AfterLives : Week 5

In the background(s)

This week I got a lot of the backgrounds done. My process was drawing quick, sketchy thumbnails first, shading it roughly to figure out light and dark, then adding detail. I struggled with perspective, and creating perspective grids, but ultimately they came in very handy. Set designing is something I found surprisingly interesting even though it's not similar to my usual compositing and fx interests.

Since the audio of the pangolin had lots of wind that couldn't be removed, we decided to make the setting almost outdoors, in a conservatory. I did some concept sketches then added to it. 

Perspective errors in my sketch shown by the perspective grid

The props in the scenes reflected what the character was like and created a world around them.

To keep track of all the props in the setting, I made a 'prop panel'

Using a warping persepctive grid to simulate a camera tilt

We also kept in touch with each other over the Easter break using Google Hangouts and Facebook messenger. We used screensharing to update each other on our progress and receive feedback. 

What went well:

• The perspective grids worked well in creating a relaistic environment
• The props brought subtle life and character to world,
• Feedback from peers meant I could fix mistakes before I dedicated too much time on them.

What could be improved:

• Some scenes may be too complicated for the few seconds they appear in the documentary (the Chimera Detective background), this time could've been used elsewhere.