Outside the siblings' house.
The Snow Queen's throne room.
Inside the mirror.
The frozen lake.
The fountain.
The square.
The village in winter.
The village in summer.
Wednesday 19 December 2018
Tuesday 18 December 2018
Delayed release and trailer reveal!
Due to conflicting schedules that includes rushed paperwork deadlines, production of The Snow Queen Goes Interactive is slowing down. Currently, the short is in its post-production stages, with all the stop-motion sequences rendered and ready for editing. The short is expected to be released on YouTube at end 2018, but will be pushed to a new date: by February 2019.
At the same time, a series of functionality tests were conducted. And the project is also given a new task: to make an introductory video for the project to show its functionality and introduce the project altogether.
At the same time, a series of functionality tests were conducted. And the project is also given a new task: to make an introductory video for the project to show its functionality and introduce the project altogether.
Wednesday 5 December 2018
Major updates!
It's the beginning of December and the film is on track to composition. During a discussion session with the lecturer, several style frames of the expected video have been made.
The discussion session highlights the typeface and composition of user interface elements. Several suggestions are made by the lecturers:
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| Scene 1 - Choice |
 |
| Scene 1 Choice B |
 |
| Scene 2 - Choice |
 |
| Scene 3 - Choice |
 |
| Scene 3 |
 |
| Scene 4 |
The discussion session highlights the typeface and composition of user interface elements. Several suggestions are made by the lecturers:
- Consider the target audience when choosing the typeface. As this is for college students, a flat, simple and minimalist typeface should be used.
- The choice buttons can be resized to smaller sizes.
- Add some white space (empty space) for breathing room.
- For scene 3 (choice), the question can be placed on top of Ann's head while the choice buttons may be placed above Ben's head, considering the choice buttons can be resized to be smaller.
- Choice button arrangement can be consistent.
- Add thematic frames to the buttons. Consider using complimentary (contrasting) colors or neutral (light grey) for the buttons.
Steps to be taken when editing:
- Add frames to the buttons.
- Change typeface to a simpler, flat typeface
- Rearrange the button composition to accommodate breathing space.
Wednesday 14 November 2018
Shooting has wrapped up!
Shooting for the film wrapped up on November 12, 2018!
The editing process will begin soon after,a and the film is expected to be completed by end 2018.
Considerations and suggestions
Several considerations are being made for the film:
- Character scale: characters are scaled due to age difference.
- Thought bubbles: Instead of subtitles, thought bubbles will be employed to show which character says their lines.
Friday 17 August 2018
Production schedule!
Work on the project will begin on September 18, 2018. The project is expected to be completed by the end of December 2018.
Tuesday 14 August 2018
Ben's clay sculpt
Ben is now made with modelling clay covering the wooden mannequin! The switch to modelling clay is because the figures I use have commonly smooth surfaces, in which modelling clay can be considered for the smooth surfaces, and is consistent to the figurines' appearance.
Sculpting in progress.
Monday 30 July 2018
YouTube Annotations and Cards
Based on the YouTube channel, the site discontinued annotations on May 2, 2017. They were replaced by cards to link to related videos, channels, websites and polls.
So, tutorials on YouTube linked cards will be consulted in making the project.
http://tubularinsights.com/youtube-interactive-cards-tips/
https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-use-youtube-cards-in-your-videos/
End screens are also strongly considered by YouTube for the links to the videos.
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6388789?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en
So, tutorials on YouTube linked cards will be consulted in making the project.
http://tubularinsights.com/youtube-interactive-cards-tips/
https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-use-youtube-cards-in-your-videos/
End screens are also strongly considered by YouTube for the links to the videos.
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6388789?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en
Green screen and background Chroma key
The project will use Chroma keying with the use of a green screen. It will be carried out in Premiere and After Effects.
https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/atv/cs5-cs55-video-tutorials/creating-a-green-screen-key-using-ultra-key.html
https://helpx.adobe.com/after-effects/using/keying.html
These tutorials will aid in the keying process.
https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/atv/cs5-cs55-video-tutorials/creating-a-green-screen-key-using-ultra-key.html
https://helpx.adobe.com/after-effects/using/keying.html
These tutorials will aid in the keying process.
Friday 20 July 2018
Casting update
As for the sizes of the other characters, they will be sized like this as they are within the ranges of 9 to 11 years old.
Monday 16 July 2018
Decision making scenes concept
The decision making scenes in the short will be based on those commonly found in YouTube interactive videos.
