Stop-Motion Animation Evaluation April 2013

ARD407 Ideas and Concepts and ARD409 Creative Media Production (Stop Motion Assignment)

 

For this assignment; I was required to produce a stop motion video lasting several seconds, using an model character, Dragon-Frame Software and so on. The idea of Stop-Motion is to capture your models movements with ease and fluidity. Using expression was also required as this gave our character's unique personality traits.

The first task was completing character design sheets for our characters and I also added a colour board which explored the models textures, skin tones and fabrics. I really enjoy the development process, however; I would still like to include some elements of fine art. After the designs were completed ,we moved onto making the model frames for the characters. However; I was very disappointed with this stage. Instead of us making the armatures for the models, the tutor wouldn't really let us make them. I can only suggest that he felt he was doing us a favour. As we were first years, we didn't have the knowledge to make them and lacked the confidence. But for us, it was frustrating. Not only with the tutor but our divisional leader in Art and Design wanted a model from each of us (there were 6/7 people including me in my class.) While the tutor was making the framework, I diverted my attention to my animation sequence. What setting would be appropriate? How long should the film be? How far should I move the body-parts of my character? etc... At this point, I thought that everything was in-place etc. Sadly, Glandula Fever meant I was sick for 6-7 weeks. Thankfully, there was an Easter break during these weeks, so all I missed were 2 or 3 assignments.

So what did I do during the time I was sick? I couldn't just lie there and do nothing. It was a great opportunity to get my sketchbook work out of the way and further plan my animations and an assessment coming up in May. This is what I got done:

• Completed all sketchbook work
• Completed CRB Check for work experience
• Applied for a loan/grant for my Second year at university
• Started Game Reviews for Game Trailer Assignment
• Sorting out a house for my university accommodation for 2nd year
• Updated my blog
• And something else!

    
   When I returned to university, my first priority was getting the film work done. All in all; I believe the process was going well. But during those 3 days of filming; I was hit by numerous problems. The main issues were the lighting, software, camera and the model. During these 16 seconds of footage, some of you may have noticed that the lighting varies. I tried on numerous occasions to rectify this problem by altering the settings etc but to no avail. The next issue was that I couldn't connect the camera, software and MAC. I know the movement of my character isn't perfect, this because that the model's feet didn't have magnets so flexibility was sacrificed. I improvised by placing sticks, pins or small stones at/under certain parts of the feet.

My tutor wanted to see the eyes of my character instead and showed signs of not liking my character in shades. However; I completely disagreed. Through careful consideration, I wanted to answer the brief in a different way from my peers. I wanted to answer the requirements by experimenting as I noticed that many animations only focus on expression through eyes. I realised that I could still have shades for my character. So ... I thought. To create a realistic character, I can focus on placing expressions through the mouth, eyebrows and the shades themselves. In affect, I am using the more difficult areas of expression.

Overall, I have really enjoyed this assignment.

By using Stop-motion techniques, my admiration for animators who within this sector has been very insightful and I hope I can work on Stop-motion again for my 2nd year. However; I believe that if it wasn't for technical issues, the animation would have been done in just 2 days. If I was to make changes to this animation, I would have added magnets to my character's feet and added sound effects. It would have been brilliant to add sound and it would have improved my grade. However; I have no experience in working in sound. But it's my intention to learn more about this when I return to university after the summer months. At first I thought I would be awful at animation but as it turns out... I have displayed some form of skill in traditional animation and stop-motion. And at the same time, I have really enjoyed working with these technique and I believe my confidence is growing. A great brief!

PHD's and Post Graduate Study ...

I know! I agree that my posts recently have been random. Sadly, my game reviews I have had to put on hold. These posts are part of my assessments coming up early next month. So it's vital that I get the information up there! However: I will try and keep the posts related to games or the art and design sector. And hey, just because they are part of my degree assessments, doesn't mean you guys can comment on the blog and the posts. So please feel free to get in touch and voice your opinions! :)

 

What is a PHD?

 

Level 7/8 and it's a research degree. Upon completion, this qualification recognises you as a Doctor in your area of study. PHD's are hard to achieve but are very attractive to pretty much every business. There are courses that are similar to PHD's BUT... academically their importance comes between a Master's and a PHD. This Qualification is called a Mphile.

 

A PHD is about becoming an expert in something that few others are experts in.

 

Other options

 

• MA (Master of Arts and Philosophy)

- This is a course that I'll be applying for after my degree -

 

Course Duration: 12 months

Full time and part time available

Teaches you the Philosophy and creative skills behind your area of study. (A post graduate degree is a mixture of practice and research of your specialist subject area)

 

 

MA - Art Practice (Fine Art)

MA - Design Practice

MA - Creative Media

 

"Let your practice lead your thinking"

 

Advice? If you have been accepted and about to start the course...

