Task 6: Secondary Action

Secondary Action:
- An action resulted directly from a primitive action

In this task, we were to explore the principle of secondary action in our animation; on top of that we had to include the previous taught principles in our animation. Moreover to illustrate development from staging and appeal to storyboarding and animating the story board. 

For this task, I decided to use my character created in task 2; Timpy. My initial idea was for a short battle scene, however I changed that idea to something more simple as I believed that my initial idea might be too ambitious for me to create at this stage. My finalised idea of this task is of Timpy's experience with food; the reaction of him after he eats a warm bowl of 'ramen'.

I started off create/designing backgrounds as I did not have to change anything with the character developed in task 2. The background(s) that I went with depicted a ramen stall, isolated in the night. 

Background 1

After that main background was set, I then created other backgrounds for the animation revolving on the first background; with a change of perspective and angles to fit the animations.

Background 2


Background 3


As the main goal was to depict Timpy's experience with eating 'ramen' I tackled this with a more abstract perspective in mind. To contrast the abstract visual, I included cut scenes of Timpy's experience with more humane actions in the ramen stall; picking up chopsticks and breaking them apart. 

Utilising the backgrounds and my character, I created the story board to guide me during the animation process. 

Storyboard

Through the animation process, I used the straight ahead technique to create my animation as it was easier for me to create a smoother animation compared to using the pose to pose technique. 

After animating, I decided to add some sounds to the animation. Other than using iMovie/GarageBand sound effects, I explored with medium that I had to recreate some sounds in the animation. 

Bowl to table contact 


To create the 'clink' sound between the bowl and the table, I used a mug filled with water to create the sound; the water adds a bit of weight to the 'clink' sound.

Timpy grabbing chopsticks


As I did not have any bamboo chopsticks to recreate the sound, I had to improvise that by using various markers and pencils. 

Chopsticks breaking apart (1)


To improvise on the 'snap' of the chopstick, it was a bit more difficult than the previous sounds as the 'snap' of the bamboo has a unique sound to it. I tried using rubber band and pencils; pulling them apart and realising it to create the snap sound, however that was too flat and was not ideal. 

Chopsticks breaking apart (2)


Then, I tried using this bubblewrap keychain to create the 'snap' sound as the initial 'pop' that the keychain creates has a snappy aspect to it which works better than the rubber band and pencils. 

Task 6 Animation


The outcome of the animation captures some aspects that was ideal to the plan, such as the monster giving Timpy his 'ramen' and the scene of Timpy grabbing and breaking the bamboo chopsticks apart. However I believe the initial zoom and the ending could be done better in terms of including more dynamic actions. The initial zoom of the first scene could be more smooth, and the ending part could have had Timpy inhaling and exhaling to express his sense of fulfilment.

Task 6 PDF: Secondary Action

Study Task 3 [COP] - Referencing Different Sources

Y. (2005) 'McDull and the Fishball' YouTube, 8 November. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=pze16Z4I9GY (Accessed: 19 November 2018)

Drew, J. (2018) 'Bendy and the Ink Machine - Console Trailer' YouTube, 28 September. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c_xdTnVPos (Accessed: 18 November 2018)

M. (2014) 'Howl's Moving Castle - Official Trailer' YouTube, 16 September. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwROgK94zcM (Accessed: 19 November 2018)

M. (2017) 'Loving Vincent - Official Trailer' YouTube, 29 August. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGzKnyhYDQI (Accessed: 18 November 2018)

Mak, P. (2017) '#ThrowBackThursday: How Nostalgic Millennials Are Influencing 2D Animation' ToonBoom, 16 February. Available at: https://blog.toonboom.com/storytelling/throwbackthursday-how-nostalgic-millennials-are-influencing-2d-animation (Accessed: 17 November 2018)

Gaudette, E. (2016) ''DuckTales,' 'Trolls,' and the Best and Worst Of New Nostalgia-Bait Animation' Inverse, 8 March. Available at: https://www.inverse.com/article/12534-ducktales-trolls-and-the-best-and-worst-of-new-nostalgia-bait-animation?refresh=64 (Accessed: 17 November 2018)

Speigel, J. '28 Days of Disney Animation: 'Toy Story,' Technology, and The Power of Nostalgia' PopOptiq. Available at: https://www.popoptiq.com/disney-animation-month-toy-story-technology-and-the-power-of-nostalgia/ (Accessed: 17 November 2018)

(no date) Cartoon-network Characters. Available at: https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/warner-bros-entertainment/images/4/49/Cartoon-network-characters-names-wallpaper-1.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20170407013215&format=original (Accessed: 16 November 2018)

(no date) Hayao Miyazaki Characters. Available at: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/70/3c/d0/703cd0da865e231ea64cf9a11d0fb1dd.jpg (Accessed: 16 November 2018)

