CG Overdrive 2009
CG Overdrive is an event for the artists, by the artists. CG professionals, enthusiasts, students, academics, producers, vendors, buyers and all CG stakeholders convene and connect at this annual event. The line-up of activities includes an exhibition, conference, professional tracks and networking events, as well as a host of festival activities such as recruitment zone, exhibitor workshops, film screenings, digital art gallery and concert.
Aardman launch Animation Studio
LASALLE College of the Arts launched its dedicated animation studio at its city
campus on 1 McNally Street today. Renowned animator, co-founder and Executive
Chairman of Aardman Animations, David Sproxton CBE was invited to grace the
occasion and to view LASALLE’s animation students’ works.
This page contains links to assignments
and reference material for Animations Arts students from the Faculty of
Media Arts at LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore.
Course related documents can be
downloaded from the Document Lists on the right. General supporting
notes can be downloaded from list on the left.
General technical tutorials for MAYA are
list on the Homepage.
NEW LASALLE Logo
: Please update your files (April 2009) Please be aware that there is now a new LASALLE logo which does not
feature the ® character. Please download and update your resource files for
future projects. There are 2 versions available - White text on
Black background and Black text on White background.
The resolution of both images is 720 * 576 (PAL). A link to a .zip file
containing both images is available on the right of this page under General
Documents.
The LASALLE logo should not be altered in any
way, and remain on screen for a minimum of 5 seconds as the last image in
your animation.
Please remember to also include
all credits where necessary - especially if you are including audio sources.
Scene it before: How Disney recycled its
classic cartoons Recycling has only become fashionable in the past few decades but it
seems that Disney has been doing it since the dark ages. Researchers have
revealed that scenes from much-loved cartoons such as Robin Hood and Winnie
The Pooh were copied from the studio's earlier hits. Disney has 'recycled'
some of its backgrounds and animation sequences over and over again.
Pedro Serrazina "Tale About the Cat and the
Moon" Pedro Serrazina's Tale About the Cat
and the Moon (1995) plays with a series of striking juxtapositions of light
and shadow, black cat, white moon or, such is the intricacy of the patterns.
The narration speaks of an obsession that is pure passionate - A cat
endlessly yearning for the shining spectre of the moon.
Sailing around the globe in a tiny boat, leaping from
rooftops, gazing upwards, the pursuit goes on far into the blackness of
night. Clearly there is sexual tension and obsession involved - but what a
great metaphor. Bravo, bravo..!!
Animation Rigging Tips & Tricks Great workshop today by LucasFilm Lead Rigger, Shih Ming Tay.. a huge
thanks to him for his time and sharing his knowledge.
Jojo in the Stars by Studio AKA The BAFTA winning "Jojo in the Stars", is a film by Marc Craste, a senior animation Director at Studio AKA in London. It is a
compelling use of atmosphere and spare story elements that packs an
emotional wallop in the end. My only complaint is that there aren't' more in
the series. I know that a lot of you may have already seen the short and
also visited the studio site but it is always such a treat to watch the
shorts and commercial again...and again. "Jojo" is the first film to come
out of Studio AKA, which actually grew out of a series of short one minute
animation's called "Pica Towers," elements of which were developed for some
TV idents.
CG Overdrive 2009
Conference Road Trip CG Overdrive is an event for the artists, by the artists. CG
professionals, enthusiasts, students, academics, producers, vendors, buyers
and all CG stakeholders convene and connect at this annual event. The
line-up of activities includes an exhibition, conference, professional
tracks and networking events, as well as a host of festival activities such
as recruitment zone, exhibitor workshops, film screenings, digital art
gallery and concert.
Last year we had 20 of our
LASALLE, Animation Art students taking part as student helpers. This year we
hope to have a similar number PLUS Animation Art will be hold a recruitment
booth at the conference... ...show casing your work.
This CG Overdrive Conference
Road Trip will provide you the background and content for this years
Conference. All Level 1, 2 and 3 students are
required to attend.
