Final Critique

sugarplums_121309_HD720_iPhone.mp4 (14mb)

My final critique went about as I expected as far the panel's critique. They pointed out all the things that bother me (color of the last shot, titles, etc.), and we agreed that if I choose to do any more finishing I should address these issues. Patricia in particular urged me to continue to polish the integration of composited elements.

I was very proud to pass with honors. It was a personal goal of mine from the day I signed my acceptance to do my best at CADA, and it was gratifying to hear the panel's opinion that I had done so.

So, on now to the next thing...

Story Reel Update

story_reel_120809_iPhone.mp4 (14mb)

Week 11 Storyreel

story_reel_112909_iPhone.mp4 (13mb)

Week 10 Storyreel

story_reel_wk10.mp4 (13mb)

Week 9 Storyreel

story_reel_wk09.mp4 (13mb)

Week 8 Storyreel

storyreel_wk08.mp4 (13mb)

Gifts footage...Finally!

Finally got the "gift" elements in the studio. Here is a rough comp with the bike, and some grabs from the footage.

shot_10_t02_03_iPhone.mp4 (606 KB)

Midterm Critique Report

midterm critique report (1.2mb)

Midterm Critique Samples

storyreel_wk06.mp4 (13mb)
train_test_30fps_web.mp4

Midterm Status

I have the shoot day happening this weekend.

• Need to consult the list of everything I need and make sure all is ready.
  
• Also need to consider another set of hands.

Production

• The color correction and masks are mostly finished.
  
• The magic effect is started, but not finished.
  
• Need to begin creating particle effects.
  
• The magic background is not yet satisfactory
• Need to test the "ballerina" footage
• Need to create opening titles
• Need credits
• Need to plan final "under tree" shot
• Need to finish modeling houses/lamposts
• All models need texturing
• Sound design is proceeding
  

Studio status

The shoot booked over the weekend of the 17th/18th is tentative. Hopefully it will go away and I can use the studio that weekend.

• Need to get firm availability of Wren, Phelan, Skazenski.
  
• Also need to make sure I have all the props I'll need. Skates I have, bike from Puffy but need to make sure it's ok, trains from pops/uncle neil. Need to figure out that gateman. Maybe a trip to Nick Smith over the weekend.
  
• Remember to get some invisible thread and create a "tunnel" stencil to cut out hole in green foamcore.
  
• Review the visual script/survey info from day 1.
  
• Arrange transportation.

Week 6 Goals

• get shoot together
• styleframes for dream sequence
• styleframes for magic effect
• opening shot
• 3d bedroom
• mattes for footage
• update schedule
• update blog
  

Story Reel Update 10.06.09

story_reel_100409_iPhone.mp4 (13mb)

Mixing 60fps and 24fps

After testing, the best results are interpreting 60fps footage native, placement in a 24fps comp, and time stretch to desired speed. Iffy results with frame blending, probably better without. Could try a plugin for better timestretch algorithm...

Studio Testing

In the studio testing mostly for shot 21. Good news is that this shot can be accomplished with the aid of the green cloth, and will not require a fully painted studio. A production day will no longer be delayed for this reason. That's the good news...

The challenge I've yet to solve is how to assist and confirm optical lineup in production. I can't shoot until I have a proven method. Possibilities include:

• Getting gfx7 functioning with a multibridge for use in the studio. Seems like it currently doesn't have an operating system...
• Using gfx3 as a means of importing camera footage for test composite. Either of these methods present the problem of getting the camera feed into a box, which I've not successfully accomplished. Seems to be a sync problem? Check w/ Quinto...
• Getting a studio switcher with A/B inputs to mix two images

If I can get the footage into a box, the method of drawing outlines on a plastic sheet over the monitor seems to help. I just need to see how close it gets me...

Though shot 21 can be done on the floor, I will also need to shoot some table top shots, which will require a surface large enough to accommodate the length of track needed. Acquiring all materials for production should now be a top priority, as should scheduling a production weekend.

I'll also remind myself here that the "gifts" will be shot at 60 fps for clarity, and I ought to test this variable footage rate in my workflow using the footage I shot last semester. I also need to revisit my notes regarding shutter angle, fstop, etc. Remember that it will take a lot of light...

Faculty Critique Report

faculty_critique_report_01.pdf (1.43mb)

Thesis Week 4 Goals

• scan review forms, email .pdf
• test shoot frame 21
• test shoot "analog" elements
• styleframes for magic sequence
• gather props
• create room in Maya
• img. planes/modeling tiny houses
• final trimmed media w/ handles in new folder
  

Thesis Week 3 Review

story_reel_092209.mp4 (13mb)

Thesis Week 2 Goals

• prep story reel w/ composite elements
• outline for panel review
• gather remaining props
• img. planes, modeling colonial
• model tunnel, textures for tunnel
• test floor plane, model room interior

Story Reel Update 9.15.09

story_reel_091509.mp4 (13mb)