(2013) McDull statue at Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_McDull#/media/File:McDull_Avenue_of_Stars_Hong_Kong.jpg (Accessed: 15 November 2018)

Colgave, F. (2017) 'DOUBLE KING' YouTube, 2 April. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_MSFkZHNi4 (Accessed: 18 November 2018)

Tune, N. (2010) 'Blockhead - The Music Scene' YouTube, 21 May. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhheiPTdZCw (Accessed: 19 November 2018)

Disney, W. (2009) 'Walt Disney Animation Studios' Steamboat Willie' YouTube, 27 August. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBgghnQF6E4 (Accessed: 18 November 2018)

Luk, S. (2018) '新一季：我們這一家第22集【粵語】' YouTube, 6 May. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2zJKQdGaDQ (Accessed: 18 November 2018)

L.  (2015) 'LoL New Champion Teaser Kindred - League of Legends' YouTube, 14 September. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZsk0to4qi8 (Accessed: 19 November 2018)

Theorists, T. (2015) 'Game Theory: Super Smash Bros TRAGIC Hidden Lore' YouTube, 10 January. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_2OPd25FOw (Accessed: 19 November 2018) 

Mendez, J. (2014) 'The Power of Storytelling in Animated Explainer Videos' YumYumVideos, 17 September. Available at: http://go.yumyumvideos.com/blog/the-power-of-storytelling-in-animated-explainer-videos (Accessed: 16 November 2018)

S. (2014) 'The Power of Animated Storytelling' idearocket, 4 July. Available at: https://idearocketanimation.com/3773-animated-storytelling-3/ (Accessed: 17 November 2018)

Suzuki, M. (2013) 'My Conspiracy Theory Nut Neighbour, Totoro Aliens?' tofugu, 15 August. Available at: https://www.tofugu.com/japan/totoro-conspiracy-theory/ (Accessed: 15 November 2018)

Besen, E. 'Animation and the Art of Action-Based Storytelling' Writers Store. Available at: https://www.writersstore.com/animation-and-the-art-of-action-based-storytelling/ (Accessed: 17 November 2018)

Canemaker, J. and Solomon, C (1988) The Art of the Animated Image. The American Film Institute

(no date) Champion Medley. Available at: https://nexus.leagueoflegends.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/LOL_CMS_023_Article_01.png (Accessed: 16 November 2018)

G. (no date) 1st Generation. Available at: http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/39400000/1st-generation-pokemon-39423803-4724-2835.jpg (Accessed: 17 November 2018)

Mang, T (2017) Loving Vincent. Available at: https://yp.scmp.com/entertainment/movies/article/107803/why-biographical-vincent-van-gogh-film-loving-vincent-took-125 (Accessed: 18 November 2018)

Overall, this task was simple as it was literally copying the Harvard format for referencing. Although, I do find the progress a bit tedious at the start, I got the hang of it eventually, so all in all, I won't think I'll have that much of a trouble getting used to this process.

Study Task 5 [PP1] - The Power to Persuade

他和她的第一句話 The First time They Spoke - [Hong Kong]

- Animated short about MTR safety

- Concept is heavily influenced by the Japanese animated film "Kimi no na wa"  

- 2D Animation

Cadbury Dairy Milk - Aliens - [Canada]

- Animated short about Cadbury Chocolate

- 3D Animation

Spectacular Animated Heinz's New Baked Beans Ad - [Australia]

- Animated short about Heinz Baked Beans

- 3D Animation

Christmas Advert 2013 - The Bear & The Hare - [United Kingdom]

 - Animated short about John Lewis Christmas sale

- 2D Animation

'No Name' [Korea]

- Animated short about Korea Love Hotels

- 2D Animation

Nissan Ramen - [Japan]

- Animated short about Nissin's Chicken Ramen

- 2D Animation

Oreo [United States]

- Animated shorts about Oreo

- 3D Animation(s)

Kinder Riegel [Germany]

- Animated short about Kinder Chocolate (Riegel/Ferrero)

- 3D Animation

El Gordo Navidad Will Touch Your Soul [Spain]

- Animated short about the Lottery

- 3D Animation

A Mommy's Sacrifice [Phillipines]

- Animated short about mother's love and their sacrifices they make for their family

- 3D Animation

Study Task 2 [COP] - Visual Analysis

Loving Vincent [Movie Still]

This still is from "Loving Vincent", an animated film produced with over 60 thousand oil paints illustrating the life of Vincent van Gogh. In this still, it depicts Gogh lying in his bed, with blood pouring from his ear. This. still depicts the aftermath of him cutting off his ears due to his conflict with Gaugin. In this still, tones of blue is used significantly to create a cold atmosphere; symbolising themes of loneliness, despair and lost. This directly correlates to Gogh's state as he was not in good terms with Gaugin, through self sacrifice he tries to get to his lover, just to go home empty and in anguish.

