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)

Color Test #1

Footage Samples

Thesis Week 1 Goals

• email Myles re: critique schedule
• update blog
• thinking about fx/particles test
• planning shoot
• research props
• cleanup hard drives/setup project folders
• sequence w/ footage
• key greenscreen
• color research
• image planes/house #1
• test Adobe OnLocation
  

Shoot Day 1 Complete

Studio day 1 went as well as I could have hoped. The kids were good, and the crew was fantastic. I was especially pleased with the way the lighting looked in the studio, although I need to fully review the footage before I feel completely confident. I know that I personally made some mistakes that will present post-production challenges, and there were shots on which I had to compromise from the outset. The bottom line, though, is that I think I've got workable footage in the can.

Clumsy ballerina

Kampmeyers say they have a costume. I need to have them bring it to the party on the 25th so I can see it. I need to pull some reference of ballerinas for Evelyn, again for the 25th. Perhaps we can have a quick practice...

Ramping Up

I've set production day 1 tentatively for Saturday 08.01.09. I have clearance w/ Jordan, although I need to submit a budget. I have verbal commitments from Forrestal, Bitai, Skazenski, Phelan, Wren, and Kampmeyers. I am pursuing the items on a detailed prop list.

I was in the studio today to test the lighting setup recommended by Laskodi and Foster. Seems to be OK, but the question of the perspective on the throw pattern from the window bothers me. I may need to cut a forced perspective gobo to get what I want. My second attempt today was better that the first, which was much too large. I am starting to believe that I can pull this off...and belief is a powerful thing.



Notes:

• 5k needs two people
• which stand for 5k?
• are there extra bulbs for all lights?
• seems to be enough space
• white card needs to go high-may need to place cam beneath it
• perspective of gobo? shouldn't be any from a distant light source like the moon
  

Goals

• contact talent
• contact crew
• reserve studio time
• detailed prop list
• directors notes
• studio storyboard
• camera sheets/survey info
• equipment list
  

Final Review

animatic_043009_web.mp4
screen_test_032609_web.mp4
train_test_30fps_web.mp4
style_frame_01.jpg
style_frame_02.jpg
5_3_final_review.pdf (4.89MB)

Week 13 Complete

Stuff for review...

animatic_042109 (10 MB)

Goals Week 12

Down to crunch time. No point in listing the goals now; it's all got to be finished ASAP! Just remember to:

• post anything you can for approval
• keep working on something at all times!
• breathe deeply
  

Week 11 Complete

OK, progress this week. Gantt chart is pretty detailed, although I want to get Myles stamp of approval. New sections to the research paper: Introduction and Cultural Historical drafts. Added animation and SFX to animatic. Created some new storyboard panels. Been busy, but still much to do...

animatic_041609 (7.4MB)
Gantt chart (MS Project 2007 file 343k)

Goals Week 11

• Gantt chart complete
• more research paper
• more storyboard
• style frames
• color storyboard frames
• updates to deliverables
  

Research: Shooting Miniatures Draft 01

Here is a link to the 1st draft of the "Shooting Miniatures" section of my research.

shooting_miniatures_01_DRAFT.pdf (0.2MB)

Goals Week 10

OK, it's no joke time. Lots of loose ends to be tied up over the next 3 weeks.

• complete storyboards
• gather all research materials
• more visual reference materials
• start writing
• time availability chart
• color style frames
• animatic shots>animate
• screen test conclusions
• update book
  

Task List/Visual Script

Here is a copy of my task list and visual script as of 4.2.09.

task_list_01.pdf (2MB)

Week 9 Complete

Progress on the storyboards...finally. Had a burst of four or five thumbnails, and now only one or two more panels should do it. I'll have to make them final quality next week. I also created a task list, a visual script, posted more reference, and made a much more detailed outline for my research paper. A productive week...

preproduction_book_04-02-09.pdf (14.4 MB)

Reference: The Polar Express

In exploring camera angles for "Sugarplums", I came across some good reference in "The Polar Express", directed by Robert Zemeckis.