Date : Wednesday 25th
March, Time : 3.45pm Location : Room F501, LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street
Paper Engineering I recently came across these paper cut-out/engineer artist and I'm
excited about the possibility of using this technique for animation
backgrounds (both interiors and exteriors). Take a look at the artists
below.
Interesting Website : SketchTheatre Sketch Theatre serves to motivate and inspire artists from all walks of
life. Here, aspiring artists are exposed to contemporary artists and the
various career paths taken by these like-minded individuals who all began
their careers with the primary process of putting ideas and expressions down
with a pencil & paper. The brilliant myriad of artists featured on Sketch
Theatre strip down and expose raw sketches on camera, never failing to
captivate and inspire. Enjoy the show.
Eric Goldberg : Aladdin,
Hercules, Pocahontas, the Emperors New Groove and Fantasia 2000
Milt Kahl :Snow White and the
Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp and most notably
Shere Khan, the Tiger in Jungle Book
Glen Keane : The Rescuers,The
Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Tazan,
Andreas Deja : Who Framed Roger
Rabbit?, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin,
Lilo & Stitch
http://animationpodcast.com/
Nice Quad Animation I came across this set of test animation recently and plan to do
something similar as a set of exercises with my students. As simple model of
a quadruped creature. I think the walk is the most successful these tests
and the jump is the least. Take a look for yourself. If you fancy a
challenge, build yourself a little model, rig it and try the walk for
yourself.
While looking at these
animation tests I came across this rigging test. Nothing here students at
the end of Level 1 can't do... but a lot of work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dab08Od4wUY&NR=1
Corpse Bride Interview PGraham Maiden Puppet Fabrication Supervisor on Tim Burton's Corpse
Bride
Stikfas Animation Fight : Stikfas Dance : Behind the Scenes
The Monk and the Fish So now we move onto to one of my all-time favourite Independant Animated
shorts of all time - the Monk and the Fish by Michael Dudok de Wit.
What can I say to justify this
film appearing in my top 10 animated films?? ...Charm..!! It's the shear
charm of the characters, the aesthetics, the timing, the compositions.. the
wit, the simplicity, the acting.. brilliance. Such simple ideas in these
movies, yet full of charm.
Slow Bistro : Russian Animation I've posted this animation by Ivan Maximov because of it's obvious
contrast to my last posting. Full of visual puns and a huge array of
interesting incidents, observations and held together with the sound track.
If like me, you just like watching people and idiosyncratic behaviour
without the need for a logical conclusion, then enjoy. this to me is what
animation is about - and as students of animation you need to under the edge
and clear advantage this art form has over media.
Great simple Animation from Vancouver Film School I came across this little animation by Zach Mathew at Vancouver Film
School. I think it's a really successful piece of student animation for a
variety of reasons. Mainly, it's complete.. ..I don't mean that it's
finished - what I mean is that the scene is nicely set, the characters are
introduced at the right time, the motivation is built up and the conclusion
leaves us satisfied without without an unanswered questions. the pace,
timing, exaggeration and framing are all
Now, this is obviously not the
answer to all animated content, but it is what a lot of students are aiming
to accomplish - a short, compact narrative, with an obvious introduction,
middle and ending. I seriously suggest watching this movie over and over a
few times. Look at the framing. Question what it is that you are seeing and
what Zach is showing you. It's all looks simple and obvious, because Zach
has done an excellent job.
Notice how the character walks
in from the left and leads the camera to the right. Notice the first cut is
there to show the detail of the action. Everything in movie is there to tell
you a specific line of a story.
NEW LASALLE Logo
: Please update your files Please be aware that there is now a new LASALLE logo which does not
feature the ® character. Please download and update your resource files for
future projects. There are 2 versions available - White text on
Black background and Black text on White background.
The resolution of both images is 720 * 576 (PAL). A link to a .zip file
containing both images is available on the right of this page under General
Documents.
The LASALLE logo should not be altered in any
way, and remain on screen for a minimum of 5 seconds as the last image in
your animation.
Please remember to also include
all credits where necessary - especially if you are including audio sources.