 

DO YOUR PRACTICE EARLY! As the written work has to be done in the summer months.

 

The aim of the degree:

 

• To resolve design problems accordingly and creatively
• Collaborate with others to demonstrate a compacity for independent study and research
• Communicate clearly and support ideas with intellectual and with critical authority
• Demonstrate an awareness of philosophical and contextual issues with contemporary practice and theory.

Positives of the Qualification:

 

• In Wales - If you have studied in a welsh in the past and apply for an MA at the same university, you will be given a discount. Instead of paying the full tuition fee of £3.800, all you would need to pay is £1,900.
• MA's offer more time to find out about your practice and what you want to research.
• You are in-charge of your briefs.
• You can research what you want to research
• You can learn from your classmates and they can learn from you

The Negatives:

 

• You can not apply for a loan or grant for this type of course! You must provide other means to fund a post graduate qualifications.
• Dissertations have to be 7,000 words or more.

How to re-inspire yourself and avoiding distractions...

There are many times that... feels as though everything is piled on-top all of us, making any real break through with studies, difficult. Believe me, you are not the first and you shall not be the last. Even if you are not a student, adults who work hard suffer the same as students. So I hope this entry helps you all, it's helped me quite a few times in the past!

 

How do we fail/feel as though we aren't progressing

 

• Easily Distracted
• Overwhelmed by everything you have to do
• Don't like being told what to do
• Difficulty Prioritising
• Perfectionism
• Fear of failure
• Too Different
• Hypo focus
• Always Late
• Do things at the last minute
• Live and work in a disorganised atmosphere
• Can't find equipment etc.

Whether your working or currently studying, make sure your working with a subject/area that you are  passionate about. I assure you that this will make everything easier.

 

Take a step back and look at yourself

 

• You probably do meet your deadlines
• What is the problem?
• What is the solution?
• What is the very worst that could happen?
• Don't compare yourself to others
• Use your imagination to your advantage
• What is really stopping you?
• When are you at your best?
• What works for you?
• Prioritising - Could this be done tomorrow?
• - Separate the things you need to do today and what you can do at a later date

What can you do?

 

• Decide on the next action
• Break things down into steps
• mind-maps/ brainstorm
• Concentrate on the starting and the finishing will take care of itself
• Learn to say no
• Delegate
• Set a timer
• Give yourself rewards
• Take regular Breaks
• Eat
• Keep yourself healthy
• Keep yourself a schedule
• Concentrate on one thing at a time
• Keep yourself away from the computer
• Work in bed
• Talk to yourself
• Listen to some music while you work

Avoiding Distractions

 

• Only check emails twice a day
• Keep yourself away from social networking sites e.g. Facebook
• Noise
• Keep your phone on either silent or vibration
• Avoid chatting
• Keep your workspace clear and tidy
• Gather everything you need for the task at hand

Which Assassin's Creed Game was the best? ...

   

 The first time since I have began reviews for games, I will be conducting a huge investigation into all Assassin Creed games. But most important of all, I will be asking you guys what you thoughts are etc. So if you would like to be part of this then leave your opinions in the comments box below and I'll make sure your comments are credited for:) Just make sure that you explain your reasons as to why you loved or hated this particular game and be creative in your answers!

 

 

 

If you have a Collectors Edition of any of the games listed above, feel free to express your opinion about the Edition:)

Assassin Creed 3 Review...

 

So much Promise... yet did not fully achieve 7 /10 ...

 

After much success from previous franchise (AC: II, Brotherhood, Revelations,) it was no suprise that AC fans were excited about the next Assassin's Creed game. The first teaser trailers showed the face of a new assassin confronting a Templar while a battle was occurring. Racing through cannon fire and masses of British soldiers: this immediately filled this game's atmosphere with high expectations and excitement. From then on; it seemed as though everyone was falling in love with the new concept, environments, historical figures and the different methods of confronting your enemies.







