We are just about to start the second week of our 5 week group animation project, and I wanted to reiterate what is expected of each team. As always, please email me if you have any questions or concerns.
Ultimate Goal:
Tell a story in 60-90 seconds using an armatured puppet(s), props, and a set.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
This project is an introduction to: 1) building armatures, sets and props, 2) animating with an armature, and 3) conveying a narrative. You aren’t expected to produce a Hollywood film. You are expected to design, construct, animate, edit, and present a finished piece by the April 13th deadline. Thoroughly examine where you are going with the narrative. What scenes are imperative to the story and what can be cut? Which puppets and prop pieces are absolutely required and which are nice-to-have? Can you simplify your set? Puppets? Props? Cut or minimize objects and scenes wherever you can. KEEP IT SIMPLE.
PROPER PLANNING
You will sink or swim depending on how well you plan. Proper planning will show you in the very first week whether or not your project is too big of an endeavor and allows you to scale the scope of the project down without losing production time. Place Murphy’s law in the forefront of your mind: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” Budget 3xs the amount of time than you think you need. This way, you won’t run into trouble if something breaks, collapses, someone gets sick, etc.
WHAT IS IMPORTANT
Although it is nice to have beautiful sets, props, and puppets, this is an ANIMATION class. I am much more concerned with how your puppet(s) and other objects move than if you have a beautiful picture frame or couch on set. The underlying structure of an object and how it is constructed are of utmost importance. If your puppet is improperly fabricated, movement will be affected. If your props are too heavy, movement will be affected. If you can’t build what you want to build, you have two options: 1) ask me prior to class, (I will tell you what materials to purchase and then work with you in class to build it) and 2) replace it with something you are capable of building.
GROUP WORK
This is a group-based project because the amount of work that needs to be completed is rather large and it is always helpful to have more than one brain or set of eyes to troubleshoot. Group size is up to you. You are allowed to work alone, but I do not recommend it. Those who decide to go it alone will be held to the same standards as a group and are responsible for completing the same amount of work.
It is up to your group to determine how to break up the work. You can all animate together or choose to split scenes. One person could build props, another armatures. Think about your answer to the question I asked during last class, “What skills do you bring to the table?” Where do your talents lie? Are you great at sound and painting? illustrating and sewing? Divvy up according to these answers.
I never once said you all have to be in the same room to work. In fact, I doubt you will get together much outside of class. That’s why it is so important to properly plan, divide and conquer.
CLASS TIME = WORK TIME
The next three classes, March 23, March 30, & April 6th are working classes. In the syllabus, I’ve laid out where I think you should be in the process. That does not mean that is where you must be (except for this coming class, March 23, as outlined below). Groups are responsible for bringing materials that will allow them to further their animation to class EACH WEEK. You must determine what those materials are – I cannot do this for you.
Each week is your opportunity to pick my brain for guidance on any aspect of your production. Please, if you know ahead of time what you want help on, email me. You may need to bring specific materials in order for me to give you hands on assistance.
HOMEWORK: What You Need to Have Finished and Show Me By Next Class (MARCH 23)
I will be meeting with each group to make sure you are on track. Please be ready to show me the following:
- storyline finished/script
- storyboard illustrated (If you have time, turn your storyboard into a animatic to help you determine timing – highly recommended)
- lists:
- props
- set pieces
- responsibility outline: who is responsible for what (i.e. buying items, bringing items, constructing items, animating specific scenes, editing, lighting, sound)
- time line/schedule
- how long each part of the project will take to complete
- deadline for each part of the project
- for each puppet:
- sketches
- front view
- side view
- fabricated armatures (a.k.a. a finished skeletal structure)
- materials to cover your puppets or finished puppets (do not cover your puppets until you have tested how they move in camera)
- sketches
- any materials you need to work on your next steps
GRADING
This project counts as 20% of your total grade (almost as much as the final project). Your grade will depend upon the following (broken down from 100%):
- 30% Week to Week
- 10% – prepared to work
- 10% – in-class group work
- 10% – deadlines met
- 65% – Final Product
- 20% – construction of your armatures, props, sets
- 45% – animation
- 5% Critique Participation
STOP MOTION 