Note that the main character's design is still under development.
The name "Ann" may still be discussed as the name sounds very similar to the figurine character's original name "Anna".
Friday 13 July 2018
Friday 6 July 2018
Art direction: Mood board references
The color correction of the short will be based on the weather of the scene. Most of the film is based on winter weather.
Summer weather scenes will have color correction based on warm and vivid colors.
Summer weather scenes will have color correction based on warm and vivid colors.
Modifying the plot
Scene 1
Scene 2
Ben and Ann read about the Snow Queen. One winter, Ben sees the Snow Queen, who wants to visit him.
Choice A: Ben agrees to let her in.
Ben lets the Queen in. She tells him about a cursed magic mirror.
Choice B: Ben decides to tell Ann first.
Ben tells Ann about the Queen's visit, also saying that she turned out to be nice in person. They let her in, and the Queen tells them about the cursed mirror.
Choice A: Ben agrees to let her in.
Ben lets the Queen in. She tells him about a cursed magic mirror.
Choice B: Ben decides to tell Ann first.
Ben tells Ann about the Queen's visit, also saying that she turned out to be nice in person. They let her in, and the Queen tells them about the cursed mirror.
Scene 2
On a pleasant summer day, Ben finds the mirror and suddenly its powers affect him. Ben goes missing.
Choice A: Ben goes to the square.
Ben finds the Snow Queen's sleigh carriage parked at the square. The Queen is shocked about his condition and decides to take him to her palace. Luckily, Ann is here and follows the sleigh carriage to the Snow Queen's palace.
Choice B: Ben goes to the large fountain.
Ben finds the Snow Queen at the fountain, who is shocked about his condition. The Queen goes back to Ben's house and tells Ann about Ben's condition. Ann agrees to follow the Queen to her palace.
Scene 3
The characters arrive at the Snow Queen's palace, which houses an ice lake. The Queen says that there is only one way to release Ben from the effects of the magic mirror. Meanwhile, Ben is trying to form a secret word that the Queen is trying to find to neutralize the mirror's powers.
Choice A: Act of love
Ann kisses Ben on the forehead, and he is saved by the power of their love.
Choice B: Warmth with love
Ann gives Ben a warm cardigan she brought along with her. Ben is relieved of the mirror's effects and finds out that Ann's love for him also worked in curing him of the mirror's effects.
Scene 4
Find the secret word!
Choice A: "ETERNAL" - Normal ending
The characters dance on the ice lake so joyously, with the cracks spelling the word "ETERNAL". The mirror's powers finally dissipate, and the magic mirror disappears. Ben and Ann return home after thanking the Queen for her help. Ben and Ann return home to find out that it's summertime.
Choice B: "FRIENDSHIP" - Secret ending
The characters dance on the ice lake so joyously, with the cracks spelling the word "FRIENDSHIP". The magic mirror breaks, revealing two pairs of skates. The Snow Queen decides to give the skates to Ben and Ann as a gift for their gratitude. Ben and Ann return home after thanking the Queen for her help. Ben and Ann return home to find out that it's summertime, but the lake is still frozen. They find out that the Snow Queen froze the lake for them to skate on.
Choice A: Ben goes to the square.
Ben finds the Snow Queen's sleigh carriage parked at the square. The Queen is shocked about his condition and decides to take him to her palace. Luckily, Ann is here and follows the sleigh carriage to the Snow Queen's palace.
Choice B: Ben goes to the large fountain.
Ben finds the Snow Queen at the fountain, who is shocked about his condition. The Queen goes back to Ben's house and tells Ann about Ben's condition. Ann agrees to follow the Queen to her palace.
Scene 3
The characters arrive at the Snow Queen's palace, which houses an ice lake. The Queen says that there is only one way to release Ben from the effects of the magic mirror. Meanwhile, Ben is trying to form a secret word that the Queen is trying to find to neutralize the mirror's powers.
Choice A: Act of love
Ann kisses Ben on the forehead, and he is saved by the power of their love.
Choice B: Warmth with love
Ann gives Ben a warm cardigan she brought along with her. Ben is relieved of the mirror's effects and finds out that Ann's love for him also worked in curing him of the mirror's effects.
Scene 4
Find the secret word!
