Nexus - Day 6

Day 6 and I'm continuing to work on stuff for another upcoming pitch. Its exciting stuff as its got a neat concept going for it. I'm learning more and more on the collaborative side of things with group discussions, important feedback from the directors as well as the pipeline that ensures everyone can work together across multiple files with proper naming conventions etc. Hopefully, it will get the green light so we can continue to take it all the way.

In the mean time, I thought I share with you an animated short by Dara Cazamea, one of the guys at Nexus that I am fortunate to be working with. This was his graduation project co-directed by four other guys. Some really great stuff here so be sure to give it a watch when you have the time. It has a B-movie type plot so it rings a lot of bells from our own group projects earlier in the year.

Word of warning: contains a lot of blood and scenes not for the squeamish... but really its hilarious so don't let it put you off.

Hambuster
You may like having a good lunch in a quiet place as a park... But what if your lunch doesn't?
In the street everyone can hear you scream, but honestly who cares?



Try it out in stereoscopic 3D if you dare!


Hambuster is a graduation movie co-directed by five students from Supinfocom Arles. 
This production is a 6 min short film and it was all done in 3D stereoscopic.
Enjoy!

I just realised Phil has already posted this on the group blog (2 days ago in fact!) but waargh I'll post it up here anyways.

Toy Story 3

Saw Toy Story 3 the other day, which I'm glad to say did not disappoint with a perfect return to the big screen.



Andy's growing up and ready to set off for college. Yet before he leaves, he must determine the fate of his childhood friends. Its a touching plot as there all seemingly comes a time in our lives where we put down our toys in beckoning of the adult world.



The characters and cast are as brilliant as ever, with Woody, Buzz and playmates lighting up the big screen full of charm and character. Some notable new characters include Ken and Barbie who share some hilarious moments, the master of the theatrical arts hedgehog Mr Pricklepants and of course the dominating presence of Lotso - a pink, fluffy, huggable bear who also actually makes a cameo appearence in 'Up'.




The movie takes a journey of a myriad of emotional ups and downs that will leave you in laughter and well... tears. A particular scene at the zenith of the film is diabolically heart-wrenching that had me watering up. Overall, the story and pacing was exceptional, which kept me guessing on the edge of my seat particularly in the final resolution of the film.



With two universally acclaimed films both attaining a perfect score at critics Rotten Tomatoes, the third entry to the series definitely had a touch act to follow. Yet, Pixar have done it again with an engaging and emotional return that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
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A worthy mention is the Pixar short that is revealed before the movie on the big screen, with the short Day & Night accompanying Toy Story 3. It is surprisingly clever combining 2D and 3D animation as two characters exhibit day and night life within their silhouettes. The way in which the imagery and sound personify each characters is simply charming and surprisingly effective. It benefited greatly in 3D, giving an enhanced sense of depth to the visuals in contrast to the character silhouettes that worked particularly well.

Short & Sweet 3D

Hope everyone's enjoying the summer so far! Recently, I went to the Short & Sweet 3D session at the Barbican on Friday evening. Host to the UK's very first stereoscopic short film festival! There was a great collection of short films on show, from narrative to experimental shorts that put 3D to good use.



It was certainly inspiring, so I've tried to find some for your viewing pleasure. If you have a pair of polarised red and blue glasses then put them on to enjoy 3D!

Tina Braun - Deconstruct

A stereoscopic film experimenting in how we perceive three dimensions. The footage is shot by one camera with one lens, where the depth is created afterwards.

Santiago Caicedo - Moving Still

Another stereoscopic experimentation viewing the world from a train window.

Red Star 3D Ben Smith - Dracula 4D (Trailer Only)

A CG animation utilising the benefits of 3D. The '4D' is there as it is meant to be played in theatres where the seats move about, with blasts of air an such to simulate the ride.

Unfortunately, I could only find the next two in 2D.

MIE - Faithless 'Not going home'

A funky music video using 3D for an enhanced sense of depth.

Bjork - "Wanderlust"

One of the first stereoscopic music videos, shot in 3D with a mix of live action, puppets, scale models and CG animation. Definitely my favourite of the night. The making of Wanderlust can be viewed here. Fascinating stuff - you can skip to the 3:18 mark if your more interested in the CGI.

Overall, it was a fun night out with hopefully more Short & Sweet 3D festivals to come!