In this choice for a wide shot, what is interesting to me are the foreground elements, and what they add to the storyline in relation to the background. I have a spot where I need a bridge and this kind of framing could be useful. (click images to view)

Here is a "hero shot" of the train. I'll need one of these as well. What I don't like here is how the train blows by the camera making it difficult to discern detail. My shot will not be as quick since it will be important to establish the train as a primary element rather than something just "passing through" the frame.

This is just an example of a dramatic low horizon angle that lends majesty to the train. I'll want to see if I can incorporate a similiar camera height, if not the exact point of view.

I think the train shots in "Sugarplums" should have the most dynamic camera angles of all the gifts since it represents the apex of the progression of the dream.

The Polar Express. Dir. Zemeckis, Robert. Warner Bros. Pictures, 2004.

Goals Week 9

• task list > send midweek
• more detailed research outline
• research rough draft > sections OK
• storyboard
• more reference materials
• screen test conclusions
• visual script 1st draft
• time availability chart
• animatic scenes > animate
  

Week 8 Complete

After a small break, the following progress: midterm review submitted, table of contents created, animation update in animatic plus some new frames, stylebook template updated, pre-production journal updated, new reference posted, screen test completed successfully, research for paper, task list started. Seems like I was busy, but a long way to go...

animatic_032609.mp4 (5.87MB)
preproduction_book_03-26-09.pdf (12MB)
screen_test_sample_032609.mp4 (2.4MB)

Reference: Ratatouille

"Sugarplums" script calls for a "magical effect" regarding the series of imagined Christmas gifts. Here's some reference...

In Brad Bird's Ratatouille, "Gusteau" is a ghostly figment of imagination. He is surrounded by swirling particles that remain close to his form. He is slightly transparent and blurry-edged, and he has a wide, bright glow. (click images to view)

The particles emanating from Gusteau are small, gold, and random, creating a "stardust" effect.





When Gusteau moves he leaves behind momentary blurry trails, and the stardust hangs in the air behind him for a short time. The overall effect of these creative choices gives the viewer the impression that this character is unreal...Rather, he is imagined and may appear or disappear at any time.

In "Sugarplums", I imagine a similar treatment for the gifts that appear in the child's dream.

Ratatouille. Dir. Bird, Brad, and Jan Pinkeva. The Walt Disney Company, 2007.

Goals Week 8

• midterm review summary
• storyboards
• screen test kid
• more visual reference
• add detail to research outline
• toner for printer
• update pre-production book
  

Update: Animatic 03.07.09

Christmas added. Is this working better now?

animatic_030709 (5.1MB)

Goals Week 7

• finish storyboard 1st draft
• finish script
• screenplay
• finish animatic 1st draft
• all other midterm deliverables

I also got some of feedback in class this week that I should note. It was unanimously agreed that there ought to be visual cues to Christmas in the storyboards. Myles also felt that the kid appeared to be too old. Not sure if I'll try to address that one or admit defeat regarding my own drawing skills. Also the question of using familiar music came up, and probably will come up again. I think at the very least an alternative should be considered to see if it could be better. Myles has also suggested considering putting the items into a cloud or bubble to give them their own environment. I don't know if I like that idea so I should try to pick his brain as to what gain he thinks will come of it. Maybe he can convince me...

Week 06 Complete

Chipping away toward the midterm review. I should have everything ready for the panel next week. I will be busy, however...

preproduction_book_03-05-09.pdf (8MB)
animatic 03.05.09 (5MB)

Update: Animatic 03.02.09

Here's an updated animatic:

animatic 03.02.09

Regarding Adobe OnLocation

A problem I face in the studio is shooting elements on different days that will require some degree of optical lineup for compositing. I wanted to look into a solution that would allow me to combine an image on a laptop with a feed from a camera to get a rough idea of composition. I have come across this OnLocation CS4 Review by Steve Hullfish at Pro Video Coalition indicating that this software may in fact solve my problem.