Choice A: "ETERNAL" - Normal ending
The characters dance on the ice lake so joyously, with the cracks spelling the word "ETERNAL". The mirror's powers finally dissipate, and the magic mirror disappears. Ben and Ann return home after thanking the Queen for her help. Ben and Ann return home to find out that it's summertime.
Choice B: "FRIENDSHIP" - Secret ending
The characters dance on the ice lake so joyously, with the cracks spelling the word "FRIENDSHIP". The magic mirror breaks, revealing two pairs of skates. The Snow Queen decides to give the skates to Ben and Ann as a gift for their gratitude. Ben and Ann return home after thanking the Queen for her help. Ben and Ann return home to find out that it's summertime, but the lake is still frozen. They find out that the Snow Queen froze the lake for them to skate on.
Meet the Cast
Main character
Name: Ben
Based on: Kai
Personality: Fun, curious
Figurine used: Custom-built using wooden manikin and recyclable materials
Name: Ann
Based on: Gerda
Personality: Loving, brave
Figurine used: Nendoroid #550 Anna (Frozen)
Note: Might be replaced by a custom character die to her role being large. However, no female manikins can be found.
Name: Snow Queen
Based on: the Snow Queen
Personality: Light-hearted, kind, caring
Figurine used: Nendoroid #475 Elsa (Frozen)
Figurines used is planned to be put in the credits.
Name: Ben
Based on: Kai
Personality: Fun, curious
Figurine used: Custom-built using wooden manikin and recyclable materials
Name: Ann
Based on: Gerda
Personality: Loving, brave
Figurine used: Nendoroid #550 Anna (Frozen)
Note: Might be replaced by a custom character die to her role being large. However, no female manikins can be found.
Name: Snow Queen
Based on: the Snow Queen
Personality: Light-hearted, kind, caring
Figurine used: Nendoroid #475 Elsa (Frozen)
Figurines used is planned to be put in the credits.
Wednesday 4 July 2018
Decision making scenes (initial)
The short is planned to have three decision-making scenes.
1. The scene when the Queen visits the protagonist's house.
A. Let her in.
B. Tell partner first.
2. The scene where the protagonist heads to after he was affected by the mirror's powers.
A. The square.
B. The fountain.
3. Finding out the secret word to cure the protagonist:
A. "ETERNAL"
B. "FRIENDSHIP"
1. The scene when the Queen visits the protagonist's house.
A. Let her in.
B. Tell partner first.
2. The scene where the protagonist heads to after he was affected by the mirror's powers.
A. The square.
B. The fountain.
3. Finding out the secret word to cure the protagonist:
A. "ETERNAL"
B. "FRIENDSHIP"
Monday 2 July 2018
Making custom characters tutorials
So far, there have been little to no tutorials online on how to customize wooden mannequins, in which one has been featured in the Instructables website. Most of the search results yield tutorials based on 3D modelling in computer software.
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-a-customized-dolltoy-out-of-wooden-A/ - a simple tutorial using wooden art mannequins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKALo63iWbc - using sculpting. Clay sculpting can be optional when making the face.
These tutorials will assist me in the design of the main character. The dress will be fashioned from recyclable materials.
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-a-customized-dolltoy-out-of-wooden-A/ - a simple tutorial using wooden art mannequins.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKALo63iWbc - using sculpting. Clay sculpting can be optional when making the face.
These tutorials will assist me in the design of the main character. The dress will be fashioned from recyclable materials.
Friday 29 June 2018
Art direction references
The interactive short film uses figurines as the cast, and its art style will be based on traditional toy photography.
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| Source: Hot Kenobi |
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| Source: Top Toy Alliance |
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| Source: Lego Star Wars: Grandpa Vader and Kylo Ren (Feat. AKPstudios) on YouTube |
Monday 25 June 2018
Plot to be adapted
The plot will be modified from the original.
Original plot of "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen
Dark forces made a magic mirror that distorts the appearance of everything that it reflects while magnifying their negative aspects. Once, the mirror shattered into billions of pieces, which are blown by the wind all over the Earth and get into people's hearts and eyes, freezing their hearts like blocks of ice and causing their eyes to possess the effects of the mirror. There was only one way to get it out.
Years later, a little boy Kai and a little girl Gerda live next door to each other. Gerda and Kai have a window-box garden to play in, and they become devoted to each other as playmates, and as close as if they were siblings. Kai's grandmother tells the children about the Snow Queen, who is ruler over the "snow bees" — snowflakes that look like bees. Looking out of his frosted window one winter, Kai sees the Snow Queen, who beckons him to come with her.
