Project 1 - Introduction to Animation


 




Introduction to stop motion

Stop motion animation is a filmmaking method where objects are moved slightly and photographed one frame at a time to create the appearance of movement. When these still images are played back in sequence, the objects seem to come to life. This technique can be used with various materials, such as clay (in claymation), puppets, or everyday items. It’s a detailed process that requires careful planning but can produce visually striking and creative results. When each frame is played in succession, it creates motion giving us 'Stop Motion'.

Different types of stop motion like (previously mentioned) claymation, brick animations, hand-drawn animations, puppet animation, object animation etc, are the same in essence but different through the process it's made. For example, hand-drawn animation is different to object animation because when doing hand-drawn there's drawing, shading as well as colouring involved and other elements that make it unique whereas in object animation you're using a different setup and different elements also Stop motion relies on physical objects and meticulous frame-by-frame manipulation, while hand-drawn animation focuses on creating images by hand or digitally to achieve movement. Each technique offers unique visual and storytelling possibilities.

While working with the other classmates, we produced a good and sufficient animation. While i was taking charge of moving the figureen, my other classmate, Cris, took the photos. There were a few communication issues as we didn't inform one another when the figureen had moved or when the picture was taken but we managed work well together despite all issues. 

overall, im satisfied with how the film came out and the teamwork used to produce it. I would like to have more practice on the camera work and moving the figureen as it could make the end result better for next time.






07/10/2024 - Storyboarding Practice

Storyboarding is the process of creating a visual representation of a story or narrative through a series of drawings or pictures. It's traditionally used in film, television, and commercials to plot key scenes and show the order of events. However, storyboarding has also become a business technique for visualizing scenarios, planning activities, and strategizing advertising campaigns. For this assignment we analysed the film 'harakiri'. A film about a man called Hanshiro, an elder samurai, visits Kageyu, a feudal lord, and asks for a place to commit suicide. However, things change when Kageyu inquires about Chijiiwa, a young samurai, who visited before. 

The aspect that was easiest to understand about storyboarding was drawing and labelling because Storyboards give you a glimpse of what the final production will look like and how it will work so there are no surprises, They are widely used as a form of concept mapping throughout the digital world due to their extreme versatility and adaptability to any setting.

Shot types are crucial in storyboarding because they help convey the visual narrative and emotional tone of a scene. Visual Clarity, different shot types (close-ups, wide shots, etc.) help clarify the action and the relationships between characters and their environment. Directorial Intent, Different shots can reflect a director’s vision, allowing them to communicate their style and thematic elements more effectively. In essence, shot types are fundamental tools in visual storytelling that help shape the audience's experience and understanding of the narrative.

what i've learnt will make my ident production more organized and thought out, providing a better understanding and making the film less difficult to film.

so far, I haven't faced any difficulties. the practice activity was easy to understand and much easier for someone like me as I'm a visual learner, the aspect of drawing interests me and I'll always look for a way to improve on the sketches.



Understanding Cinematography

Cinematography is the art and technique of capturing visual images for film or video, and it's primarily the responsibility of the cinematographer (or director of photography). It encompasses a wide range of elements, including camera work, lighting, composition, color, lens choices, and framing. The cinematographer decides how to position and move the camera to tell a story visually, such as using wide shots, close-ups, or dynamic camera movements like tracking or panning. Lighting plays a key role in setting the mood and tone of a scene, while composition ensures that elements in the frame are arranged to guide the viewer’s eye effectively. Color grading and lens choices also contribute to the visual style, with certain palettes or lenses enhancing emotions or perspectives. Ultimately, cinematography is a crucial tool for visual storytelling, helping to convey the narrative, mood, and themes of a film.

Camera Shots:



Extreme Wide Shot (EWS): Also known as an establishing shot, this shot is typically used to show a large setting or environment, establishing the location and context. It often includes a vast landscape or a wide view of a scene, making the subject appear small or insignificant in comparison.


Wide Shot (WS): This shot frames the subject from head to toe and shows the surroundings, providing context for where the action is happening. It’s often used to establish the setting and give a sense of the space around the characters.




Medium Shot (MS): A classic shot that frames the subject from the waist up, it balances the subject with their surroundings. It’s often used for dialogue scenes, allowing the viewer to focus on both the character and their immediate environment.



Close-Up (CU): A close-up tightly frames the subject’s face or a small object, emphasizing detail and emotional expression. This shot is typically used to convey a character’s thoughts, feelings, or reactions, and it draws the viewer's attention to important details.