"Another super useful feature in OnLocation is the split screen button beneath the field monitor. You can superimpose or split the screen between either two previously shot clips, or between a previously shot clip and the live camera. You can set the position of the split screen and or the opacity of the overlay of one scene onto the other. This allows you to do things like match eye-lines or position actors from different scenes relative to each other. This could even help monitor continuity between scenes."

I'll need to have a look at it, and test to see if it behaves as advertised in my environment.

Hullfish, Steve. "OnLocation CS4 Review." (2009). 29 Mar. 2009 <http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/shullfish/story/onlocation_cs4_review/>.

Week 05 Complete

This week has been about storyboard panels. For me, this has been a consuming task. While I'm happy with the results, the pace of their production has not moved as quickly as I would like. I guess storyboarding is a quick art only if you have the skill to make it quick. I have somewhere between a third and a half of all the panels I'd like to have. I have made the decision, however, that I'm working only for myself on this project, and if it takes a large chunk of time to get this done in the way I desire then so be it. The other goals for this week are in shambles!

I did find the time to put the existing panels into an animatic w/ music. The cuts seem to be working, and I'm feeling a little renewed to keep moving forward. Here are some links to the current work in progress:

preproduction_book_02-25-09.pdf
animatic 02.25.09 (4.1 MB)

Conclusions - Studio Test #2

Camera

• 120 degree shutter seems to provide the best balance between minimizing motion blur and maximizing depth of field
• f4 seems to be the best possible iris indoors without adding more lights
• wider lens was better > could go even wider?
• no gain greatly improved channel noise
• depth of field is acceptable...wish it was better
• watch out for iris shifts w/ auto iris

Studio

• two scoops full on plus overhead kinos was acceptable...would love more light
• white studio w/ green cloth greatly reduced spill
• will need painted foamcore panels

Keying

• will still be work w/ moving train
• mo-blur better
• noise better
• spill better

All things considered, a successful baseline is now established for an item of this size, moving at this particular rate, in our studio with the existing resources. A small relief!

Goals Week 5

• finish script
  
• finish screenplay
  
• finish storyboards
  
• update synopsis if necessary
  
• more visual reference
  
• research paper outline
  
• post conclusions of studio test#2

Week 04 Complete

These weeks really fly past...This week I made progress on the script, the storyboards, I posted some reference to the blog, I got into the studio for more tests (need to post conclusions). I didn't get to screenplay or research paper outline.

preproduction_book_02-19-09.pdf

Some Reference

Note: These reference images are not my creation, and are posted without permission. I have provided information to the context in which they originally appeared.

Framestore NY created a beautiful spot for HP. Good reference for compositing, scale, and pace...view


I have always been moved by the images created to sell Lionel electric trains. These artists visualized beautifully the world of these toys and what it meant to own one. This one by R.J. Tyrrell communicates the same idea I'm after in my piece. I think the saturated, colorful look of this image is a primary element in capturing a moment in a dream...

Carp, Roger. The Art of Lionel Trains : Toy Trains and American Dreams. Waukesha, WI: Kalmbach, 2003.

Here's another that captures the same idea, a beautiful painting by Bob Byerley that appeared on the cover of Lionel Classic Trains Volume 2 2002 Catalog.

www.byerleyart.com

Goals Week 4

• storyboards 1st draft
  
• screenplay 1st draft
  
• post visual ref to blog
  
• research paper outline 1st draft
  
• think about screen test kid
  
• studio test if possible
  
• get maya 2009 running
  
• music

Week 03 Complete

Looking at my goals for this week...I fell a little short. Funny thing is I seem to have put in a lot of hours. Hmmm. Need to get better at my time management I think. Some key things did happen though. Set previz to scale in Maya. Narrative advanced. Camera test concluded, ready for another. I know what I've got to get done next week...

preproduction_book_02-12-09.pdf

Conclusions Studio Test #1

I wanted to make a note of my conclusions from my studio tests. I used a Varicam AJHDC27FP camera.