On a pleasant summer day, splinters of the mirror get into Kai's heart and eyes while he and Gerda are looking at a picture book. Kai becomes affected by the mirror's powers. The following winter, Kai goes out with his sled to play in the snowy market square and hitches it to a curious white sleigh carriage, driven by the Snow Queen. Outside the city she reveals herself to Kai and kisses him twice: once to numb him from the cold, and a second time to make him forget about Gerda and his family; a third kiss would kill him. She takes Kai in her sleigh to her palace.
Gerda then travels to the Snow Queen's palace. Gerda finds Kai alone and almost immobile on a frozen lake, which the Snow Queen calls the "Mirror of Reason", on which her throne sits. Kai is engaged in the task that the Snow Queen gave him: he must use pieces of ice like a tangram puzzle to form characters and words. If he is able to form the secret word the Snow Queen told him to spell she will release him from her power and give him a pair of skates.
Gerda runs up to Kai and kisses him, and he is saved by the power of her love: Gerda weeps warm tears on him, melting his heart and burning away the mirror splinter in it, and Kai comes back to his senses. He and Gerda dance around on the lake of ice so joyously that the splinters of ice Kai had been playing with are caught up into the dance. They eventually fall down to spell the secret word Kai was trying to spell. The Snow Queen is obligated to free Kai. Kai and Gerda then leave the Snow Queen's domain back home and find that everything at home is the same and that it is they who have changed; they are now grown up, and are also delighted to see that it is summertime.
Source: Wikipedia
Planned changes:
- There will be three characters in the story.
- The Queen will be a humorous and kind character.
- The roles of "Kai" and "Gerda" may be reversed, as the main character (the OC that is planned to be made) is planned to be male.
Wednesday 20 June 2018
Proposed plot structure
Instead of culminating in a single ending, a special, more exciting ending is considered when the viewer chooses the twist decisions.
New plot idea and casting change announcement
After a discussion with lecturers Sweii Chong and Din Tan, the whole project had changed to fit a new plot and a new cast of characters. However, depending on the decisions the user makes, the plot may still culminate in a single ending. Sometimes, a twist can be placed in the story line based on the decisions.
For the plot, I chose the original plot of "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen as the basis, because I was quite interested with the story and it inspired one of my favorite films. As for the cast of characters, the main character is suggested to be an original character, and he/she could be fashioned from recyclable materials or modelling clay. This is because the project needs some originality. There will be three characters in the interactive film.
For the figurines that come from other media franchises, they are suggested to be relegated to supporter, minor or cameo roles. The other figurines I have intended to put into the film are characters from the Disney movie Frozen. Since the character Elsa is a good character, I will portray her in a positive light and with a lovable, humorous personality as opposed to the original Snow Queen's cold-hearted personality in the original story. However, she will be in a supporting role based on the review.
For the plot, I chose the original plot of "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen as the basis, because I was quite interested with the story and it inspired one of my favorite films. As for the cast of characters, the main character is suggested to be an original character, and he/she could be fashioned from recyclable materials or modelling clay. This is because the project needs some originality. There will be three characters in the interactive film.
For the figurines that come from other media franchises, they are suggested to be relegated to supporter, minor or cameo roles. The other figurines I have intended to put into the film are characters from the Disney movie Frozen. Since the character Elsa is a good character, I will portray her in a positive light and with a lovable, humorous personality as opposed to the original Snow Queen's cold-hearted personality in the original story. However, she will be in a supporting role based on the review.
Monday 18 June 2018
Theme announcement and inspirations
After agreeing on the Inside Out cast idea, I came across a few PSA videos that can inspire the project. Some of them are student films with a sense of comedy and drama, which will be implemented to the script and the film. The PSAs are mainly about health and safety.
https://www.facebook.com/xiaoxiao.lee.9/videos/1101687803174994/ - fastening seat belts every time.
https://www.facebook.com/KenLooi96/videos/10205312136903005/ - drugs cannot cure depression.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH7V0Ao1Vzg - fire hazards.
Upon watching them, I wondered what if the figurines in my collection are able to convey messages about health and safety in the workplace. As some of them come from well-loved franchises, fans will like to see the characters they love do stuff like this.
https://www.facebook.com/xiaoxiao.lee.9/videos/1101687803174994/ - fastening seat belts every time.
https://www.facebook.com/KenLooi96/videos/10205312136903005/ - drugs cannot cure depression.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH7V0Ao1Vzg - fire hazards.
