Hi Gang,
www.hash.com/users/milos/schlitzy3.mov
Latest Schlitzy updates:
Fixed droopy bit of hat, got rid of dynamics. (John Keates)
Improved spin on stool, (Alfiebabes)
Now brought to you in glorious sound,
Increased ambience in eyeballs (Carl Raillard)
Reintroduced bottle (apologies to Kevin if this looks too familiar)
Oh my…
That is just ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!
The sound is excellent and adds so much to the whole thing. All the tweaks raised it to another level.
Thanks so much for doing this contest, Stephen. I always wanted to see one of my characters animated well. This is better than I hoped for.
Jim
Once again Stephen, that is awesome. And how could I complain about the bottle? It actually leaves his hand in your animation 
I take it you are finished? Amazing job.
Kevin
Thanks Jim,
It’s been a pleasure constantly hitting that render button and revealing Schlitz in all his textural goodiness.
Judging from the other entries so far, your character is certainly going to be brought to life, it’s a shame there haven’t been more participants, but hey.
Like you say, the music (Mr. Men theme) has really helped. With just sound effects, it was too stark.
Kevin, I’m glad you don’t mind. I’m not finished yet, a few more tweaks and a proper render is required.
the Mr Men didn’t just bring back memories (
) it fit the sequence perfectly!
Really fantastic work Stephen, and I now understand one of the little jerks Schlitzy made - it was a hiccup. 
Wonderful stuff Steve!!! You use of timing and balance (particularly to animate a drunk guy) is terrific!!
I would have loved to enter the contest, but the last month has been crazy, as we have just had our first child. Which has been wonderful (but a little tiring, 5 hours sleep isn’t really enough for me to work on I have discovered).
Shaun
Congratulations, Shaun! You’ll never “animate” anything better than your own child. 
Jim
Thanks Alf and Shaun,
Shaun, I suppose I’ll have to concede that the ‘bleary eyed father’ is a good enough excuse…for the time being 
Ah, I now understand where the inspiration for your cuckoo chick in diapers comes from.:wise:
Sorry, but I’m afraid I must complain. To both Stephen and Jim Talbot.
I downloaded Stephen’s WIP yesterday, and whilst viewing it, my 18 month old son climbed on my lap. He now DEMANDS that I play the animation as often as possible. I can’t get any work done!!! I’m falling behind my deadlines, I’m not getting any time to myself. My computer does nothing but show Shlitzy!!!
Seriously though, guys. Fantastic animation and superb modelling. Really nice work.
Mark
Ha! But you took it to a new level. Maybe it’s Schltzy’s body, his proportions are very kid-like.
Jim
Stephen! Maaaaannnnn…that’s really awesome work there. And from the looks of your comments, you’re not done yet…zat right? Wow…can’t wait to see it totally finished! 
Wowie that is terrific. Very good work, and the sound is perfect.
Only thing that is 100% (for me) is his leaning on the stool and his leg cross. I just don’t feel it adds much.
Now, I’m off to watch it again.
Hey pequod, just saw your latest version. Looks realy nice! And the music is an inspired chice. I was at the doctors the other day and I couldn’t help but read the tale if Little Miss Giggle. I don’t think this impressed the receptionist though:hmm:
I can’t wait to see what expert touches you add to the next version.
Thanks for the comments guys.
The extra tweaks I’ll do on him are quite minor, no one other than myself would notice them. Mind you, one area that needs attention and is probably quite noticeable, is his right hand slides about a bit when he is holding the script. Time permitting, I’d like to change some of the timing in a few areas by sliding those keyframes about in the timeline, unfortunately at this stage it will cause havoc with the placement of various objects constrained to him. If I knew how to select all the keys of Schlitzy and his accessories at the same time (without deselecting others in the process) that would help.
But if I don’t get another chance to work on him, I’ll just hit that render button two days before the deadline and let the computer chug away on Schlitzy’s ‘multipass’ hair.
John and Doug, you’ve both mentioned the ‘unnecessary’ moment when Schlitz leans on the stool for the first time. I’ve kept it in, as this relaxed action of him leaning on the stool, hopefully sets up the final gag (admittedly weak joke) when, just after you feel he’s finally ready to read the script, he misses the stool altogether. (yes… that piece of paper is the script, I’ll decal some squiggly lines on it).
Justin, looks like your new job is keeping you busy, which I think is a good thing, not sure. I’m eager to see any new stuff you can show us, even if it’s not done in AM.
Stephen,
Busy has its ups and downs. Sometimes it has meant animating some really fun shots. Other times it’s meant staying up for 26 hours straight at the end of crunch time. But I prefer busy over bored…had a few of those types of days, too, and they can be downright depressing if my mind takes the wrong track. There have been a couple times when I’ve semi-seriously questioned why I even chose animation as a career. Thankfully I’ve come out of those moments, but it’s been a hair scary at times.
Sorry, but I can’t show anything from work yet…non-disclosures and all that. Hopefully soon, though. I’m also working on a little something just for A:M folks. Not sure how much I can/should disclose about that right now, but hopefully I’ll have some teaser material ready before too long.
Great work, Stephen!
The music is perfect. I love how the bottle comes rolling back.
Sincerely,
Carl Raillard
this was really tremendous. I watched quietly and hope I learned just from watching this thread.
I agree ALL the other comments that went into this thread. Great to see the AM Forum getting back on track and your work really stands out here!
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