Simulate Project, Room Environment

Testing one, two...did u notice the floating left hand...Rigging really isnt my thing!



second try seems to be better.

Simualte Project

Simulate Project Concept.

The concept for my Simulate Project was inspired by people I know that live the life as a “dealer”. This short advertisement is based on the life of a “Dealer”.

He wakes up in the morning begins downloading music and movies. He then gets on the bus and begins listening to the music he had been downloading. He then arrives the to a concert and illegally records the footage, whilst also distributing the music and movies copies he had made. He then follows and goes to the park/ basketball court to continue distributing he’s copies to other individuals.

Question & Abstract

Is the perception of space within the 3D Environments the same as that in a Real or Non virtual Environment?

ABSTRACT
This paper examines the potential difference of the perception of 3d environments in comparison to a real environment. Characteristics of a 3d environment differ from characteristics of a real environment; however both environments do occasionally share and agree on some principals. My research goal was to define space and its elements and components. Find out how the perception of space differs in a real world, and live action in comparison to the 3d environments. This will generally focus on comparing a 3d fictional rendition of space to those of a live action rendition of space.

New Question

So i have decided to change my prp question, due to many reasons. I shall now be discussing about SPACE!

My current question is......

Is the perception of space with in 3d environments the same as that in the real or non virtual world environment?

I intend to be discussing the following

*Realism of a virtual camera compared to a "real" camera.
*Effects of lighting (3d environments vs real or non virtual world)
*Optical illusion (what things can be created in the virtual world that are physically impossible to create in a real or non virtual world).
*The existence of space through a camera lens. Camera lens in a virtual world vs camera lens in a real or non virtual world)

1. Define and look at what is meant by perception of space in terms of film and 3d environments
- what is meant by space and how is it different between film and 3d environments?

2. What does a 3d environment consist of?
-what is the current practice within the 3d environments area?
-what is different between a 3d environment and a 2d one?

3. What is a real or non virtual environment and how is that different from a virtual environment?

Discuss the meaning of 3D Virtual Reality

Virtual reality

"It is a simulation in which computer graphics is used to create a realistic-looking world, Moreover, the synthetic world is not static, but responds to the user's input (gesture, verbal command, etc)" (Coiffet 2003 P.2).

The above description suggests that virtual reality is interactive. The I's of virtual reality are said to be Interactive -Immersive -Immagination.

This concept was adapted from Burdea (1993)

GRIGORGE,C, BURDEA, COIFFET, Philippe. 2003, Virtual Reality Technology, second edition: United States of America: Wiley-Interscience. John & Wiley sons Inc.

The History of Virtual Reality

In mid 1950s visionary cinematographer Morton H Eilig built a single user console called Sensorama that included a stereoscopic display, fans, or emitters, stereo speakers and a moving chair. This enabled the user watch television in three dimensional ways.
In 1961, Philco Corporation engineers developed the first HMD known as the Headsight. The helmet consisted of a video screen along with a tracking system. Then they linked to a closed circuit camera system. Then somewhat similar HMD was used for helicopter pilots. While flying in the dark these were of great help.

In 1965, a computer scientist named Ivan Sutherland envisioned what he called the “Ultimate Display.” After using this display a person imagines the virtual world very similar to the real world.

During 1966, an HMD was built by Sutherland, which was tethered to a computer system.

I came across the following article on
http://www.vrs.org.uk/virtual-reality/history.html on the 12th November 2009.

My Question

How can virtual environments/worlds be used by filmmakers and animators as part of their creative working process and or arena for product?


My intentions with this research project is to achieve a deeper understanding of the thoughts of filmmakers and animators, in regards to the role 3D virtual worlds play in their' daily work. I shall discuss the meaning of 3D Virtual reality and explore where it has come from, its current impact in the film industry.
I shall explore 3D Virtual worlds such as Second Life, Worlds of Warcraft and Multiverse so to find out why they are becoming increasingly popular with filmmakers and animators. I intend to explore the evolution of virtual worlds and some of the ways they're enabling new production techniques in film. I will explore how and why Virtual Worlds are considered as pre-visualization solutions for filmmakers. I shall find out whether virtual worlds give filmmakers the opportunity to practice 3D storyboarding in real time and how it is beneficial to them in comparison to the traditional storyboarding techniques. I will explore how filmmakers use digital technology to create a world they want, and the process of doing so. I intend to discover how this cutting edge technology changes the way movies and stories are approached.
I will explore whether virtual worlds shall change the film industry, and whether the two can potentially be intergrated in the future. I will also explore how films are influencing designers to create virtual spaces based on films such as the Titanic and Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Multiverse. I shall also research on the impact 3D virtual worlds of movie promotion in the virtual worlds.The current generation is becoming more familiar with exploring within 3D Virtual Worlds, there is fear that this might encourage isolation i will also discuss the dangers that could possibly arise due to the popularity of 3d Virtual Worlds

