Strange Behavior (Animation) Entry: Rick Davidson

#61

Hey thanks for your comments guys, much appreciated.

Wow Anna had a look at your portfolio, great work. You have exactly the feel I am trying to portray, working ‘large’ on a small scale. Lovely work, thanks for the comment.

You’re so right Nenad, the walk cycle is all screwed up for the character and the weight. I’m still learning the art haha. With the rush I built a very rough rig (BAD idea) which ended up being hard to pose. Dunno if I should go and rebuild…I’m tired!

Yes New Zealand is a creative place, small, we have maybe 4-5 million people, and Lord of the Rings basically turned the whole country into a Hollywood set. Everyone knows someone that played an Orc or rode a horse in the battles. It really kicked off the effects industry and Jackson has been great in building on that.

Thanks again Gilles, I’m embarrassed of the mistakes compared to pieces like yours, but new to this, have learned a LOT.

This is a breakdown of some of the scenes. …hmm should I rebuild that character or not eek…

#62

Are you kidding ? You do a great job, you don’t have to be embarrassed ! I hope to see the final piece very soon !

#63

it looks pretty well… nice composition and good effects. I like camera angles and tracking movement:thumbsup:

#64

Phenominal work!!:thumbsup:

#65

Wow thanks guys. This was a lot harder than I expected! Would have just had it finished for the 1st deadline, but needed to take a break. Will get in and wrap it up now. First time I’ve tried anything like this, have learned a lot, the best part has been watching everyone elses work come together. Lot of talent here :slight_smile:

#66

Software: Flash,FreeHand,Maya,mental ray,Photoshop

Well this is ‘almost’ the finished entry - you’ll notice a glitch or two which I’ll iron out shortly - just want to make sure I won’t have problems uploading :wink:

This has been quite a journey. I haven’t had any experience putting something together of this length and complexity. I did a huge amount of research which I don’t have time to upload in any format. Sadly the final is still pretty rough around the edges but time is up. I’ve learned a lot and it’s been great rubbing shoulders with the talented artists in this competition. Thankyou to you all :slight_smile: Now I just want to take a break for a while :wink:

The storyline

It could be the not too distant future. Man has wrecked the environment with nuclear war and toxic waste, and the land is barren and dead. Nothing seems to live, maybe even mankind has perished. But in this radioactive environment, new life is born. And it wants to explore…

Play Video >>

#67

that is pretty slick. you have some great creativity in your models. the animation where he locks the latch on his ship’s compartment is really nice. good, appropriate music, too. would love to see what happens next.

really like your hi-res image, too. looks like a real movie poster.

as far as your glitches…looks like after effects can’t find a file or two.

good stuff, though.

#68

Good building design. Good work.

#69

excellent finish Rick!

I love ur camera work, and the music sets the mood very well. Well done, hope this piece fills ur portfolio nicely and opens more doors for u

l8r

#70

Bad upload - delete :wink:

#71

Sorry bad upload - delete :wink:

#72

Software: Maya,Photoshop

And the final - with a few manic behind the scenes clips on the end.

Wow I can’t believe this is actually finished. This has been quite a journey. I haven’t had any experience putting something together of this length and complexity. I did a large amount of research, sourcing and shooting video and photography.

I knew time would be a factor and I decided to choose between a short quality animation or a story with a bit of detail. The instructions helped, saying the story and emotive impact was primary. So the storyline became the focus, and a lot of work! So apologies for the rough animation, I just didn’t have the time to fine tune.

I’ve learned a lot and it’s been great rubbing shoulders with the talented artists in this competition. Thanks to you all for your inspiration :slight_smile: Now I just want to take a break for a while :wink: Ok well maybe until the next challenge… Thanks again everyone.

The storyline

It could be the not too distant future. Man has wrecked the environment with nuclear war and toxic waste, and the land is barren and dead. Nothing seems to live, maybe even mankind has perished. But in this radioactive environment, new life is born. And it wants to explore…

Play Video >>

#73

You have done such an amazing job Rick!!! I LOVE this animation very very much. Very compelling!!! Your concept, and overall design is noteworthy to say the least. You have a great piece here that can go MILES!!! I wish you all the best with the challenge and with everything in your life! :thumbsup:

#74

Excellent ! you are a great artist Rick ! this is a great entry ! I like your style very much !

#75

Thanks for your comments guys, means a lot. Just been great to hang with you talented peeps for a while.

Pepper - love your work too, I think we have similar tastes :slight_smile:

Hiun - Thanks heaps, I did have much higher hopes for this. I had a pet I couldnt use and the ship was meant to have a crew. Maybe one day. I am considering developing the whole world further and seeing where it goes. Their whole adventure is already mapped out in my mind. Can you imagine how huge and dangerous radioactive spiders would be? haha

Versiden - well what can I say, you set a high standard… *&$#@… haha congrats mate, awesome work, I’ll see you around.

Maxter - I was worried we were going to end up with the same name haha, we both had similar ideas huh? Your entry is great, awesome character and gear.

Been fun, but I haven’t slept much lately. Time for a nap. Good luck all.

#76

Hey Rick, Congrats for finishing your great animation! Good luck!

#77

Hey thanks Marco, just glad I made the deadline haha. Hey your illustration is fantastic!

#78

Great job Trickz!
Your story is delivered very well, I love the idea of fungus people evolving after we have all gone. Strange detail with the smiliy on the Victory… :wink:
I know how you feel about having the whole movie in your head already and being a bit frustrated about only having one set of hands and so little time :slight_smile:
To say the least my entry is suffering from those problems, but, maybe one day…
And none the less what a great experience to push on for a while during a challenge like this, except the total lack of sleep :wink:
Good luck to you!

#79

haha yes the smiley. I was thinking, if I was a creature collecting human junk in a sewer, what would be my most treasured find. A smiley badge! And of course I’d stick it on the front of my ship like a figurehead.

You are right, this was hard work. But it is great to say I achieved something like this, and learned so much. I love your piece - but I’ll let you know on yours :wink:

#80

Excellent ! Congrats for finishing your great animation! Good luck!

Tibor