In-depth Analysis

In this post, I will discuss and analyse my animation that I have completed for the CCA module. I fear the general consensus of my animated piece is being overlooked for being overly subtle and/or simplistic.

The intended style of this piece is to be SIMPLE, CONCISE and EFFECTIVE to the needs of the story and situation. I strongly believe that an animation only needs to be pushed in certain ways if it helps to get the point across. Anything else is completely irrelevant and unnecessary. You wouldn't put an ice cream truck in the background of a set just because you spent hours modelling one if it does not fit in the scene you're animating. Similarly, you wouldn't animate a character dancing and/or walking around doing inappropriate large gestures when the voice clip does not call for it.

In this voice clip of A few good men, I have analysed and decided that the character is making a statement. Delivering a lecture, if you will. He is confident, cocky and knows what he is talking about. He is not deliberating, hesitating or giving any signs of doubt, thus the intensity I am portraying on his part as a character. A confident character generally does not fumble around, maintains direct eye contact and hardly ever blinks (depending on how intense). It is as such that I must emphasise my artistic decision to deliver a performance that is incredibly subtle and underplayed to add to the intensity of the character.

It can be overlooked to the point that I have been lazy in the animation and not animated enough gestures and/or big movements. This is hardly the case, and as I've explained above, unless the scene calls for it - will I feel it is necessary to do as such. I will not sacrifice good character performance to demonstrate a wider range of animation skills. After all, story is king and empathy is key. If we sacrifice that to demonstrate animation technicality and principles, no one other than animators would care and/or even notice.

It is also important to note that I did not rush this piece. Ample time was given to properly polish this piece and although it may not be immediately noticeable, I assure you the details are all in there if you look close enough.