After christmas i will interview students as well as staff to collect the relevant information. I shall discuss the process of creating virtual environments with in the film industry such as the creative process and the production process. I shall represent the process using sketches, text, digital art, charts etc. The goal of a virtual space designer, whilst planning their' virtual sets' and the different skills involved.The factors and techniques that are used and considered during the pre-visualization stage, such as the importance of the viewer. Explore the roles of viewers, some users are passive, observant, active or interactive and find out the reasons behind the viewers habits. I will explore the different environments that have been created in the 3D virtual worlds such as those influnced by films and see how they might appeal to regular users and the moods the environments create. I intend to become an active user of Second Life and Multiverse record my activity, and interview other users'. Thus i shall design an avatar that reflects my alter ego and place it in an environment suitable for it.

www.complex.com

Still hunting for more "interesting" ideas for my research essay. I have been interested in the theme "futuristic" lately and I thought this was amazing! and very creative. I must say i am now a fan of Chris Milk... Go behind the scenes to see how Kanye West, Chris Milk and Complex made this futuristic photo shoot using the latest technology. ENJOY!

El Bandito

Award-winning cowboy animation by Matt Fidler, Sam Harvey, Sam King, Kanika Andrew, Joshua Collinson and Tony Trimmer. Made during their final year at Ravensbourne College Of Design and Communication in London. ENJOY!




Thats some really impressive work i must stress. This is definately motivating me to step up for my third year.

PICS FROM THE SHOOT!

It been so long, I almost forgot my password.

So its the summer break and im trying to make it as productive as possible. So i got a job at 6Telecom Tanzania http://www.6telecoms.co.tz/ and im working with PUSH who works with Oxygen8 Communications who are based in Birmingham. http://www.oxygen8.com/ ........... Visit the websites if you want to learn more about them.

So my task for Push is to create an Advert for the new sms service they are launching. The brief is simple...

BRIEF

Create a TV ad that will promote our subscription text service called “SIRI”. The service is a daily news SMS alert service which gives mobile subscribers the latest stories on Bongo celebrities and personalities. Similar to “E News” on TV, it gives snippets of celebrity news daily.

In all of our adverts, there needs to be a clear call to action prompting subscribers to text in to a specific number to join the service, how much the service costs and who it is available.

For example, “Text SIRI to 15551 to get the latest Bongo celebrity news straight to your handset”, but it would have to be in Kiswahili. Registration costs 300 TSH, each daily message costs 150 TSH. Available on Tigo, Vodacom and Zain.

I have been given the opportunity to take the lead and create this ad. So far i have only come up with the storyboard, and it has been apporoved by the marketing manager and MD, and it goes something like this.

My Storyboard concept.


Scene 1.
- A voice shouting in about the “news” about this new service. And laughter to create more attention

The visuals will be accompanied by a common local music theme that reflects gossip, secrets and similar theme.

The hand motion shall be animated.



Scene 2
The scene shows Feet running to a stationary person anticipating a gossip. Or pass on message.







Scene 3.
Scene takes on from continuation from scene 2 with vocals of characters talking.
- Names of celebrities
- Synonyms for Gossip
e.g umbea, udaku siri, etc.


Scene 4.
We could flash images of local celebrities
Whispering, to emphasis on the “gossip” received.


Different images should show different facial expressions. Only zooming in on the mouth and chin area.

Scene 5.
Voice over could be asking the following.

Wapi? Lini? Kwanini? Nani? Kweli?

Questions that relate to gossip.





Scene 6.
Voice over

Text siri to 15522….to get gossip, etc.
The hands shall be animated …or movie captured with effects to create maximum impact on viewer.



This storyboard has an option of shooting minor clips to make it blend with the theme
or make an animated version that will require more time and software expertise.