Upon watching them, I wondered what if the figurines in my collection are able to convey messages about health and safety in the workplace. As some of them come from well-loved franchises, fans will like to see the characters they love do stuff like this.
Possible cast change
During a discussion with my specialist tutors, several things can be considered based on the current updates.
Things to do:
- After taking a look at my collection, the Emotions from Inside Out (I have the small figurines) can be considered as a new cast as they came from a kids' film with a special message.
- The special message can be based on a popular issue or major concern such as media obsession, filter bubbles or domestic violence. The issue on how to deal with depression or the importance of empathy can be suitable for the Inside Out cast as it deals with emotions.
- The major outcome of the interactive journey is to discover the truth about the issue, which contains the theme or message that the film is trying to convey.
Things to do:
- Make up personalities for the cast of characters.
- Get references on art direction and shooting methods.
Wednesday 13 June 2018
Film plot suggestion and main character reveal
The plot of the interactive film will be based on the point of view of several characters on an event. Users will learn how they got into the situation by picking each character, which leads to the resolution of the film. The interactive film is intended to not be purely based on decision making, but the user's choice to follow a certain character's point of view. Currently, I have been considering a CSI-type scene, but other themes can also be considered.
The hidden message in the plot is yet to be considered.
As for casting, I was intending this figurine to be my main character, if the CSI-style plot is retained. The choice is inspired by an educational animated film that I watched the trailer of in YouTube.
The hidden message in the plot is yet to be considered.
As for casting, I was intending this figurine to be my main character, if the CSI-style plot is retained. The choice is inspired by an educational animated film that I watched the trailer of in YouTube.
Other characters are to be cast after choices on the plot are made.
Friday 8 June 2018
Interactive Film decision ~ 8.6.2018
Idea #2 (interactive film) is finally chosen between the two ideas. During discussions with lecturers Yi Wei and Din Tan, the lecturers handed a few useful suggestions on the development of the plot.
As this is an interactive film, the plot is non-linear and planned to have a single resolution at the end. The decisions of the plot will be based on choosing the points of view of the characters. Yi Wei suggests that the decision-making style used in the project will be taken into consideration when planning the scenes. As for the plot, Din suggested the plot to contain a secret, positive message in order to instill emotions on the audience. The message is said to be an ultimate goal for a successful film and should be conceived before the plot is being written.
Things to be done:
As this is an interactive film, the plot is non-linear and planned to have a single resolution at the end. The decisions of the plot will be based on choosing the points of view of the characters. Yi Wei suggests that the decision-making style used in the project will be taken into consideration when planning the scenes. As for the plot, Din suggested the plot to contain a secret, positive message in order to instill emotions on the audience. The message is said to be an ultimate goal for a successful film and should be conceived before the plot is being written.
Things to be done:
- Message
- Plot
- Casting
- Location scouting
Wednesday 6 June 2018
Skill Set Review
Skill sets I have right now and level of mastery based on the ideas I have given:
Premiere Pro - high
After Effects - medium high
Photoshop - high
Programming via Subline/Dreamweaver - medium
The interactive video idea seems to be fine for me but I want to learn how to make a video interactive. If YouTube is considered, I can follow tutorials and create the footage myself.
The plot is yet to be written, and I am currently picturing a crime scene investigation.
As for the website, the realistic estimation of the project timeline based on my current skill level would be longer than the deadline. This can become an optional idea.
In conclusion, I feel that the final project would be the interactive film idea as I have a strong point in editing videos.
Premiere Pro - high
After Effects - medium high
Photoshop - high
Programming via Subline/Dreamweaver - medium
The interactive video idea seems to be fine for me but I want to learn how to make a video interactive. If YouTube is considered, I can follow tutorials and create the footage myself.
The plot is yet to be written, and I am currently picturing a crime scene investigation.
As for the website, the realistic estimation of the project timeline based on my current skill level would be longer than the deadline. This can become an optional idea.
In conclusion, I feel that the final project would be the interactive film idea as I have a strong point in editing videos.
Wednesday 30 May 2018
Discussion considerations ~ 30.5.2018
According to the lecturer Yi Wei, the interactive video can be a choice-based, plot-driven narrative or an informational narrative. As the plot of the film is intended to be a single ending, the choices made must be interesting and impactful to the plot and slightly change but will eventually culminate to the final resolution. The lecturer also suggests that the plot may not be purely plot-driven but linked annotations can be placed anywhere in the video which lead to other videos. The informational narrative will be suitable for a documentary-style plot.