Welcome to AY 2008-2009 Just a short welcome to the new
Level 1 students and a welcome back to Level 2 and 3 students. I hope you
are well rested and prepared for the new Academic Year. It appears that we
shall be getting better facilities, equipment and more staff in the not too
distant future.. ..but more about that later.
Can I take this
opportunity to highlight a few points to you all.
All projects (Technical and Majors) are required to be
submitted in a standardised CDROM format (full
details : click here).
All films should end with a set of full credits and finally
the LASALLE logo (full
details : click here).
Please do not use the term "Done by.." in your credits..!!
The correct term is "Produced by...".
You are responsible for keeping the college
(me) up-to-date with
your contact details. This extremely important. Several students failed to
make project resubmissions because we couldn't contact them. They therefore
automatically failed.
I drink tea with 2 sugars.
Postings for AY 2007- 2008 below...
Project Submission and Assessment Schedules April 2008 Please click the link below to view
the Project Submission Criteria and Deadlines for this semester.
blublu.org An evening of fruitlessly surfing the net, looking for some reference material.
Somewhere along my journey I stumbled across this by Blu. Just thought I'd share it with you.
CG Overdrive 2008 Conference Following the presentation given today by the organisers of CG Overdrive
2008, please follow the link below for full details of the Conference.
Date : Friday 21st March Location : Singapore Expo
FLASHING on
Good Friday..!! Happy Easter everyone...!! Please download the supporting files below
for the FLASH 8 workshop. Please don't be late.. .or I'll crucify you..!!
Remember to bring note taking material.
Date : Friday 17th - 20th June Time : 9.30am - 6.00pm Location : Room D301,
LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street
Note
: Computers are limited, so if you have your own laptops with
FLASH 8 installed, please bring them.
Nigel Sumner Talks About The Animation Industry Nigel Sumner has more than 10 years experience working at ILM
(Industrial Light and Magic) as both a Digital Artist and Sequence
Supervisor. His film credits include Space Cowboys, Jurassic Park III, Star
Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, Van Helsing, The Hulk, The Perfect
Storm, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, War
of the Worlds, Poseidon, Eragon and Transformers. More recently he moved to
Singapore to become Head of the Digital Assets Group (DAG) at Lucasfilm
(Singapore).
During this talk, Nigel will
share his personal insight into working on many of Hollywood's block-buster
movies.
Date : Thursday 27th
March, Time : 6.30pm - 8.00pm Location : Room F201,
LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street
Note
: Access is restricted to Animation Arts Level 1 - 3 students
only. Please be prompt. No filming or recording allowed.
Hillary Yeo Talks About The Animation Industry Hillary Yeo Tze Ann is an ex-graduate of Singapore Polytechnic and
Bournemouth University, UK. He has 7 years experience as a Senior
Texture Artist, working for WETA studios on Lord of The Rings II & III and
King Kong. During this presentation, Hillary will share his personal insight
into industry, a look behind the scenes and demonstrate various techniques
employed as a Senior Texture Artist.
Date : Wednesday 5th
March, Time : 6.00pm - 8.00pm Location : Room D301,
LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street
Note
: Access is restricted to Animation Arts Level 1 - 3 students
only. Please be prompt.
Foundation Assignment 2008 Following the Assignment session on Monday
25th Feb, please find links below to the Assignment Brief and the blank
Project Proposal... Please be reminded that your submission requires a
sketchbook and CDROM.
CG Overdrive 2008 Conference Road Trip Watch esteemed CG artists from the best
studios around the globe convene for 4 days of CG fervour and understand
what it takes to be among the best. Hear their thought process, see their
work techniques, understand the mechanics behind amazing blockbusting CG
films and the latest technologies that drive them...
Above all, be inspired again
and again by the best on the planet.
Date : Wednesday 26th
March, Time : 2.30pm - 4.30pm Cost : Admission Free
Location : Room F201,
LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street
Siggraph Asia 2008 Electronic Theatre
Showcase The SIGGRAPH Electronic Theatre showcases the world's best animations,
visualisations and visual effects. Don't miss this opportunity to mingle
with other animation enthusiasts and get a sneak preview of how the SIGGRAPH
Asia 2008 Conference and Exhibition.