Visualization Project

I deleted the walk through by mistake so here is the image of our home. This project was challenging. I used blue prints from our architect to create this house. I use the same technique as we did with Bulwell Academy. However this house is really confusing, as it appears to be two levels from the front view, but it is three levels inside because it sits on a hill. I had difficulties while mapping the house, i had difficulties with the tiles, i did make some, but had to delete them because it was taking really really long to render.

I am not very satisfied with this, so i am going to redo this project for my portfolio. So for the next one, i shall put on some tiles, and texture the house better, and work on the landscape.

Nevertheless i am pleased! As this is the first i have ever done, alone.

Short clip from the rest of the project

Other characters

Here is my previous "wierd" character .....thought i should just add it on...another one for my portfolio.

My Cranky ....currently namless worm!...

Second character! What do u think!!!!

My new Duck Character!

Harvey Eisenberg (1912 - 1965, USA)

Above you have Eisenberg earliest style- drawing in Hanna Barbera's Tom and Jerry style.

"Harvey Eisenberg was a versatile funny animal artist of Western Publishing. For years, he was the main artist of the several 'Tom & Jerry' books. He was the first to adapt 'Huckleberry Hound' and 'Yogi Bear' to comic books in Dell's Four Color comic book. He is often called the "Carl Barks" of the Hanna-Barbera studios. Before his comic book career, Eisenberg worked as an animator at Fleisher, Van Bueren and MGM. He worked for Dell/Western from 1945 until his death."



"He illustrated numerous of the MGM titles, such as 'Tom & Jerry', 'Big Spyke & Little Tyke', 'Droopy' and 'Barney Bear'. For Disney, he did numerous stories featuring 'Chip 'n' Dale', 'Li'l Bad Wolf' and 'Mickey Mouse' from 1948 to 1961. He also worked with ventriloquist Edgar Bergen's character 'Charlie McCarthy' from 1947 to 1954. Other comics include funny animal comics for Marvel."

http://www.lambiek.net/artists/e/eisenberg_harvey.htm
Harvey is said to be a "a conservative cartoonist", unlike Rod Scribner who tends to make he's cartoons to have tons of emotions. I personally love Scribners cartoon approach. I shall talk about him on my next post.

China's Booming Industry

China Eyeing Boom in Cartoon Animation Industry

Chinese animators are seeing a boom in the cartoon industry. Backed by favourable government policies and the world's biggest cartoon audience, young Chinese are scrambling for places in animation school as they eye their place on the global stage. Animation artists in Beijing are busy bringing to life one of China's favourite cartoon series - Sanmao. It traces the exploits of a young boy growing up in Shanghai in the 1930s. There is a huge demand for made-in-China cartoons. Since September, only Chinese cartoons are to be shown every evening from 5pm to 8pm.
This means local animation houses will have to produce an estimated 30,000 hours of cartoons each year. Currently, China does not even produce 1 percent of this. Chen Zhihai, Animation Artist at Beijing Glorious Animation, said: "I think China's animation can be the best. We have 5,000 years of history and what we can represent is rich."

Source:

http://www.dexigner.com/digital/news-g9423.html

Keeping Up With the Western Countries

Iran's booming animation industry

By Frances Harrison BBC News, Tehran

In an attempt to challenge the West's cultural domination, Iranian television has been making Islamic cartoons, some of which it has started exporting to the wider Muslim world.

Stories of martyrdom and revolution are retold through animation

Shia clerics in their robes and turbans are depicted in a series for children about the lives of the martyrs of the Islamic revolution.

The cartoon Martyr Bahonar, for example, tells the story of a future prime minister growing up as a little boy, studying the Koran and becoming a cleric before he is killed in a bomb blast after the Revolution.

There is also a film called Ashurian, which tells the story of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, who is revered by Shia Muslims.

Another cartoon, Children of al-Rashid, projects Iran's view of the Palestinian struggle. It shows a fat Israeli military commander with an obsequious Arab informer talking about calling children in for questioning.

These overtly political cartoons are made by Saba Productions, an offshoot of Iranian state-run televisio.

"Animation has this potential for the exchange of culture and civilisation," says Behrouz Yaghmaian. "Each country should differentiate itself from others."

I do agree with the "Behrouz". This continues to inspire me to go ahead with my "plan" of start my own cartoons, that reflect African folklore and day to day issues. He also goes a head and says

"Animation has another purpose other than just entertainment,". He believes film animation is a good vehicle for social and cultural messages.

I AGREE WITH HIM, yet again!

