Documentary Animation

I have been researching Documentary Animation in preparation for the creation of my own. The videos below are excellent examples of using animation/motion graphics to bring history to life in a visually interesting way. The Amnesty International film has more of a narrative and central character, but I do like the Silhouette style of animation. The History of Nintendo makes creative use of motion graphics and I am a fan of the cut out style of animation as seen in Illuminating Photography.

Amnesty International

The History of Nintendo

Illuminating Photography animation

After Effects Practice

I am currently trying to learn After Effects through Youtube, Adobe TV, Video Co-pilot and an actual book!

Here is a quick piece that I composited. The man was originally in front of a green screen with filming paraphernalia around him. I used a mask to cut out the background and keylight  to get rid of the green screen. I animated a jpeg  background of clouds and the mask feather and opacity. I also added a rain effect and changed the saturation and colour curves of the components.

Original:

Edited:

Childline Advert

I really like this advert for Childline by YCN Studio. I feel that the images represent the emotions very well. A beautiful take on a very hard hitting subject.

Favourite Life Drawing Piece

As I was handing in my Drawing folder today, I reflected on what has been my favourite piece of the academic year. I have chosen this - a half an hour tonal life drawing. I remember struggling to get the correct angle due to the twist in her body! I am happy with it though and actually quite like the contrast of the unfinished head.

Oreo advert

This is a lovely piece of commercial animation that I stumbled across online. I think they have interpreted the narrative very creatively and dynamically. There is a lot of unusual movement with the characters which makes it visually interesting.

Momoco

Whilst looking at Momoco's site I discovered some very inspiring work. Here are a few of my favourite title sequences:

Great Expectations

Wolfblood

Misfits

Title Design

After a meeting with Rozi I have decided to focus my Summer on researching Motion Graphics - in particular Title Design. One example that sprung straight to my mind is the opening titles for the recent BBC drama 'Ripper Street'. I found that the designer is a guy called Nic Benns who leads a creative studio called Momoco.