This special screening is only
open to students age 16 and above. Your student pass is required for
admission.
Date : Friday 15th
February, 7pm Time : Doors Open at 6.30pm Cost : Admission Free
Location : School of
Media and Info-Comm Technology
Singapore Polytechnic
500 Dover Road, Block T19, Room MLT10
Animation Nation (Festival) !! Booking Now
Available !! Our very own local (Singapore) Animation Festival, dedicated to animated
features and shorts, will run from 23rd November - 1st December this year.
Details and ticket booking now
available....
I'd suggest taking a look at the Schedule for Monday 26th - Saturday 1st.
Animation Mentor & The 11 Second Club If you want to see some great student character animation, take at look at the
recent AnimationMentor.com Student Showcase.
AnimationMentor.com also
sponsors the 11 Second Club. The 11 Second Club is a monthly character
animation competition. Each month, members animate a character speaking a
line of dialogue provided by the club. Lots of members post their work in
progress for critique on the forums, and at the end of the month, everyone
votes for the best entry. The idea is to give animators a chance to practice
their skills in a fun, challenging environment.
Michel Gagne During a recent tutorial, the animator Michel Gagne was the subject of
discussion. Michel has produced some very interesting abstract and character
animations based on the theme sound.
Take a look at the YouTube
compilation of Channel Idents commissioned for Nickelodeon's 2005 "Halloween
Shriekin Weekend"
...and take a look at the animations on his website
- Highly recommend is the short excerpt from
Sensology and Michel's contribution to Pixar's
Ratatouille.
IPOS Talk The Faculty of Media Arts has organised a talk by IPOS (Intellectual
Property Office of Singapore) on media law - Copyright and Intellectual
Property. This talk is mandatory for all MA students.
Location : Basement 1,
Foundation Studies, LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street. Map :
http://www.lasalle.edu.sg/index2.html Time : 10.00am 12.00pm Date : Thursday 4th October
Hardware Specifications for MacBook It appears a lot of you attempting to run MAYA 8 and 8.5 on your
MacBooks are experiencing display problems. After taking a look at the MAYA
specifications and reading through the forums on the Autodesk website, it is
apparent that MAYA 8 and 8.5 are not supported on MacBooks at all - even the
new black ones.
The good news is that according
to the Autodesk forums, MAYA 2008 is supported on MacBooks. You therefore
have 2 options - either update your MacBooks to
MacBook
Pro (the new black ones) or upgrade your MAYA to MAYA 2008.
You also need to be running Mac
OS X 10.4.7 or higher.
Some of the forums mention
installing a 3rd party video driver that fixes the problem with MAYA 8. I'd
higher recommend you do not try this.
AutoDesk 3D Launch Tour The Autodesk Media & Entertainment Software Launch Asia Pacific tour
will highlight the latest versions of Autodesk® 3ds Max®, Autodesk® Maya®,
Autodesk® MotionBuilder™, and Autodesk® Toxik® software with product
demonstrations that will blow you away!
Experience the latest tools and techniques for actualising your film,
gaming, and design visualisation projects. But don’t delay. Register now for
your spot on the tour.
Singapore
Date : 24 Sep 2007 Time : 2-6pm Venue : Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore
Pacific 3 Ballroom, Level 1
7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square
[ registration closed ]
Interesting Site Here's a pretty interesting site with a wide range of content and
styles. For those of you who are fans of
Dave McKean
(MirrorMask), there's a lot of his material there. I particularly like
Sonnet.
Thanks to the person who contributed the
link - whoever you are. Keep them coming.
A
Correction..!!
During last weeks class to Level 1 students, I was referring to the film
Betty
Blue (37.2 Le Matin) (1986) by Director Jean-Jacques Beineix. I
mentioned in the class that Beineix also directed the movies
Diva
(1981) and Nikita (1990).
Useful
Notes