For example:
Iran has used animation for environmental messages, to promote better driving on the roads and now there are even cartoons being made for the forthcoming presidential elections, to encourage a high voter turnout.

The subject matter may be different from Western cartoons but many of the techniques are of course the same.

I also admire and love Western techniques, however for Countries that are not very keen on animations, i think starting up with "cultural" concepts, will appeal to a wider audeince. However once people accept and are aware of this thing called "Animations" then, possibilities of diversification can begin.

I HEART Motion Graphics

I love motion graphics, i think il try and do something creative with it for my work, probably my animations one.

Cool Duck

Almost done with my character, just need to give it some eyes and colour! what do u think?

Animations From URUGUAY

This is what i indeed to be producing in Tanzania. This was done by a 3D Studio ANIMALADA.........



http://www.animalada.com

What do you guys think ???

Uhuru Heights

I am very convinced, that this visualization commercial was not made by a firm in Tanzania. (Its a shame, i know. I think this commercial was made by an firm in India or the Middle east.)...but not for very long! I shall take over this market! Yes ...BIG DREAMS INDEED!

ANIMALADA

Animalada is an Animation studio from Montevideo, Uruguay. They specialize in the development and production of commercials with memorable animated characters.

The following are characters they have created...I love their style. This little red bad boy is MINT! It has the same vibe i would like to have my character to have.

“Humorous Phases of Funny Faces.”

Humorous Phases of Funny Faces is a silent cartoon by J. Stuart Blackton (January 5, 1875 - August 13, 1941) in the year 1906. It features a cartoonist drawing faces on a chalkboard, and the faces coming to life. It is generally regarded as the first animated film

COOOOOOLLLLLL 8-P

Kenya's first ever animated cartoon talk show. Ts is too cool! Lol..So for those that dont know "kibaki" is the kenyan president and the host of the show is just mocking the man. FREEDOM OF SPEECH! OH YEAAAAAAAHH!





Ha ha ha ha....! If only i could TRANSLATE!



More advanced animations...love the dancing..after im done with my uni work i intend to play around with my characters.

I hit the JACKPOT!

I was super pleased when i came across this site http://www.kwamenyongo.com/animation-projects.htm which lead me to this site www.kenyan-animation.com ..then the EXCITEMENT settled in..! I have really been hunting for "African animations", made in East Africa and finally here we are! It's quite a simple, one though...They even speak Kiswahili..! How mint is that!

The following animation was made by a Kenyan man called Rob Odhiambo

HELLO WORLD MEET VICTOR

A new South African animated series will use offbeat comedy to encourage viewers to analyse their behaviour and take steps in reducing their risk of HIV infection. Scrutinize is a series of short animated commercials known as animerts that will centre on the everyday realities placing young South Africans at risk of infection.

The series is the result of a public private partnership between USAID, John Hopkins Health Education South Africa (JHHESA), Levi Strauss and series creators Matchboxology, aimed at creating an effective public health messaging tool targeting 18 - 32 year olds.

Matchboxology CEO Cal Bruns

This is exactly what i intend to do when i get back home, one of the things in my REALLY LONG LIST.. Is to create cartoons that will educate and make the audience aware of current affairs, African Issues such as HIV/AIDS, FGM, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, EMANCIPATION OF WOMEN and etc....

Cool Duck Progress

Terry Gilliam

Terry Gilliam has a very unique but yet wierd sense of humour. He's approach reminds me of the Surrealist movement. I am a huge fan of artists such as Rene Magrite and dali offcourse. With the above styles in mind i intend to also look at Heath robinsons style to create my own surreal world for my Visualization Project

Theme Idea

Well i intend to base my game on a Egyptian or Aztec theme. The above clips are from TIMESPLITTER, and Brad did the tomb level, back in 1998!



I like the atmosphere in this level. The caves, the vegetation, the different choice of weapon, the tunnels, the music, the pillars, bridge, waterfalls,..etc u get my point. It kinda reminds me of the Tom Raider game, forgot the full name

Getting My MOJO Back!

It was LOST, but now its BACK!

Heath Robinson

Sketch Book

So i have been brainstorming on my next projects...and so far i have managed to sketch some characters for Andy's assignment. I'm thinking of the them FUTURISTIC VS HIP-HOP or rather. I wanna have futuristic characters e.g. robots and all as well as hip hop characters.

Long Vacation

Its been a long min since i posted something. However, i have been playing around and trying to come up with some sort of character.