Study Task 1 [COP] - Types of Resources

Topic 1 - Nostalgia

Nostalgia is the feeling of sentimental yearning towards ones past; can be evoked through objects or events.  In the context of animation, nostalgia is often depicted through it's story; most often a recreation of story inspired from past events or books, or in some occasions, the setting of the story, or even the character designs and character themselves. 

Mcdull and the Fishball

Bendy and the Ink Machine [game trailer]

Howl's Moving Castle

Loving Vincent

https://blog.toonboom.com/storytelling/throwbackthursday-how-nostalgic-millennials-are-influencing-2d-animation

https://www.inverse.com/article/12534-ducktales-trolls-and-the-best-and-worst-of-new-nostalgia-bait-animation?refresh=64

https://www.popoptiq.com/disney-animation-month-toy-story-technology-and-the-power-of-nostalgia/

Cartoon-network Character collage 

Studio Ghibli Character collage

McDull Character Statue

Topic 2 - Inclusive Storytelling

Story telling Is one of the major essence in animation; illustrating the story and telling it through the form of visualisation rather than verbally. Through storytelling, characters are usually involved in which helps to further develop the story in harmony with the characters. Moreover, stories depicted in animations are usually fantasies, however in some cases, it can be a recreation of a fairy tale or recreations/influenced from past events; whether that may be personal or worldly known.   

Double King

Blockhead - The Music Scene

Steamboat Willie

 我們這一家【ATASHLn'CHI】

Character Teaser - League of Legends

[although not really animation related; this ties in with the storytelling aspect. How the whole franchise of the game "- SmashBros" are revolved around the whole life of Shigeru Miyamoto; how his love for gaming was mistreated by the social standards and culture in Japan when he was growing up]

http://go.yumyumvideos.com/blog/the-power-of-storytelling-in-animated-explainer-videos

https://idearocketanimation.com/3773-animated-storytelling-3/

https://www.tofugu.com/japan/totoro-conspiracy-theory/

https://www.writersstore.com/animation-and-the-art-of-action-based-storytelling/

Storytelling in Animation: The Art of the Animated Image - John Canemaker

League of Legends Characters

Pokemon

[The significance of storytelling through character is crucial; especially creating iconic and memorable characters; illustrated by the vast variation from each character; however all very recognisable and distinguishable]

Movie Still in "Loving Vincent"

Through researching these topics, I have found not only the importance of storytelling in animation and the factor of nostalgia it may evoke through various factors; however this research process reminded me of how the concept and stories are hugely influenced by our life experiences. Through researching, I have found how animation produced in Hong Kong are so relatable as it encompasses the vast majority's perspective of the culture and lifestyle. 

Study Task 3 [PP1] - Research

Online Sources

Animation World Network

Independent

Animation Magazine

Kotaku

Digital Arts

Deadline

Wired

Animation Scoop

Skwigly

Disney Animation

Toon Boom

Cartoon Brew

Print based Magazines/Journals

Cinefex

Squeeze 

3D Artist 

3D World 

Animation Magazine

Books

The Animator's Survival Kit - Richard Williams

Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life - Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnson 

The Art of Walt Disney - Christopher Finch 

Starting Point: 1979-1966 - Hayao Miyazaki

Out of the Inkwell: Max Fleischer and the Animation Revolution - Richard Fleischer

Places

China

US

Japan

Task 5: Anticipation & Exaggeration

Anticipation:
- To create tension
- An action that lets the audience know that an action is coming
- Character or object ready to undertake an action, forethought which proceeds the action

Exaggeration:
- Overstatement of physical appearance or reaction to enhance character, emotion and appeal

In this task, we were tasked to create an animation that is able to demonstrate the principles  of anticipation and exaggeration. On top of that, we had to show the use of 2 mediums in the animation and utilisation of sound. 

My idea for this task was to create a jack in a box animation short; as I thought the anticipation can be shown by the crank of the box handle paired with jack in the box music, and the exaggeration would be the object in the box jumping far out to the screen; essentially a jump scare. 

Reference 

I started off creating this rough animation to see how I would zoom into the box to create the anticipation action of the animation. Moreover, this would benefit me greatly during my creating process as I would get a scene of how I can create a zoom that can feel natural; further creating tension. 

As for the second media, I originally wanted to create the zooming part using the traditional animation technique, however that would take too much time and would not look well when it transitions to digital medium. With the time I had left, I decided to use the second medium as a chance to explore how I can infuse the markings done with gel pen, and water colour, and infuse it to the animation digitally. 

Created using gel pen, and layering water colour on top, I used this to give the animation a static like effect when the exaggeration is shown.

From this task, I learnt the importance of sound in animation; as its essential in creating a foundation for the atmosphere and tone of the animation and setting. Moreover, the significance of anticipation and exaggeration in animation; creating a more dramatic and effective action and story.