Introduction:
By this point, you should be getting familiar with the posing process, holding the posing and transitioning from one pose to another. In this assignment, you will implement all that you have learned thus far, by animating a character waiting for a bus. Why a bus? Because of the versatility of the situation. When we wait for a bus, , you can either stand, sit (if you there is a bench) and once in awhile, we’ll display random movements such as checking our watch, looking down the street for the bus, reading the paper, checking out the person next you, whatever you are doing, you must be aware of the bus. This assignment is also a exercise in subtle animation. The moving holds you had a chance to animate in the previous exercise are going to come in handy, as they will be needed to carry your character during those times he is waiting.
EVALUATION:
Here are some questions to consider asking yourself to make sure you are on target with this assignment.
By this point, you should be getting familiar with the posing process, holding the posing and transitioning from one pose to another. In this assignment, you will implement all that you have learned thus far, by animating a character waiting for a bus. Why a bus? Because of the versatility of the situation. When we wait for a bus, , you can either stand, sit (if you there is a bench) and once in awhile, we’ll display random movements such as checking our watch, looking down the street for the bus, reading the paper, checking out the person next you, whatever you are doing, you must be aware of the bus. This assignment is also a exercise in subtle animation. The moving holds you had a chance to animate in the previous exercise are going to come in handy, as they will be needed to carry your character during those times he is waiting.
Assignment Description:
Animate a rigged character waiting for a bus. While he is waiting, animate him executing a casual movement. Research possible casual movements people display while waiting for a bus like, reading the paper, checking the time, looking at the weather wondering if its going to rain, drinking a water bottle, saying hello to an acquaintance. Be sure both movements are clear, and that the main action of waiting for the bus clear.
Competencies:
By the end of this exercise, the student should be able to
- Apply subtle movement to a pose to create a moving hold.
- Analyze and perform a series of poses to execute an idea.
- Execute a story in a short animation without the use of dialogue.
Pre-Planning:
Before you begin, record yourself or a friend waiting for a bus. Before filming, establish the situation. Ask yourself these questions: Why is the person waiting for the bus? Where is he going? Where is he coming from? What is happening at the bus stop that might change the situation? How long is this animation? Be sure you rehearse before filming, as it may take a few takes to get it right.
After you have captured your footage, establish the poses needed to create the feeling and to make the animation readable. Be mindful of gesture and body language. Once you are familiar with the poses and movements, you may begin animating.
When animating establish the poses with your CG character and be sure these are held. Refer to your video reference to give you an idea of how long to hold a particular movement. Worked in “stepped” animation fashion, switching to “linear” and finally to “spline”.
Before you begin, record yourself or a friend waiting for a bus. Before filming, establish the situation. Ask yourself these questions: Why is the person waiting for the bus? Where is he going? Where is he coming from? What is happening at the bus stop that might change the situation? How long is this animation? Be sure you rehearse before filming, as it may take a few takes to get it right.
After you have captured your footage, establish the poses needed to create the feeling and to make the animation readable. Be mindful of gesture and body language. Once you are familiar with the poses and movements, you may begin animating.
When animating establish the poses with your CG character and be sure these are held. Refer to your video reference to give you an idea of how long to hold a particular movement. Worked in “stepped” animation fashion, switching to “linear” and finally to “spline”.
EVALUATION:
Here are some questions to consider asking yourself to make sure you are on target with this assignment.
- Is it clear that the character is waiting for a bus?
- Is there intention and personality in his other actions, are these actions clear?
- Is the animation smooth?
- Are the poses held long enough for the viewer to see?
