Adaptation B // FX Test

I decided to jump in to After effects and test out a little bit of FX for my final piece of animation to enhance the aesthetic. I'm pretty happy with it, but my plan is to make everything that is within the middle of the shot darker and having the scratches and grain to be white as opposed to black, also more than likely going to get rid of the line that covers the middle of the screen as I feel this would draw too much attention away from the character itself.

Adaptation B // Completed Rig

Adaptation B // The Truck Driver // Objects and Final Design

Adaptation B // Wireframe/Texture Render

World Animation // 'Kubo and The Two Strings' (2016)

Fig.1 'Kubo and The Two Strings' (Poster)

'Kubo and The Two Strings' (2016) Dir. Travis Knight, is animation studio, Laika's, fourth feature length, stop-motion film. It follows the story of Kubo, a young boy who wields a powerful, three-stringed instrument know as a shamishen which enables him to control origami to tell stories. 

Fig.2 Film Still

Laika are a studio that dwell on the small details of a film, whether that's a blade of grass blowing in the wind or a leaf falling from a tree, everything that is seen on screen has been hand-made and crafted to perfection. The animation itself is second to none, everything feels so real because in a way, it is, the characters aren't created in a computer they're real which brings a new lease of life to the film. It's strange because computer animation feels like the way forward but you can't help but feel that stop-motion feels more honest, the way in which the characters move feels more real and compelling. 

As well as stop motion animation and hand-made sets, the film also welcomes the use of new technologies to help advance the movie. some special effects are added to particular characters and backgrounds are sometimes added in with the help of green screens. The combination of the two is welcomed to create a marvellous and beautiful visual experience.

Fig.3 Film Still

What makes 'Kubo and The Two Strings' such a magical animation is in the opinion of this review, not the compelling story or the success it gained at the box office, but the time and effort that went in to actually creating it. It was worked on by hardworking and dedicated animators, writers, craftsmen and women who spent hours piecing together each element of both the world of Kubo and it's story. The narrative is exciting and a new, it's a breath of fresh air to see something original in the cinema as opposed to another sequel or remake. 'Kubo and The Two Strings' is a joy to watch.

Illustrations

Figure. 1 'Kubo and The Two Strings' (2016) [Poster] At:http://cdn.film-book.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/kubo-and-the-two-strings-movie-banner-01-600x350.jpg Accessed on: 9/04/2017

Figure. 2 [Film Still] At: https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/doLGeAn_gKdc3Cnnfx4UdvJHr-k=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6929447/KUBO_sunset_laika_focus.0.jpg Accessed on: 09/04/2017

Figure.3 [Film Still] At: http://www.cartoonbrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/kubo_and_the_two_strings.jpg Accessed on: 09/04/2017

Adaptation B // UV's and Name Change

The UV's are now done. At the same time I have decided to change the name of the episode [As shown above]. 

World Animation // 'The Secret Of Kells' (2009)

Fig.1 'The Secret of Kells' Poster

Directed by Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey 'The Secret of Kells' (2009) is an animated which is rooted with Irish themes. The movie follows the adventure of Brendan, the protagonist throughout the film. The film is based on 'The Book of Kells' a gospel book in latin which contains the four gospels of the new testament.

Fig.2 Film Still

From the opening sequence of the film the audience is greeted with vibrant, and mystical animations, the backgrounds are full of detailed set pieces layered upon one another to create a world that is so vast yet in a way so small. 

The character design is wonderful, each character stands out and they all have their own personalities which are enhanced by there shapes, sizes and colours. 

The film feels like a graphic novel come to life. Each shot is crafted so well that you want to pause the film to admire what is on screen. The overall style is reminiscent of Nina Paley's 'Sita Sings The Blues' (2008) which works as if each part of the scene is on the same plane whilst also giving various amounts of depth.

Fig.3 Film Still

In conclusion, 'The Secret of Kells' is a well animated movie that cherishes its Celtic/Irish heritage from start to finish. It welcomes people to a world they have never seen or heard of before, telling stories of their heritage.

The animation is natural and full of life, green being the colour that flows throughout the story.

Overall the film is great fun to watch, for the design work alone, it's definitely a film that the whole family could watch.

Bibliography:

Figure.1 'The Secret of Kells' (2009) [Poster] At:http://www.newvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/NNVG229021-F.jpg Accessed on: 03/04/2017

Figure.2 [Film Still] At:http://medias.unifrance.org/medias/86/143/36694/format_page/brendan-and-the-secret-of-kells.jpg Accessed on:03/04/2017

Figure.3 [Film Still] At:http://cdn.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/the_secret_of_kells_movie_image-7.jpg Accessed on: 03/04/2017