3D Models

The images below depict mainly prop models. Most of these props will appear in still shots as cut-aways in order to set the scene and tell a story through imagery about the character (Frank).

A calendar. I am pleased the way this model turned out. It looks very effective when smoothed.
A pack of cards.
A square framed analogue wall clock.
A frame for a photograph.
A model of a hat. I tried to model this hat to the typical style found in many film noir films. I believe that it came out rather well. When smoothed down it looks even better.

An ash tray. I intend to apply a glass material on this model. I was particularly pleased with the way this model turned out. I really like the simple design and shape of this ash tray. Im not sure if I shall include this in the final cut, but I modelled this just in case it is needed later on. I used this model as modeling practice.

A simple glass tumbler.
A glass with rigid edges. A square whiskey glass. This turned out quite well and might have quite a nice aesthetic impact within the scene. The edges may however be a bit too rigid.
A classical street lamp.

A model of a vinyl record player.

A simple block-out model of the apartment room interior. This shall be used for basic light tests. Obviously there are issues with scale here and this scene is far too claustrophobic and tight for animation to take place effectively.

A simple block-out apartment block exterior.

This nice 3D model of a watch was created by Clym Smith. Some minor adjustments have to be made, however I am pleased with the overall design of the watch, it certainly has a classical element to it which I was looking for. However there may be issues with the geometry here as there is alot of unnecessary geometry here and there are booleans which may cause problems regarding the texturing stage. I may need to improve upon this model.

Reference Material

Looking and researching for reference material, here are some pics I found for modeling reference. I tried to look for items/ miscellaneous which would fit with the mood and period of the piece. It is indeed set in the 1980s but I want the film to have a classical quality.

Glass Tumbler & Whiskey

Record Player

Wrist Watch

Cigar

Deck of Cards

Wooden Circular Table

Wooden Chair

Schedule

This is a schedule I have put together for work to be completed preferably between autumn and winter during the Winter Term: 25th of October - 17th of December.

The schedule above depicts only the pre-production phase within the project. Most of the concept work has been completed. All that remains are some refined character model sheets for the design of Frank. I would like to finish modeling, U.V. Mapping and Texturing before Christmas. This may however be a little optimistic. Although I hope to get these tasks done so that Term 2 can be dedicated to rigging and animation. Term 3 will be mainly Rendering, Compositing, Editing and Sound/ Post Production.

Asset/ Prop List

Apartment Interior

Apartment Room

• Vinyl Record Player
• Radiator
• Framed Photograph
• Venetian Blinds
• Analogue Wall Clock
• Calendar
• Suspended Overhead Table Lamp
• Chair
• Cigar
• Table
• Ash Tray
• Glass
• Bottle
• Cards
• Hat
• Wrist Watch
• Photograph
• Brown Envelope
• Documents
• Sig Sauer Pistol

Apartment Exterior

Apartment Brick Exterior

• Street Lamp

Why Pursue with Idea?

Although my idea was not green lit, I felt that I needed to convince the tutors that it was an idea worth doing. I was obviously passionate about my idea and stated that I felt my idea was refined and an example of good storytelling. I have become attached to the story and the character as the idea has developed. My concepts really helped to bring my character to life as well as depicting the desired environment, lighting and mood.

I see this 3rd and last year at University as an opportunity to work on something I am passionate about. I also see this idea as an opportunity to demonstrate my storytelling, art directing and directing skills. Through this animation short I hope to gain some exposure. I hope to get noticed by people already working in the film industry.

My idea is different and mature in its content and is certainly not for kids, there is no bloodshed, however there is implied violence. I believe there is a niche in the market for mature animations primarily aimed at teenagers and adults. How many Western feature animations do you see at the moment that are aimed at Teenagers and Adults? Not many. They seem to be aimed at young children or the family. Yes my idea could easily be carried out using live action, however, animation provides a different visual edge. It should not matter what medium is used to tell a story.

Pitch

My Pitch was not well received and did not go as well as I had planned despite much preparation.

Perhaps I did not discuss all the major points clearly. It was stated that my idea was too much like Sin City despite the fact that I clearly said that I was inspired by the look of the film, the character Marv and the film noir genre. In a way this "negative" point was actually a positive one as I had thus successfully interpreted and recreated a scene which mimicked the film noir feel. Besides my story is completely different. Perhaps the major problem was the character design. However a character can be easily changed, the story however is much more difficult to alter. It was also stated that my idea seemed cold and heartless. This is not what I wanted to get across. Frank is supposed to be a hit-man yes, however he is reluctant and filled with regret. Frank is supposed to look tough on the outside but inside he is a romantic. His relationship with Rachel demonstrates this.

It was said that my story might have to be changed because there were too many questions, there was no backstory to the character and there was no resolution to the ending. Well I wanted the viewer to ask themselves why Frank is in this situation, who is this character and will he go through with the contract? The reason why there is no backstory is because I didn't think it was relevant. I wanted to put the viewer straight in a scenario with the character. And as for the ending I wanted the viewer to make up their own mind as to what will happen.

I think this is an idea worth pursuing because I have put a lot of though in to this project. I feel that this is a story that can be told within 4 minutes and is achievable within the time allocated.

I was told to watch Le Samourai directed by Jean-Pierre Melville starring Allain Delon for research and inspiration. It is a French film made in 1967 about a hit-man.

Moodboard/ Character Reference/ Colour Chart

Moodboard

This mood-board was helpful for research purposes. The material gathered will aid me in replicating the desired atmosphere that is depicted within the images above. The elements I am focusing on are a high contrast in lighting ie the use of harsh light as well as dark shadows. I wish to incorporate a classical feel that is typical of the old noir films. I want to use bold warm colours. I intend to use light as a way of shrouding the scene and the character so that there is an element of mystery.

Character Reference

I have looked at various character personalities and character design for inspiration and reference. The images above are a collection of visuals which I thought will be helpful and were most relevant to the character of Frank. I want Frank to seem quite built with bold facial features. I want him to look like he is in his mid forties. I imagine Frank to be a reclusive individual who is a reluctant hit-man who is filled with regret. Frank has his demons and his vices. On the outside Frank is intimidating, but on the inside he is a sensitive and romantic soul.

Film Reference

These are some of the films I looked at which inspired me and films which I used for reference. All share some form of film noir quality.

Colour Chart

The colour chart above is useful in as far as recording desired colours I wish to incoorporate within the scene. I already have a strong vision of what I want the animation short to look like. I want warm colours such as reds, oranges, yellows and browns in the apartment interior, yet I want a cold blue exterior light from passing vehicles that penetrates the venetian blinds.