From the trailers I have to admit, I was very impressed, not just with the imagery but with the small hints of combat and bonding with a new Assassin. The first hour of gameplay is always about learning the ropes... literally. Here you play as Haythan, (Pictured above) who recently arrives at an Opera House to receive a mission. As you can imagine, this being in an Opera House, there is some degree of not running into people, climbing across balconies and stage areas, pick-locking doors and creeping up on some poor sod who so happens to be carrying the compass you were after. After these events, you find yourself on a ship for several weeks identifying the mysterious aspects occurring on the ship. After a couple of hours and some twists to the story, not only have you been playing as this guy for 2 - 3 hours but he is in-fact a Templar. It was only after, that we were introduced to Connor. The journey of Connor transforming himself into an assassin was quite long. The first time you see Connor was when your play hide an seek with his friends, with the village mothers telling them not to stray far and be back by a certain time. I understand that this mission was a somewhat tutorial to teach the player how to track animals or humans but there are better ways to teach the player these skills without resorting to learn them as a child. Upon leaving your village for training, the next part is convincing your mentor to take you on as his apprentice and then running errands for him while in Boston. I could go on a on with the journey missions, but I fear this would be unfair to you all.

So what were the good aspects of the game?

 

 

Well, certainly the game graphics! The environments for one thing. They are a lot more improved with unlevelled terrain and great use of weather systems. This forces the player to take to the trees to out-flank your attackers (when there's snow.) And let's not forget the use of contrasts between the seasons of the year etc. It was a great feeling to be using this method in navigating across the terrain and hunting animals. The action was smooth and unique, with stealth areas being added to creep up on an unsuspecting enemy. Let's take a look at the combat or gameplay. First off, I adored the brutality of taking out enemies with my Tomahawk and Assassin's blade. Those are my favourite weapons by far as they felt true to me as an assassin. The History. As someone who doesn't know a lot about the American War of Independence or why the British were colonising American lands, I thought this would be a great learning curve. Upon playing the game, I understood that the founding fathers were very strong, good-willed men who could lead their men well during battle. I believe that there was a lot to learn from, not only from your enemies but also important historical figures, the cities etc. From this I discovered that the cities in the game were almost identical replicas of vast maps and drawings the developers had access to during production. Not only this but also learning that American tactics were deeply frowned upon by their British counterparts. I quite enjoyed building my own community where my homestead is situated as well as building relations with the people. Connor's language and culture was very rich and fresh to the franchise. And lastly lets not forget being commander of your very own ship. The callouts and weather conditions really add a realistic atmosphere to the mini-game.

 
 

And the bad parts?

Playing as Haythan. If you guys enjoy playing as Connor's father, then by all means skip this comment. But to me, this would explain why so many people ( especially my university colleges and friends etc) felt as though they didn't have enough time to really bond with Connor's character. So I asked around... and many of my findings show agreement in my concerns for this game. Personally; Haythan should not have occurred for such a long period of time. Although it was a change to play as a former Assassin, I fear this is one of the main reasons why the game let it self down. Combat. Now before you scream at me, I have already praised the brutality of combat etc. But for me, the combat is quite long and tiresome (especially if your fighting against hoards of enemies.) Community. In previous AC games, you had allies (the Romanies, Courtesans, Mercs, and thieves) but in this game, you have none. The only faction that is mentioned is the thieves guild. This is a great shame, especially if the game is about fighting for independence. Also there is no town improving system. I know we have had this system thrice but I believe the developers could have made it a lot more intricate in terms of what uniforms you want your tenants to wear, what services you want them to offer. They could have done so much in just a faction of a game. The Chase. As the game progressed, I noticed the speed in which you kill/chase your target. I found that it was far too quick and unrewarding. Your mentor. Compared to Uncle Mario or Theodora, Achilles was by far the most uninspiring of all mentors. Yes he is wise but lacks the charisma of others. There were numerous petty conflicts between Achilles and Connor. While Connor is decisive, Caring, strong willed and filled with a strong sense of justice, Achilles shows more caution, in-action, intelligence and reluctance in Connor's actions. Time Gap. I was surprised to learn that the game was situated in the 18th-19th century. Not that I thought it was an terrible idea but I just believed the taking such a huge step in time was random and suspicious. Freezing Bugs. During certain moments of gameplay, there have been numerous times where the game completely freezes.

Conclusion



For three years of work, I believe the developers could have done a lot more. When you think of the content shown in AC2 and Brotherhood for example, AC3 is a huge step down in terms of what the other games offered. I preferred the Renaissance period as well as the sense of community around that time. It's such a great shame that for all AC3's efforts, they didn't amaze the critics.

Since the games release, I have heard vast reports confirming my concerns for the game. Could this explain why Ubisoft has already released trailers and pre-orders for Assassin's Creed: Black Flag? Have the developers realised where they went wrong? I can only hope that they have listened the fans and applied the much needed change to redeem the series.

So there you have it guys, Please feel free to get in touch. Do you share the same concerns? What did you enjoy about the game?  Feel free to share your opinions :)