Preparation for the "Dream" animation
The original idea of ??creating this animation was very simple. I just wanted to make my own animated film. The length of the short film was not yet determined. , so this also posed a problem for me. In order to be more prepared, I took my camera outside to collect scenery and take pictures of the high-rise buildings in major cities, the ancient city of Xin'an, and the small streets and alleys. Then I started to draw the storyboard. After collecting the information, I started to determine the script (plot, characters, scenes and production). Then I made a progress schedule. This schedule can remind myself and restrain myself to complete the animation in chronological order, such as Create scenes and character models, materials, bone bindings, etc.; after all the above is prepared, create a dynamic split-shot script based on the storyboard. After playing the animation using the preview, see how the sample looks and what are its shortcomings. , make modifications and arrangements on the basis of the mid-term, and then start rendering. The final work is post-production synthesis.
This cartoon was produced by me alone. It took about half a year to complete. It mainly used Maya, PS, AE and other software. The biggest obstacle in making this film was the animated expressions and movements. ,language. But when I encounter problems during the production process, I usually go to some professional forums, practice while looking at examples, and slowly solve the problems encountered during production.
The mid-term setting of the "Dream" animation
The scene concept borrowed from Shaoxing architectural style
The scenes of this animation actually borrowed the styles of some places in Shaoxing. For example, it refers to the architectural scenes of Xin'an Ancient City. I was on a business trip to Shaoxing, and the beautiful scenery of the old streets was so fascinating. I was touring the alleys there, taking pictures while playing, and found that the houses on the streets were all wonderful. It made me feel the rich connotations of these ancient buildings, and also gave me inspiration for my creations. : Bring art home and integrate it into animation production, adding perfect pictures to imperfect music.
The facial expression of Xiaohu’s character is the most important
Xiaohu’s image needs to be handsome, with a unique temperament, and be between 18 and 22 years old. Based on the above-mentioned role considerations, the original sketch has been basically completed Done, not quite standard, but the proportions are pretty good. The specific production is as follows. Get the general head outline through a box, add edges, and try to keep the number of faces as small as possible. You can use various methods to achieve the effect you want. Facial expressions are very important. In order to create rich character expressions, you can make a dozen or more Blend Shapes (mixed deformations) when creating. Here I just made some Blend Shapes based on Xiaohu's performance.
Post-production of "Dream" animation
AE production and music synthesis
After Effect software was used in the post-production of this animation to change control points and curves Position the shape, feather the mask edge, and combine 3D+2D on the mask shape.
There is also music, music is created according to my wishes. I gave the film without sound to the music producer and asked him to do the dubbing and music. Later, I got the independent audio files, and finally I processed them. During the post-synthesis production, I put the audio files into the film. . When I showed the demo to my child, he told me very excitedly that he would dub my works in the future. I was very happy and hoped that my dream would come true.
Post-editing attempts to integrate comics and animation
The original film was 15 minutes long. After careful consideration, the redundant parts were edited out. Some parts were not touching enough or the story was not inspiring enough. Not used anymore. I like to make comics, and I tried to create comic effects (Figure 17, Figure 18), and then I felt that I could use the concept of comics and animation as one. I was quite satisfied with the effect, so I decided to use this method. Later, inspirational background music was added to match the picture.
At the end of this animation, you will find that Xiaohu finally found his true dream in his last dream when he was injured and hospitalized. This is the same as in our lives. After you have gone through the process of overcoming various difficulties, and the process of your pursuit is also a process of growth, the important thing is to stand up and go on bravely and continue your unfinished dream. This is called the dream of never giving up.
Value animation to set future goals and plans
Hayao Miyazaki is my favorite animated film master, with beautiful images, touching plots, and interesting characters; I also like Stan. Master Li Cartoon. In my opinion, the characters of foreign cartoons attract many people, and their image art is very successful. I personally believe that animation should be based on "image" and take into account different factors such as art and pictures.
"Dream" is the first time I have made a cartoon with a touching and inspirational plot. My personal level is limited, but with my own perseverance and persistence, I have completed this inspirational animation with good quality. Winning the audience's approval is what gives me the motivation to persevere. The most important thing is to keep accumulating. Future plans: The next stop is to create a new comic book hero series to grow. It is definitely not a one-person thing.
Of course, "Dream" will have a follow-up plot. In fact, this film is a prequel to "K. Monkey Man". However, my own strength and funds are limited, so I don't know if I will follow it up. We already have a good project, a determined goal, and we are looking for someone who is trustworthy and has the same ideals. Let everything take its course.