As for the website, the lecturer suggests that the website's interaction can be more unique and fitting to the theme of the website to make it more unique. CSS animations and second-person POV can be considered.
Thursday 24 May 2018
Problems involving existing toy films
The most frequent problem in toy films, especially those found in YouTube, is that hands can be seen in the video when the toys are "operated".
E.g: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRG2fBbFM3I (Monster Island Buddies: Episode 45 - "Monster Island Babies")
Some amateur toy films have several small scenes filmed in one shot and are sometimes seen with the hands:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tSc1cg_Ksk (Velociraptor vs. Godzilla from BP by MonsterLover8)
Some of the instructions in the site will also address certain errors and cliches that a lot of toy films have.
E.g: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRG2fBbFM3I (Monster Island Buddies: Episode 45 - "Monster Island Babies")
Some amateur toy films have several small scenes filmed in one shot and are sometimes seen with the hands:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tSc1cg_Ksk (Velociraptor vs. Godzilla from BP by MonsterLover8)
Some of the instructions in the site will also address certain errors and cliches that a lot of toy films have.
Idea #1: Additional research
So far, most stop motion tutorial videos involving toys are almost exclusive to YouTube.
E.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XESmD6sVIg4 (Stop Motion Tutorial: Green Screen FX)
Some are textual and have images but have limited information.
http://www.kidvidfest.com/2017/06/15/how-to-make-a-stop-motion-film/
https://nofilmschool.com/2016/06/stop-motion-animation-tips
The website is targeted towards figurine collectors and aimed for a textual/image approach on a website specific to the stop motion animation. It will also introduce visual and practical effect tutorials for toy films.
The site is also intended for a showcase of the author's collection and films.
E.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XESmD6sVIg4 (Stop Motion Tutorial: Green Screen FX)
Some are textual and have images but have limited information.
http://www.kidvidfest.com/2017/06/15/how-to-make-a-stop-motion-film/
https://nofilmschool.com/2016/06/stop-motion-animation-tips
The website is targeted towards figurine collectors and aimed for a textual/image approach on a website specific to the stop motion animation. It will also introduce visual and practical effect tutorials for toy films.
The site is also intended for a showcase of the author's collection and films.
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Stop Motion Animation Research for Idea #2
Stop motion is a genre of film that involves moving objects in the slightest degree and taking shots between the little movements to create a sense of motion that the figure is moving by itself.
Stop-motion examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSBQsckUe5Y - (Transformers Stop Motion: The Legend Exists by TFI Creations)
- the style of film inspiring the style of the project. It is a toy film that combines stop motion and video footage with added visual effects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIHkiaNyMKg - (Dino Dreams by blaisingm)
- This film uses built models with stop motion, practical and green screen effects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZeguaJzUyk - (KaBoom! by PES Film)
Stop-motion examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSBQsckUe5Y - (Transformers Stop Motion: The Legend Exists by TFI Creations)
- the style of film inspiring the style of the project. It is a toy film that combines stop motion and video footage with added visual effects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIHkiaNyMKg - (Dino Dreams by blaisingm)
- This film uses built models with stop motion, practical and green screen effects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRiPQ8YNrVs - (Early Man by Aardman Animation)
- An upcoming claymation film made by Aardman Animation, a claymation film studio. The film uses clay models.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smiq3ACnyXI - (Minisaurs: Shade by Fred the Dinosaur Man)
- An example of claymation using standard modelling clay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smiq3ACnyXI - (Minisaurs: Shade by Fred the Dinosaur Man)
- An example of claymation using standard modelling clay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lRGYsr7yxk - (Dinosaurs Extinction: Final Days. A Reptilian Holocaust)
- A film that contains clips from the early days of stop motion, when built models are used.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ5h7yWenqk - (LEGO STAR WARS The Last Jedi - Luke Skywalker vs Kylo Ren by Brick Force Studios)
- an example of one of the most popular genres in toy films and stop motion in YouTube, which is Lego "brickfilms". The example recreates a scene from Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZeguaJzUyk - (KaBoom! by PES Film)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXIfZLt8aEM - (Still Life by PES Film)
- very simple examples of a stop motion animation using everyday objects and fruits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQuBhKU1UT8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQuBhKU1UT8
- clips from one of the most famous figurine stop motion franchises, Robot Chicken. This series is directed towards adult collectors.