Meet Meline - Short Film

Just discovered this very inspiring short film made by two individuals Sebastien Laban & Virginie Goyons, made purely for passion. It certainly got me going, so maybe it will for you too. The visuals and attention to details are amazing where the animation itself with all the subtle movements and nuances really make for a believable lifelike performance.



“Meet Meline tells the story of a little girl whose curiosity is sparked by a mysterious creature as she plays in her grandparents’ barn.”

MEET MELINE : THE 3D ANIMATED SHORT FILM (by Sebastien Laban & Virginie Goyons)

There's a great 'making-of' video as well that illustrates each stage of production with clarity, much of which we will tackle right now for this project. From the screencaptures, it seems the majority of the animation was made in Maya, where some great examples of Previs are shown, along with a glimpse into the actual animation process beginning with linear keyframes. Its an inspiring example of the hard work and dedication necessary into bringing such a project to life.

MEET MELINE : THE MAKING OF (Sebastien Laban and Virginie Goyons)

Enjoy!

Pixar Knick Knack (1986)

Just found a great retro Pixar short known as 'Knick Knack' (1986), also featuring a snowman character.



What strikes me most in relation to this project, is that the snowman's design remains neutral - being neither overly appealing or repelling. As such, our sympathies are detached and not so directly in favour of the snowman.

Thus, in this way perhaps a similar effect can be achieved with my own snowman design shifting its cuteness to a more neutral demeanour, which will allow the focus to remain on the main object of the cantankerous refrigerator.

La Fete - Animation

Found an intriguing little animation with a lovely hand drawn style. Its not a three act narrative, but the illustrations and techniques are great with the use of sound, transitions and the minimal yet effective use of background elements. Perhaps this may inspire.

La Fete (HD - 2010) from Malcolm Sutherland.

Ladislaw/Ladislas Starewicz 1882 - 1965

Ladislaw (or Ladislas) Starewicz's The Mascot is a fantastic piece of 3d stop animation film. Made in 1933, the achievement is incredible with the notable attention to detail to movement and aesthetics, as well as the rear screen projection immersing the animation into a real world environment. Little, if any wires are seen at all proving its technical merit.

The Mascot (1933) by Ladislaw/Ladislas Starewicz




Perhaps what struck me most was in the humour and personality that Starewicz was able to create in his characters, being genuinely charming and funny at times with a great sense of sensitivity. It was certainly ahead of its time.

Short Animations With Refrigerators

Some visual research into existing animations containing refrigerators.


ふりっじす Fridges (Short Animation Movie)
A tale of abandoned fridges with some cute animations - though I think I'll avoid the hands and feet as it removes the challenge of bringing an object alive with character.



Mr Bean - Fly in the fridge
A classic clip from Mr Bean involving a scene with a fridge.



While these have great little stories, I intend to focus predominately on the object itself so as to not get bogged down with an overly complicated story arc and background elements. Although, the addition of a character or environment could be a good opportunity for the main object of the refrigerator to interact with.

Short & Sweet #9

Been a while since I've been down to Short & Sweet as unis been keeping me busy! A pretty random collection of short films today - ones that will often leave you scratching your head afterwards. A cool collection nonetheless.

The Ostrich by Lucas Zanotto

Short, quirky type animation.

This Too Shall Pass by James Frost

Cool domino/Rube Goldberg Machine type animation

What You Need by Cassiano Prado

Funky music video

Apparently, Short & Sweet in association with the BAFTAs, will be showing the collection of BAFTA nominees in Short Films towards the end of the month. So it should be pretty cool to check out when the time comes.

Short & Sweet #8

Went to another session of Short and Sweet last night, a few abstract narratives and music videos as well as some particular highlights.

Adjustment by Ian Mackinnon

Amazing flipbook style animations taken to the next level, with a pretty deep story of a failing relationship. A must see.

Ralph by Alex Winckler

A comic love style as a teenage boy travels alone to Marseille to tell his best friend that he is in love with her - but his written the wrong phone number.

Mitizenship by Helen Firren

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp64_R-61Hg
A funny little animation involving bugs living behind the cupboards.

Artificial Worlds by Richard Fenwick

An abstract animation with live action involving a lengthy chase.

Short & Sweet #7

Short and Sweet is back! Screening a variety of short films, both old and new from established and emerging directors, every Monday evening in London at Café 1001. Its a great place for inspiration especially now that we are starting our first animated projects.

A funny, quirky selection of films tonight that may inspire some ideas with our random objects. Managed to find a few for your viewing pleasure.

