Recommended Viewing No. 03

Alma – Rodrigo Blaas (2009)

This is quite a well-known film, but I thought I should include it in my list of recommended viewing as it conveys the atmosphere I'd like to achieve with my animation. The surreal, not really real feeling of the shop full of dolls is just unsettling enough that you have an inkling of unease, but you don't know what's going to happen.

Asides from the atmospheric merits, this film is very technically impressive! The somewhat mis-proportioned Alma fits in perfectly with the surroundings despite the fact that they are very different stylistically. Also, the awards this animation has - really speak to it's quality.

Alma (in HD!) on Youtube

“Is it better to out-monster the monster or to be quietly devoured?"

The answer is neither! Feed it sweets, and it'll love you forever.

Here's the turnaround for the Monster. I wanted to keep the design simple, as part of the eerie-ness of the monster comes from his way of movement, and the voice. The 'in situ' image, is to show how he'll look in the actual animation, as he's partially transparent near his 'tail'.

It's....ALIVE!!!

The lovely Freya Hotson has handed me the turnaround, and final design for John, my main character - I'm so happy with it! I can't see myself wanting (or needing) to change the design at all.

(PS: I should say at this point - if anyone takes *anything* off this blog without my express permission, they will contract some kind of horribly fatal herpes, courtesy of karma.)

Technical Failings

So, my long battle with technology has come to an end! My long serving, loyal and loved computer has gone motherboard up. I've lost all digital copies of my work for the past three years, and I'll be redoing pretty much everything.

Did I mention my deadline is FOUR WEEKS away? Yeah.

In a way, it's good. I have to rethink everything I've done, I'm forced to try and remember the things I've lost completely, it's forced self-review. Also, I do find it easier to work with tight, tight deadlines. I go a bit manic, get no sleep, drink far too much coffee...but it works.

Here goes...

Recommended Viewing No. 02

The Terrible Thing of Alpha-9! – Jake Armstrong (2009)

This is a thesis film, that was animated entirely in *gasp* Flash! Having seen all the crashing and swearing and tears that Flash has produced in my classmates, it marvels me that such an animation as this could've come forth from that hideous program.

I feel I must state - I do not like slapstick. Looney Toons, Tex Avery-esque animation and Animaniacs have never appealed to me.

However, despite this, the slapstick in this animation is so neatly woven into the story that it doesn't run cross-wise over my nerves, and in fact, makes me like it more! This is an example of excellent suspense and story-telling in the most classic tradition of twists and turns.

The Terrible Thing of Alpha-9! on Youtube

Also: Jake Armstrong's blog!