Assignment 2 Part A: Final Creative Piece

'Memories' Synopsis

Animation and Motion Graphics is an introductory unit to a large and diverse industry, and focuses on selected elements within. This semester’s work therefore, has been directed towards educating students the techniques and skills required for a basic understanding and aptitude for this sub-genre of animation. As a previous Film and Television student who enjoys creative writing, it is unfortunate to note that narrative and character have not been explored throughout the semester’s projects. Therefore, for the final creative piece, I aim to include depth, character and story into my project. It is audio-driven; thus a good opportunity to construct a well-suited story.

My final piece is called ‘Memories’, and will be constructed around the tone and style of the audio track “Snowflakes” by Loveshadow. Composed of male vocals, piano, chimes, a slow tempo and lyrics about falling snowflakes, this song has a very simple melody, and is captivating despite its sad and eerie tone. The lyric ‘snowflakes’ will be used as a metaphor for memories. It will follow a lost spirit’s journey in retracing the events she has forgotten, leading up to her death. This particular audio was selected because its poetic lyrics are versatile in interpretation, and the melody fits well into my narrative writing style.

‘Memories’ is aimed at younger audiences who can relate to losing something or someone they hold dear. This audience should also have an appreciation for darker themes and storylines. Because the audio is licensed as Non-commercial Share-Alike, my resulting work must also fall under the same conditions. Upon completion, this project may be distributed on social networking sites and video sites such as Youtube, as a showcase of my abilities in motion graphics. The content and images of the piece will be a combination of Creative Commons content, and my own artwork created specifically for it. This will prevent future copyright issues.

Visually, ‘Memories’ will consist of harsh textures, flowing lines and snow scenery, as well as my own drawing style. I aim to achieve clean transitions between each memory using such lines and employing effective camera techniques. Grisalla’s Psyop Mtvhd is an example of how I wish to use the camera to direct the audience along the character’s journey. Additionally, I aim to express emotion and maintain a connection with the audio, as Robert Hodgin does with his video Magnetosphere. Magnetosphere is a captivating and visually fantastic clip which originally inspired me to construct an ambient piece. However, further knowledge is required regarding ambient techniques before attempting this, so I have selected a narrative project instead.

‘Memories’ is intended to be a dark, emotional journey which experiments with multiple layering and transitions. The moodboards included express the visual style and mood of the project. The majority of them are similar in colour and style with the exception of the fifth moodboard, which expresses emotions such as sadness, and can be representative of the character’s death.


Links:

Loveshadow’s ‘Snowflakes’: http://ccmixter.org/files/Loveshadow/19519

Grisalla’s ‘Psyop Mtvhd’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnyW3cMVmBA&feature=related

Robert Hodgin’s ‘Magnetosphere’:
http://www.dailymotion.com/user/flight404/video/x1qstx_magnetosphere-audio-by-trentemoller_creation

(1-6)

(1-3, 5, 7-10)

(2, 9, 11-13)

(2, 14-18)

(11-12, 19-23)

References

1. dark textures a work in progress #012 by sy parrish

2. Frost crystals on car window by net_efekt

3. Ghostly texture by ~Essence of a Dream~

4. Icy Snowflake Frost Fractal Photoshop Art Spheres by BL1961

5. Wall Texture by MattNJohnson

6. Lower-half Girl by Jessica Knight

7. abstract ornament by gpataque online portfolio

8. Snowflakes on Wood by CaptPiper

9. Snowy Fields by Still Burning

10. Hand by Jessica Knight

11. Free snowflakes falling at Night exture for layers Creative Commons by Pink Sherbet Photography

12. Ghostly winter by net_efekt

13. Girl by Jessica Knight

14. Free Desktop Background - 1600 - 1050 by pookado

15. Grungy by ~Essence of a Dream~

16. "I Love You" by Travis Gray

17. Project 365: February 8 by kurafire

18. Snowy field 2 by Muffet

19. Blue Eyes by Ali Smiles :)

20. Frozen heart by net_efekt

21. Green Paint Background by chefranden

22. Swirled by irisb477

23. Swirl texture by ~Essence of a Dream~