Pudding Bowl by Vanessa Caswill

The charming tale of a young girl's imagination triumphing over the injustices of childhood.

Pop Art by Amanda Boyle

http://www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork/films/p004x9xt

A film about the friendship between 12-year-old Toby, who is trying to make sense of life and Arthur, who just happens to be inflatable... Hilarious and touching stuff at the same time.

The Tale of How by Black Heart Gang

A strange yet lovely animated short story told with a captivating opera song.

Train Town by Keith Bearden
Part 1

Part 2

When two middle-aged men open a model train store, they discover they have very different plans for creating the shop's idyllic miniature town. Hilarity ensues.

Enjoy!


Short & Sweet

Short & Sweet #6

Yesterday, I soldiered on to Short & Sweet for the last time this year. Another fantastic collection of strange and wonderful films was on show, this night being one of the busiest. Here are some key films I was able to find for your viewing pleasure.


GPS by Sam Bryant

Set fourth and achieve your dream, in this case - one's man dream to become the voice of a GPS navigator. Simply brilliant.


Ce Que Je Suis by Joris Clerte

A great little animation to a music video, lovely song.


Shadows & Dust by Jon Dunleavy

CG Animation short of a child discovering the secrets of the tooth farie, a scary adventure follows.


Tube Poker by Simon Levene
Part 1

Part 2

A new phenomenon of poker, known as 'Tube Poker'. Hilarious, you will never think of the tube quite the same way again.


There was plenty more great films shown last night so feel free to search yourself with the scanned in handout I've uploaded. That will be all from Short & Sweet this year, returning in February 2010. So if you've been interested so far then talk to me before then if you'd like to see it for yourself sometime. I heartily recommend it for when we start our own animation projects, and simply for a good night out both fun and constructive.

Week-end en Foret - CG Animation short

Thinking about the uncanny reminded me of a CG animation short I watched a few weeks back at Short & Sweet. 'Week-end en Foret' by Xavier Zahra, the animation is filled with typical horror and uncanny references but with a light-hearted twist, with the personification of a haunted mansion reminiscent to The Haunting. Its a little creepy with some explicit violence, while also containing some scenes of CG nudity... so it may not be to everyone's liking.

Other than that, its brilliantly animated and well worth a watch if you can stomach it - a real mix of horror and dark comedy.



Feel free to let me know what you think, I'm intrigued to hear others reactions to this short.

Short & Sweet #5

Returned to Short and Sweet once again on a Monday evening, for some more wacky and fantastic short films. A pretty random collection this time but great nonetheless, I've posted some key ones for your viewing pleasure. Be sure to check Farideh's blog to see her thoughts on the films too.


The Child by Antonie Bardou-Jacquet

This one reminded me a lot like Logorama, where everything is made from logos, but this time with typography in a more literal sense.

CashBack by Sean Ellis

How to spend your time in the workplace, while admiring the beauty of the female form on the highest level. Nudity involved. This is the original short which later inspired the creation of a feature film.

Eel Girl by Paul Campion

Sci-Fi randomness, featuring a dark tale of science and temptation.

Alas, next week will be the last Short & Sweet this year, before returning in February. They also plan to do a tour around the UK at some point, spreading the word and celebrating short films. As the host Julia states, short films are able to communicate new worlds and stories visually in a matter of moments where words cannot compare. Either way, they're entertaining and greatly inspiring.

Short & Sweet #4

Fourth session of Short & Sweet in a row and I'm still loving it, went with Jade and Farideh. Short & Sweet will be taking a little break over the Christmas holiday, with the last this year being on 7th of December before starting again until the beginning of February. Quite the hiatus!

Today's majority of films were a strange mixture of humour and sex with some very dark undertones. Its definitely a mix ride of experiences; you'll laugh at some witty humour, only to fall silent in respect of what actually just occurred. I suppose you could call it dark comedy, with some pretty serious undertones.

Unfortunately, its been notoriously difficult to find any of the films on the web, perhaps Jade and Farideh will have better luck. Here is one example of the dark humour I previously suggested - 'Its all fun and games until someone loses an eye', literally.

Spider by Nash Edgerton


Just found a small teaser of one of the short films shown below. There's more to it in the whole film, ending with a dark tone as previously mentioned. Although, this clip makes light heart of the film entirely. Scenes of a sexual nature - you have been warned!

