the game.

 

 

ALISTAIR

Do you want to come over again tomorrow?

 

 

FADE OUT