Isle of Cirrus Update

These are super busy times with only two weeks left in the project, so here's a quick update on things so far.

The environment has been steadily coming together with the textures finally in place. These are just some raw renders at the moment without the benefit of any passes.




Sample of some of the texture maps created for the scene (normal maps are also used)


Bringing Volan into the environment



Further experimenting with fluids for the clouds using two approaches.
Creating a large clould fluid can provide the background clouds to the scene, though I am concerned with the render time with the larger cloud bed image below taking up to 3-4 minutes. Although, such a large expanse as this may not be necessary with concerns to the framing of the shot camera.

'Cloud-bed' fluid


Using a combination of serveral smaller cloud fluids offers greater control and quicker render times, so perhaps the same can be used to create the background clouds. Otherwise, this method will be necessary for closer foreground clouds which will help to reveal the nature of the island.

Smaller 'single' use of cloud fluids (Low poly environment used)


Overall, most of the secondary animation elements such as the swaying of balloons is in place which I'll post in the form of a previs soon (along with the updated camera momvent), where I am continuing to refine the character animation and use of cloud fluids as remaining major elements.

Isle of Cirrus Interim Presentation

We had an interim presentation this week, so its a good way to recap on the project thus far which you can find in the scribd presentation below. There's still a way to go so I'll be giving it my all in the remaining weeks left.
Isle of Cirrus Interim Presentation

Below are some larger still images of the island as it continues to take shape. The clouds are currently an expermentation with using maya fluids which I hope to be able to take further.



The main priortiy for now is to complete the texturing while getting lighting into the mix. I also aim to get a new version of the previs up in light of feedback and the development of the island.

Home/Island Design #04

Update on the home and island as more details continue to be resolved. Of particular note is the balloons and their fastening; the new side 'wings' which can tilt resectively to turn and bank the island, additional props, and the slight mound given to the surface of the island as a whole, raising the house and providing a much more organic feel to the island.

Home/Island Design #03

Just a quick update - things are starting to come together with the major shapes and elements of the island and house. The second ring of balloons not only provide further lift to the island but also help unify the island in its quirky nature.




Details are also being resolved in the background with props such as crates, barrels, lamps and a naval style search light which Volan can potentially use to signal to others.



Otherwise, there's still a way to go with refinements to the home and island, namely the island is feeling a little flat at the moment - so back to work.

Home/Island Design #02

After much feedback, I've revisited the house design to better emphasise and reflect the quirky nature of the island as a whole. It may still require some finer tinkering, but I feel much more confident with this current design, where more ideas and details continue to be resolved as I've taken the design into 3D.




I am currently continuing to resolve the model of the house as well as turning my attention to the island as a whole with the system of flight and array of props. More updates soon to come.

Home/Island Design

Resolved concept focusing on Volan's home, experimenting with some additional details over the base previs image. I distorted the proportions slightly to give a more quirky impression to the house overall.




Next, I will likely continue to develop the previs refining camera movement and specific elements, while also kick starting production with modelling.

Home/Island Ideas #02

Some more development with Volan's home and island. These early sketches attempt to capture the idea that the home has been adapted and modified to expand the space of the house and power the flight of the island.




While the earlier idea of having a ring of propellers built into the island remains an interesting concept, I felt it would be too impractical to the island as a whole.




From the two more refined designs below, I am leaning towards the designs found in house B, with its practicality and overall form. A small number of gears protrude from the left side of the house to power the propeller below, where Volan can use the roof balcony to search the skies.



Applying the house design to the island below, the large balloons maintain the lift of the island where the propeller and rudders provide the forward momentum, turning and pitch capabilities respectively. The island is further shaped in an arch fashion so as to further amplify the force of wind through the propeller. Some ideas to items and props around the island include; an area for growing vegetables, fishing rods on the edge of the island, an array of buckets to collect rain water, as well as crates and barrels for storing food and materials.




To wrap up this post, a point of reference to the eccentric nature of the house and island is similar to the themes found in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968). Check out the video below with the opening scene of the house, and around the 3:30 mark with the variety of quirky contraptions.

Home/Island Ideas #01

Exploring initial ideas of Volan's home and island with some rough sketches. These early sketches experiment with the idea that Volan's home has been adapted and modified to expand the space of the house, as well as initial musings into the system of flight of the island.




Including ideas for the island, designs A - D (see image below) explore some initial ideas with propellers, hot air balloons and sails. In the case of design D, the island itself is shaped to work in more unison with the propellers, accommodating the blades below. Idea E uses the hot air balloons underneath the island to propel the island upwards, where idea F uses multiple levels of helicopter type rotation built into the island for flight.




One of the main challenges to solve is whether the house is a main component of flight i.e. literally accommodating a sail or hot air balloons in its design, or is rather a component that powers the system of flight being more apparent around the island. Essentially, it may be a case of treating the designs of the house and the island very closely together, or perhaps as one, in order to achieve a coherent design as a whole.