There are several genres for stop motion films as shown through the video research. The genre intended for Idea #2 will be a toy film that has visual effects and combines stop motion and video footage.
Monday 21 May 2018
Interactive narrative research
Initial research materials and techniques to be applied on interactive narratives for films.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_cinema
- introduction to interactive films in general. Citations in Wikipedia article.
https://creators.vice.com/en_us/article/ypn87y/new-cinema-how-do-you-make-an-interactive-narrative
- This article showcases how a team of creators are able to apply interactive narratives in a cinematic hackathon project.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/01/30/alternate-endings
- Highlights the significance of interactive films as a form of future entertainment.
http://articles.latimes.com/1995-02-18/entertainment/ca-33309_1_bad-guys
- an early example of an interactive film released in 1995.
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/channels/interactive/
- a collection of interactive short films.
Interactive films usually have multiple plot lines. Most interactive films have several endings based on the viewers' choices. It is quite rare to find interactive short films that have a single ending no matter what choices the viewers make during its course.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPd8tD_G9ZU - (Choices by ChoicesforLifeTV)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mk-HvA-LNY - (Sirens - The Interactive Film)
- these films are typical choice-based interactive shorts with multiple endings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlUaN2oCOzs - (The Escape by ACDF Productions)
- a game-based interactive short film.
http://www.fiveminutes.gs - (FIVE MINUTES)
- this interactive short film utilizes interaction instead of choices.
From the research, the single ending is heavily considered for this idea as very little works based on this narrative approach could be found.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_cinema
- introduction to interactive films in general. Citations in Wikipedia article.
https://creators.vice.com/en_us/article/ypn87y/new-cinema-how-do-you-make-an-interactive-narrative
- This article showcases how a team of creators are able to apply interactive narratives in a cinematic hackathon project.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/01/30/alternate-endings
- Highlights the significance of interactive films as a form of future entertainment.
http://articles.latimes.com/1995-02-18/entertainment/ca-33309_1_bad-guys
- an early example of an interactive film released in 1995.
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/channels/interactive/
- a collection of interactive short films.
Interactive films usually have multiple plot lines. Most interactive films have several endings based on the viewers' choices. It is quite rare to find interactive short films that have a single ending no matter what choices the viewers make during its course.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPd8tD_G9ZU - (Choices by ChoicesforLifeTV)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mk-HvA-LNY - (Sirens - The Interactive Film)
- these films are typical choice-based interactive shorts with multiple endings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlUaN2oCOzs - (The Escape by ACDF Productions)
- a game-based interactive short film.
http://www.fiveminutes.gs - (FIVE MINUTES)
- this interactive short film utilizes interaction instead of choices.
From the research, the single ending is heavily considered for this idea as very little works based on this narrative approach could be found.
Sunday 20 May 2018
Training (instructional) website examples
Training websites can also include instructional or how-to websites. The main aim is to provide steps on how to perform a certain task and also some techniques that can be used.
Some training/instructional sites provide instructions with steps in text and images.
https://www.wikihow.com/ - one of the most popular sites for text and image steps.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Stop-Motion-Video-of-Your-Favorite-Stuffed-Toy-or-Action-Figure - a very simple WikiHow guide on how to create a stop-motion movie.
https://developer.android.com/guide/ - Android Studio's online instructional manual.
A lot of training/instructional sites use video tutorials to document the steps.
https://www.lynda.com/ - online course videos for subscribers.
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/videotutorials/ - a free online course site.
Some training/instructional sites use both videos, images and text.
http://www.instructables.com - an instructional site that offers step-by-step instructions in creative works.
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/tutorials.html - Adobe's Photoshop tutorial site.
Several other training/instructional sites offer paid online video courses.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/film-distribution - a film learning course.
https://www.udemy.com/
There are also live online classes where tutors interact with students through the websites:
https://www.creativelive.com/
https://www.homeschoolacademy.com/home-school-programs/live-online-classes/
From the research, there is a variety of methods used in training/instructional websites. A lot of these sites use text and images while most video tutorials can be found in YouTube. Live videos need a connection to run.
Some training/instructional sites provide instructions with steps in text and images.
https://www.wikihow.com/ - one of the most popular sites for text and image steps.