Careful Carl by Roderick Fenske


Well, I guess thats the beauty of Short & Sweet, introducing a diverse variety of creative short films that one has never heard or even thought of. Watching these clips alone will probably not carry the same impact as shown at Short & Sweet, its not quite the same without the great atmosphere.

I don't think I'll be able to go next week in light of it being the final week of the project, though will definitely try for the week after.

Short & Sweet #3

Another Short & Sweet session yesterday, this time with the most welcome company of Farideh and Jade. So check out what they have to say when they blog it soon enough!

Hmm some deep, thoughtful and depressing films tonight by entirely chosen by the whim of the wonderful host Julia. Not the best introduction of films I was hoping for especially being Farideh and Jade's first time! Though there were one or two gems tonight that are fun and loving, and of course worth posting for you all to see.

Marina & The Diamonds - Mowgli's Road by Chris Sweeney
A fun, creative music video

So different and creative from generic pop music videos - simply wonderful. An image of how they made it:

You can find there blog at http://marinaandthediamonds.com/

Standup by Joseph Pierce
Rotoscope animation. Short Clip.

Starts off straight forward enough, but ends with a rather peculiar and foreboding tone. I'm afraid I could only find a short clip.

Eat Dog Cat Mouse - Kwok Fung Lam
CG animation short

Cute and funny, love the quirky animation and how the story progresses. Will bring a smile to your face!

Not the best range of films this week, though still good fun.

Short & Sweet

Short & Sweet

Went along to Short & Sweet again this Monday, watching another fantastic collection of short films. Very entertaining and deeply inspiring - each film has a unique concept which are each executed quite brilliantly. It makes one wonder how one would even begin to approach such a process in designing a short film that will capture the hearts of an audience, something which we may undoubtedly have to do for later projects.

Rather than reading what I have to say, instead watch some short films that stood out for me for your viewing pleasure:

Cherry on the Cake (clip) by Hyebin Lee
Cute, sweet and touching

http://hyebinlee.blogspot.com/

Pound by Evan Bernard
Hand-shake greetings taken to the next level


The Rules of the Game by Tom Daley
Intriguing 'boy meets girl' tale with a twist

http://www.strikefilms.co.uk/ - Click 'Play Teaser' after Link!

We were also treated to 'Logorama', a controversial film by French designs H5 that is simply amazing. A world comprised solely by brand company logos make up a very entertaining short. They literally managed to squeeze in almost every company brand logo there is, with many appearing as quirky characters for ensuing hysterics. I was only able to find a rare teaser trailer due to the controversial aspects of the film - so enjoy.



Click image below to start video! \/


Again, an amazing collection of short films. If you're interested in coming along then please let me know! Monday 7.30pm - 9.30pm, best to get there a little bit earlier for seats. The more company the better!

You can find their website here if you missed it the first time.

Short & Sweet - Café 1001

On Monday evening, my friend introduce me to a weekly short film event known as 'Short & Sweet' in London, hosted in a place that I can only recall as Café 1001. Every week they show a selection of films old and new from established and emerging directors; with a variety of action, animation and music videos thrown into the mix. Best of all, its free!

The films I saw were all pretty amazing, with some downright hilarious shorts such as 'Love Does Grow On Trees' following a 13 year old boy and his discovery of pornographic material, and 'Teat Beat', which I'm not even sure I'm allowed to talk about. A deep story titled 'Hibernation' follows two childhood friends who attempt to bring back their lost friend resulting in some smiles yet touching tale, while 'Doxology' was simply random. They're all pretty wacky, bold and inspiring that are most entertaining. Not to mention the host Julia (I think is the name) who is very upbeat and quite simply passionate about it all that is rather infectious.

I guess the films are pretty mature - some definitely not for little ones. The films shown are pretty hard to track down on the net with mostly trailers being only available. This one here is one of the animation shorts by Tom Judd titled 'Bruce' (only a trailer).



If you are intrigued by the likes of 'Love Does Grow On Trees' then here's a link. Where 'Teat Beat' is hilarious, I can only say to look it up yourself, though be warned you may find it offensive.

Overall, I found the whole thing great and definitely recommend it if you have the chance. It's very inspiring stuff and could do wonders in sparking that idea for some animation projects. I'm going to try make a regular appearance and I'll be more than happy if anyone is interested in coming along - just give me a shout. Its on every Monday from 7.30pm to about 9.30pm.

You can find their website here.