LIGHT

• need more light generally...all kino setup wasn't enough
  
• remember to turn on cyc lights!
  
• cam gain introduced unacceptable noise
  

CAMERA

• 60 fps gives more frames BUT
  
• need to use shutter as well
  
• cam gain is likely unusable
  
• long lens flattened perspective...get closer

DEPTH OF FIELD

• pretty shallow, even @ higher fstops
  
• more light, not gain, the only solution
  
• is there a macro lens for that cam
  

MOTION BLUR

• wasn't horrible, but needs improvement
  
• need to test w/ shutter ON
  
• w/ shutter will lose stops

KEYING

• note: not much care was given to "keyability" on this occasion
  
• gain created noise which made keying tough even w/ denoise
  
• even small amount of mo.blur makes keying difficult
  

SPILL

• massive amounts of spill on black trains
  
• ez spill killer did a surprisingly good job
  
• white studio w/ green backdrop would help
  

NEXT TIME

• more light
  
• use shutter
  
• no gain
  
• shorter lens
  
• pay closer attention to keyability

Studio Note

They had an alternate setup in the studio today to which I'm unaccustomed. I just wanted to make a note of it.

• studio white...this would help w/ spill
  
• portable greenscreen - steamed for wrinkles, need to check how clean the key
  
• two scoops for key & fill
  
• two kinos for backlights
  
• camera flagged off for flares
  

EndNote

Got Thompson EndNote working...Nice software for keeping track of sources to be cited in research papers. I've found all of my source books in the Library of Congress database, so I haven't even had to enter any data. Not sure if I'll have the same luck w/ journals. The program will also format your entries in any of a what seems like a million different ways. I find it to be a time saver.

Goals Week 3

• 1st draft: screenplay, script breakout
  
• start gathering visual reference...clips, images
  
• storyboard: more frames this week! was there a book I was interested in?
  
• story: revise working in new idea...backstory development
  
• post conclusions from 2nd camera test+images
  
• post about endnote
  
• music: sample from web, talk to BobbyAudio about library
  
• measure studio/set...3D volumes
  
• references: follow some of the links in the syllabus
  
• 1st draft: research paper outline

Week 02 Complete

The camera tests on Sunday yielded better results than I had expected considering my own inexperience with the Varicam. I need to make complete notes of my conclusions for the research paper. Regarding my preliminary list of people who can help, I need to finish compiling personal information, and start making some inquiries. I'm also glad to have the storyboards started, even if I've only roughed out one frame! I also need to make sure Myles has access to the blog, and find out if I can subscribe to anyone else's blog. Assignments for this week are complete.

preproduction_book_02-05-09.pdf

Week 01 Complete

Spoke w/ DP Bill Burke today regarding shooting scale miniatures, motion blur and depth of field. He confirms my concerns regarding the need to shoot a higher frame rate. Research needed.
Assignments for week one are finished.

preproduction_book_01-27-09.pdf

Prep

Prepped an InDesign template today for the production book. Internet speed is an issue here, and will need to be resolved...
Still not 100% committed to the “Sugarplums” idea. I realize I’ll only be able to develop parallel projects for a very short time. Still, couldn't hurt to come up with a couple of rough concepts, and a synopsis for each.

Image Tests

Had a look at the photos I took in Wallingford. As I suspected depth of field in the miniature setup is a problem. I was working in an uncontrolled environment without enough light to open the iris. I’ll have to retest with plenty of light so I can get the maximum iris. Of course the more the iris, the less shutter speed…And ultimately what the digital SLR does is not as important as what the various video cameras shoot.
These photos were also taken before the latest evolution of the idea; I ought to shoot some scale toys from a longer distance. Need some rough sketches before the next test…

Welcome

Welcome. The purpose of this journal is to document the pre-production development of my masters thesis at NYU CADA. While it is partially being written to satisfy coursework requirements, I intend to use it primarily as a tool for me to document my thoughts, leave myself notes, and post materials for review.