Digital Tutors tutorial

http://www.digitaltutors.com/tutorial/1012-Animation-Polishing-Techniques-in-Maya#play-23700

I remembered this Digital tutors animation tutorial which depicts a werewolf getting shot and flying through the air. I watched it again before blocking my mime pretending to be shot. The tutorial talks mostly about getting strong poses and good arcs, but also has some tips on moving holds and getting the impact looking right, which I found useful.

First critique session

In our first critique session, I showed the blocking I had done so far. I was advised to set the scene a little at the beginning by showing the Mime getting ready to practice. In order to make room for this in the allotted time I have, I had to cut out some of the "overacting" I was going to have him do as he pretended to be shot.

Setting up The Scene

Initially I was going to have the mime using various imaginary props, but having them visible in the mirror. However I felt that it would be "cheating" in a way, and that I would probably learn more from trying to have the viewers interpreted what he was doing trough a true mime. However will still use rudimentary shapes as proxy's so that i could keep track of where he is  shooting, and so that his hands will remain constant around the shape of the tiara when he picks it up.  

I have kept the set deliberately simple in order to avoid distraction, but did add in some speakers so that it would be clear to the viewer, that the music is part of his performance, and it isn't simply atmospheric.
(Speakers a free download from http://tf3dm.com/3d-model/stereo-speakers-v10-13099.html)

I also quickly put together a Mime make-up texture 

Initial ideas, Planning, Character Bios

Mime Scene Initial ideas and Planning 

I considered several ideas for this scene. Firstly, I was thinking of having the mime acting out a scene in which he is pushing his umbrella against very strong winds. Whilst this would have been a good exercise in showing weight, I wanted a shot with more "acting" than "action".  

Next I toyed with the idea of showing a Mime coming backstage after their performance and shedding their persona. I liked this idea of slipping out of character, but felt that the scene lacked energy and purpose as the character simply relaxed after a performance.  

In the end I took the idea of showing dual personas and chose to set my scene around a mime searching for inspiration. I would like to show him picking up various props and slipping into corresponding characters. For example acting like and old man, when he puts on some glasses, and then a soldier or fashionista.   

I decided on this scene because it had so many possibility's in terms of characters and props. I also really like the idea of exploring the different body language and mannerisms that make people unique, within the same character.    

I have organized some of my character ideas into a list. As I want them to contrast each other, I have placed the ones that are too similar together, and will only pick one of that group to use in the final animation.  

Princess/Diva/ Fashionista/Film Star 

Soldier/ Policeman 

Sophisticated/snooty Gentleman 

Grumpy Old man 

Cowboy/ Pirate 

Gangster/ 50s "cool guy" 

Boxer  

]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Mime Character Summary- 

A 22 year old acting student 

Is looking for inspiration for a mime act he has been given at university.   

In the prop cupboard at drama school/ his parents attic 

energetic, happy, childish, stubborn, a little spoilt. 

center of gravity high in chest 
right handed

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Although it's usually a good idea to avoid cilices, want my mime to be very clear to the viewer. Therefore each character that the Mime becomes whilst using the props will be very stereotypical.  

Now that I have narrowed down what characters he  will be, I have made some mini-bios for each of them as well.  

cowboy- 

young, trying to prove he is tough and manly  

practicing drawing his weapon 

center of gravity in hips 

mid to slow body tempo 

Princess- 

Center of gravity center of chest

impeccable posture 

dainty mannerisms 

vain, acts extra coy and girly for attention. 

At the end of the scene i would like it 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

I have allot of ideas and only 30 seconds for my scene, so I will have to narrow down what I want to use after shooting my reference footage.  

Planning and References

After the green screen session, i had a much better idea of what i wanted to do with my scene. At first I wanted to mimic the iconic cinematography from the standoff in "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly", specifically the closeups on the hands and faces. However this approach is all about taking time to build the tension, and I only have 30 seconds for this shot, So eventually I decided to just keep the camera still.

As well as acting out the scene repeatedly, i sketched out the changes in body language and posture that would happen throughout, and made notes.

Rescuers Down Under- Clip Critique

I decided to look at some really well animated silent characters, in order to better inform the way I approach my mime scene.

The clip I chose if from Disneys “Rescuers Down Under” in which Joanna the pet lizard is attempting to get her hands on the eggs her master is cooking. I have always loved this scene, the comic timing is flawless and every pose and expression is so clear and easy to read. While there is dialogue in this scene the monologue has almost nothing to do with what is happening on screen. It’s a lovely example of showing what the characters are thinking, despite what is being said.

Whilst this part is entirely unrealistic (both in Joanna holding an egg with her tongue, and the fact that he would definitely see it) But It still works. Weather because the expressions and situation are funny enough that you don’t care, or simply because they pushed the animation beyond realism so that the poses are clear to the viewer, im not sure.

I think Ed Hooks theory of “Willing suspension of disbelief” explains it. Since this character is a pet lizard that acts like a dog, but can understand her masters orders; the audience are already in a frame of mind to temporarily forget the laws of physics in the name of entertainment.  

Acting and the face Talk