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nickryan
12-13-2006, 03:41 PM
Hi

I posted this thread in CG News also, so sorry for the duplication. I wasn't sure if this is exactly the right place given the mix of Live Action and Animation, so apologies for my stupidness in advance! If the moderators wanna kick me out, I understandhttp://forums.cgsociety.org/images/icons/icon7.gif

anyway, I have just completed a short film 'A Lonely Sky' , starring Keir Dullea (2001, A Space Odyssey, The Good Shepherd), Paudge Behan (Veronica Guerin), Padraic Delaney (The Wind that Shakes the Barley, Legend). I wrote, directed and co-produced

There is approximately 5 minutes of entirely CGI effects in the finished film of 12 minutes and 40 seconds. This was all completed at 2k resolution (1920x1080) for projection in theatres as a scope print.

All the exterior/aerial sequences are CGI. Initially I felt I wouldn't have to explain that, but it seems to have fooled some people, which is the right reaction I guess!

I completed all the effects work by myself, with a lot of moral support from friend and colleagues.

There is a website up which has some effects breakdowns, trailers in Standard and High Definition, and some shameless self publicity in the form of a short 'Making of' documentary.

www.alonelysky.com

There are SD and HD trailers for the film on the front page.

I can't put the entire film up yet because of some festival stipulations or something like that, but will as soon as I can.

I look forward to hearing what you think

Cheers

Nick


http://www.alonelysky.com/images/IntroScreen_2.jpg
Skyraider3D
12-13-2006, 05:58 PM
That's looking really sweet, Nick. The composition, lighting, special effects - it all looks very nice and professional.

But in all honesty, as a die-hard plane fan I can't help but instantly see that it's not real. The reason is rather simple, as it's caused by the shapes of the aircraft being off. Most noticeably the B-29 (squashed cockpit, enhanced wing dihedral) and T-33 (canopy). This is a real pity for such a professional production. Although the general audience won't notice it, it will be picked up by the airplane folks, who will undoubtedly represent a fair amount of your audience.

All in all an excellent effort though, but it could have been perfect with a bit more attention to the shapes of the aircraft, which after all are the main players in this feature.

My 2 cents :)
nickryan
12-13-2006, 06:29 PM
Hi Skyraider

Thanks for the comments. As you say, most people won't notice, and thats always part of compromise when making films. I have been an observer of your work over the while and indeed you have a keen eye on the aircraft front, really nice pics. Not so much to excuse myself, but I hadn't really built anything much more complex than a box before I started, and it all seemed so daunting!!!

I guess one shouldn't get lazy and should strive for absolute perfection.

I appreciate your sharp eye, and good comments.

All the best

Nick
Skyraider3D
12-13-2006, 06:48 PM
Airplanes can be surprisingly tricky to model right. It's not just "follow the drawings" as many people seem to believe (getting accurate drawings alone is an adventure!). If these were your first proper models, then you did a pretty good job on them!

I have found in recent years that it really helps matching up models with photographs, to see where they need correcting. Drawings - even if accurate - don't give you the full 3D picture. That's where photographs can help out superbly. Especially look for airshow photos, as they are taken with a telelens which minimise perspective distortion.
As an example, here's a picture of how I matched up my Mustang sideview (the drawings were seriously flawed):
http://skyraider.allaboutwarfare.com/files/modelling/P-51D_wip04.jpg
(A good website for good quality photos is http://www.airliners.net)

Anyway, congratulations on the final overall result, Nick! :thumbsup:
I am looking forward to your future works, which will hopefully include aircraft as well.
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