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Stop-Motion-Video-of-Your-Favorite-Stuffed-Toy-or-Action-Figure - a very simple WikiHow guide on how to create a stop-motion movie.
https://developer.android.com/guide/ - Android Studio's online instructional manual.
A lot of training/instructional sites use video tutorials to document the steps.
https://www.lynda.com/ - online course videos for subscribers.
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/videotutorials/ - a free online course site.
Some training/instructional sites use both videos, images and text.
http://www.instructables.com - an instructional site that offers step-by-step instructions in creative works.
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/tutorials.html - Adobe's Photoshop tutorial site.
Several other training/instructional sites offer paid online video courses.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/film-distribution - a film learning course.
https://www.udemy.com/
There are also live online classes where tutors interact with students through the websites:
https://www.creativelive.com/
https://www.homeschoolacademy.com/home-school-programs/live-online-classes/
From the research, there is a variety of methods used in training/instructional websites. A lot of these sites use text and images while most video tutorials can be found in YouTube. Live videos need a connection to run.
Figure collector behavior research
What figurine collectors in YouTube have in common:
[Based on observations]
- They display their action figure collections in multiple shelves.
- Some also collect merchandise based on the franchises they loved.
- They also make videos showcasing their entire collections.
- Mostly, they make reviews of their figurines.
- A significant number of collectors on YouTube make films featuring their collections. Some use stop motion or live footage.
Examples of collection showcase videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rsva51u6wbE - Transformers collector (Optibotimus)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCtVsedun6U - Sailor Moon collector (Aurora Peachy)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf3UP2euXL0 - Godzilla collector (Goji73)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5fZcQ6JUlM - Jurassic Park collector (The Jurassic Park Collection)
So far, some figurine-collecting YouTube users make films based on their collection with visual and practical effects. However, a lot of amateur collectors or learners made a few errors when making their films. The website (Idea #1) is aimed to train these people.
[Based on observations]
- They display their action figure collections in multiple shelves.
- Some also collect merchandise based on the franchises they loved.
- They also make videos showcasing their entire collections.
- Mostly, they make reviews of their figurines.
- A significant number of collectors on YouTube make films featuring their collections. Some use stop motion or live footage.
Examples of collection showcase videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rsva51u6wbE - Transformers collector (Optibotimus)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCtVsedun6U - Sailor Moon collector (Aurora Peachy)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf3UP2euXL0 - Godzilla collector (Goji73)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5fZcQ6JUlM - Jurassic Park collector (The Jurassic Park Collection)
So far, some figurine-collecting YouTube users make films based on their collection with visual and practical effects. However, a lot of amateur collectors or learners made a few errors when making their films. The website (Idea #1) is aimed to train these people.
Friday 18 May 2018
Ideation of project
1. A training website for stop motion animation or toy films.
The website is targeted towards toy and action figure collectors. Some figure and toy collectors take to video sharing sites such as YouTube to review and make films out of their collections. The website would also address major problems faced in toy video making such as the owner's hands being visible in shots and ways to combine live footage and stop motion animation. The website is also planned to include visual effects and filming techniques carried out in live-action films and incorporate it into toy films.
2. An interactive short film using stop-motion on figurines in my collection.
So far, interactive films featuring figurines and stop-motion animation are quite rare and can be found in YouTube. "Interactive" videos in YouTube usually use clickable links on annotations applied to the videos. Usually, these consist of a series of separate videos, and the plot is non-linear, as viewers can follow varying story lines when choosing options.
Some examples of these videos are:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZunBDYRDkA (PRIME VS. PRIME)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPQ1XrllZmA (Youtube Street Fighter)
The website is targeted towards toy and action figure collectors. Some figure and toy collectors take to video sharing sites such as YouTube to review and make films out of their collections. The website would also address major problems faced in toy video making such as the owner's hands being visible in shots and ways to combine live footage and stop motion animation. The website is also planned to include visual effects and filming techniques carried out in live-action films and incorporate it into toy films.
2. An interactive short film using stop-motion on figurines in my collection.
So far, interactive films featuring figurines and stop-motion animation are quite rare and can be found in YouTube. "Interactive" videos in YouTube usually use clickable links on annotations applied to the videos. Usually, these consist of a series of separate videos, and the plot is non-linear, as viewers can follow varying story lines when choosing options.
Some examples of these videos are:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZunBDYRDkA (PRIME VS. PRIME)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPQ1XrllZmA (Youtube Street Fighter)
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