Within this module there were many things that went well, setting aside the planning aspects. Within the section of animation the fluidity of most of the movements is a huge positive and all 12 principles of animation in some way or another have been effectively portrayed. Smear frames have also been utilised at multiple points of this animation, which is a vast improvement from previous years.
One thing that is essential to be used as much as possible within this animation was almost all of the aspects we were taught in previous years, to demonstrate proficiency in these skills. From the layers, the 3D feature of Toon Boom Harmony, rigging and pegs. All of these have been demonstrated and used well, although there is always room for improvement. There were many points in this project which proved to be a lot more complicated than originally expected. This was balanced out by the surprising simplicity of certain movements. At least in the sense of being able to get them to look correct and flow well without as much issue as expected.
When it comes to the things that would be done differently, the list is plentiful. Starting with the mechanics and skills demonstrated within this animation, it would have been a good show of skill to demonstrate more knowledge such as nodes and effects within Toon Boom Harmony, as well as manipulating the camera more than presently done. This would have shown more of the skills we were taught however a point where any of these would have been totally necessary was not reached. It seemed counter intuitive to simply implement features for the sake of showing off, rather than making the animation appealing and work, using the features when and if they are needed.
The aspects which could be changed with the animation itself is of course the blatantly obvious fact it simply isn’t finished, as with the other years. However, unlike with the previous years this animation is of a much better quality and there is more substance to the bits that have been animated. There are many reasons why the animation is in the condition it is in, however these are excuses and not to be discussed. The simple fact is it is not complete, although the plan is to get it completed in time for New Designers. Initially the idea for this animation was a lot longer than even the script that was submitted as part of the FMPD module. Due to circumstances this was shortened into what was believed might be a more realistic task. While my time management skills have improved from last year, there is clearly a lot that can still be worked upon when it comes to prioritising shots and how to best use my time in regards to University work. Specifically this module.
In regards to the design of the animation it was important to get the style correct, as this would effect the animation as a whole much more than anything else. The aim was to make it look almost storybook, as the physics of the world the two mushrooms live in is completely different to the physics of reality. The storybook feel also gives the animation a much more playful aesthetic. Overall I think I achieved this look with the backgrounds, however I think it would have been nicer if the characters themselves fitted more in with the background than they do, at the present state of the animation they stick out and look very out of place. While this has it’s charms it would be a lot smoother and less jarring if they did continue the style more.
Ultimately, this module had its successes and its failures, as with almost all in the past. On a whole this project was a success in the fact it demonstrates my skills and the animation substance is of a high enough quality. The level of completion and the length of the animation itself of course needs to change, however the backgrounds and the characters themselves are a lot more appealing than previous years. Also, another huge improvement is the fact that the characters have actually stayed on model within this animations, where as that has been a great downfall of mine with all other projects in the past. This is down to the amount of character work done within FMPD and the detain in which the characters were analysed and altered to get them perfect. It also assisted greatly that these characters were drawn a multitude of times before any animating had even begun.
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