Extreme Close-Up (ECU): This is an even tighter shot, focusing on a very specific detail, such as an eye, a hand, or an object. It’s used for dramatic emphasis or to highlight a crucial element in the story.



Over-the-Shoulder Shot (OTS): This shot is taken from behind one character, usually framing the subject they are looking at. It’s commonly used in conversations to establish the perspective of one character while also including a view of what they are seeing.



Point of View Shot (POV): A shot that shows what a character is seeing, essentially putting the audience in their shoes. This can be used to create a sense of immersion and connect the viewer directly to the character’s perspective.



Two-Shot: A shot that frames two characters in the same frame, often used in dialogue scenes to show interaction between them. It can be a medium shot or close-up, depending on the level of intimacy or the importance of the interaction.



High Angle Shot: The camera is positioned above the subject, looking down. This can make the subject appear small, weak, or vulnerable, often conveying a sense of powerlessness or being overwhelmed.



Low Angle Shot: The camera is placed below the subject, looking up. This shot can make the subject appear large, dominant, or imposing, often used to convey power, authority, or heroism.




Good use of the different camera angles and shots helps to convey emotion, perspective, and plot elements to the audience. By choosing effective camera angles, filmmakers can influence the viewer's understanding and immerse them more deeply in the story.

Understanding Idents


What is an ident?

An ident typically refers to a short identification, often used in media or technology contexts to establish identity or brand recognition. In broadcasting, an ident is a brief audiovisual sequence, such as a logo or jingle, that identifies the network or channel, helping to distinguish it from others. For example, television or radio networks often air these short clips before or after a program. In computing, the term "ident" can also refer to a user identification, such as a username or account number, used for authentication or access. More broadly, ident can refer to any identifier associated with an individual or entity, especially in online or digital environments, like a digital fingerprint or account ID. Overall, the term refers to a concise form of identification across various fields.

How does it differ from a TV advert?

An ident and a TV advert serve different purposes, though both are broadcast content.

An ident, short for identification, is a brief audiovisual segment designed to establish the identity of a television network or channel. It's typically used to show the logo, brand, or jingle of the network, often as a way of marking the transition between programs, or before or after a commercial break. Its main goal is to reinforce the brand identity of the network or channel to viewers. An ident is usually very short, lasting only a few seconds.

On the other hand, a TV advert (advertisement) is a commercial designed to promote a product, service, or idea. Unlike an ident, which is focused on branding the network, an advert's goal is to advertise a specific product or service, often with the intention of persuading the audience to make a purchase or take action. TV adverts can vary in length, typically ranging from 15 to 60 seconds, and are often more narrative-driven, containing a clear message, storyline, and call-to-action.

What purposes does an ident serve?

An ident focuses on reinforcing the identity of the network, while a TV advert promotes a product or service with the intention of encouraging consumer action.

An ident serves several important purposes, particularly in television broadcasting and media. Here are the key functions it fulfills:

Brand Identity: The primary purpose of an ident is to reinforce the identity of the television network or channel. It helps establish and maintain the visual and auditory elements (such as logos, jingles, or taglines) associated with the network, making it instantly recognizable to viewers.

Transition Marker: An ident often appears at the beginning or end of a program or between scheduled segments, helping to signal transitions between different shows or during breaks. This creates a sense of continuity and structure in the broadcast.

Channel Differentiation: In a competitive broadcasting environment, an ident helps distinguish one channel from another. It sets a channel apart in terms of style, tone, and branding, helping viewers associate specific content with a particular network.

Viewership Engagement: By using distinctive visuals and sounds, an ident can capture the viewer’s attention and create an emotional connection with the audience. Over time, consistent branding through idents can foster loyalty and a sense of familiarity with the channel.

Creative Expression: Idents are sometimes used as a creative outlet for networks to showcase their branding in a fun, artistic, or innovative way. This might involve special themes, seasonal designs, or collaborations with artists, enhancing the network’s image and appeal.

Which persuasive devices do you find most interesting? 

Humor is a powerful tool for building connections and creating memorable impressions, making it an effective ident for a brand or personality. It resonates with people, making them feel more connected and engaged, while also helping to break down barriers and make content more relatable. Humorous content is often more memorable and shareable, boosting visibility and encouraging positive associations with the brand or individual. It reveals personality, showcasing a unique voice that sets them apart in a crowded space. Additionally, humor sparks conversation and increases interaction, fostering stronger engagement. Overall, humor builds emotional connections, creates a lasting impact, and helps grow a brand or following by making the experience enjoyable and approachable.


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