IDEA GENERATION

CONVERGE- to tend towards or meet in one point or value: the opposite of diverge.
CONVERGENCE- the act or point of converging.
DIVERGE- to tend from a common point in different directions: to turn apart.
DIVERGENCE- proceeding from different directions from each other or from a common point.

CONVERGE = assemble, coincide,combine,come together, concenter, concentrate, concur, encounter, enter in, focalize, focus, join, meet, merge, mingle, rally, unite.
CONVERGENCE = concurrence, confluence, meeting, merging.
DIVERGE = bend, bifurcate, branch, branch off, depart, deviate, digress, divagate, divaricate, divide, fork, part, radiate, ramble, separate, split, spread, stray, swerve, veer. wander.
DIVERGENCE = aberration, alteration, alterity, crotch, deflection, departure, detour, deviation, digression, disagreeing, discrepancy, disparity, dissemblance, dissimilarity, dissimilitude, distinction, divagation, divergency, diversity, division, fork, mutation, otherness, parting, radiation, ramification, separation, turning, unlikeness, variety, varying.

PAPER CINEMA WORKSHOPS

http://thepapercinema.com/

During the previous unit, narrative, we were lucky enough to have a showing of one of the paper cinemas shows. We had to get through inches of snow to get there but it was well worth it. Their shows are made up of fantastic illustrations turned into puppets which are filmed and then projected this is accompanied by live music.

Video filmed by Ed White

This is footage from a work shop that took place after the showing where we got to make our own animations in groups, we had the afternoon to come up with a storyline and create the puppets. This was a fantastic experience and a really valuable. The animation that we ended up with wasn't that successful as we created to many puppets and to many small items. This work shop took the fear away from creating an animation.

Photographs taken by Sojung Kim

Throughout the narrative unit and the beginning of the convergence divergence unit, I was involved in helping Nick Rawling with making the puppets for their new production The Odyssey. This was again a really valuable experience as we had the chance to see his process of working, the way he storyboards and inside his sketchbooks.

RESEARCH INTO ANIMATION TECHNIQUES

To help me decide what program to do my animation in I have researched into different animation techiniques, Stop-motion, Rotoscoping, Digital animation. Here are a few I have looked at :

The Seed from Johnny Kelly on Vimeo.

The first I have looked at is a stop motion, this is created by making many frames either by taking photos or drawing the frames until you have enough to make a movement. This particular animation is made up of moving objects and some parts that are drawn. I like the way that this technique allows you to animate anything, any object and any drawing.

FLAIRS - BETTER THAN PRINCE from 3rd Side Records on Vimeo.

This is a animation has been made by rotoscoping which is made by using video footage, splitting that down into frames and then drawing over the top to create a, stop frame style animation. This is a great technique to be able to capture something accurately or to place an object in the right place within a situation.

TELEPHONEME | MK12 from MK12 on Vimeo.

This animation is created digitally giving it quite a crisp look about it, this animation is also mixed with real footage. Using digital technology would probably suit me better because I could use bits of the other animation techniques and incorporate them in.

Having looked at these areas of animation has really got me excited about this project, the possibilities are endless. You can create something that looks professional with any of the above techniques.

With all the choices that need to be made with animation, I have decided that I would prefer to have a fixed brief and state what the final piece will be and its context. I work better like this as I cant drift off the point. Working to a context and target audience will give me something to aim to and hopefully keep me on track.

LEARNING AGREEMENT

The Arts University College At Bournemouth
Learning Agreement

Name: Victoria Yates
Course: BA Illustration
Level: 5
Unit: Convergence/ Divergence
Unit Code: Ill515
Credit Points: 45
Study Hours: 450 hours
Tutor(s): Sharon Beeden

Synopsis of study

When considering the possible approaches for this unit, I looked upon my interest of the world, science and technology and more specifically geology. Having looked at synonyms for convergence and divergence I found some words that stuck out: merge, mingle, separate, split and spread. This has led me to look into how the earth is formed and sustained by continuous destruction and renewal.
My visual outcome for this unit will be a title sequence for the BBC documentary series: Earth – Power of the Planet. This series is split into 5 episodes: Volcano, Atmosphere, Ice, Oceans and Rare Earth. There are many themes tackled in this documentary one of which is the impact humans have had on the planet. With there being so much information and visuals to draw inspiration from, I’m hoping for an exciting and vibrant outcome.

“Audience involvement should begin with the first frame”
Saul Bass (2004)
Researching into the title sequences produced by Saul Bass has inspired the direction of this project; I believe that this could be a viable platform for my animation in relationship to my practice, in that in the future there is a possibility that I would want to become more focused on educational illustration or editorial. Creating a piece of moving image will allow me to realize the potential of my illustration practice, moving it forward.
Title sequences are more prominent in the film industry but I think a title sequence for a documentary would work well because it will give an overview of the series and a taster of what is to come while keeping the viewer intrigued enough to want to continue to watch the rest of the documentary. Title sequences need to
“Create a climate for the story to unfold” and to “ Set the stage symbolically for what is to come”.
Saul Bass (2004)
I will need to think about the target audience during this process and maybe generate questionnaires to find out what different age groups prefer, style, sound etc.
I will produce the animation in After Effects, utilizing Photoshop skills learnt in previous units. As part of my creative process I will gather ideas through taking visual stimulus from the documentary and gathering key phrases to inspire me.
Using newly learnt skills in After Effects will make me more aware of other contexts in which illustration can be shown, allowing me also to create something new and innovative.

Aims
A1 To provide an awareness of how screen-based technologies are transforming the way that audiences are consuming information how Illustration can enhance a specific concept and effect a target audience.
A2 To develop my creative solutions and skills in relation to the technology available to illustrators towards a screen based presentation.
A3 To inform my creative ambitions with career planning within the digital/technological and inter-active industries.
A4 To provide opportunities for me to demonstrate the development of your transferable skills, including self-organisation and problem solving.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the unit I will be able to:
LO1 Demonstrate my knowledge of new and evolving technologies for the illustrator and the possible effectiveness for clients and other audience contexts.
LO2 Demonstrate my practical application of traditional and technology skills in the creation of a screen-based presentation to peer group.
LO3 Apply visual expression, intellectual enquiry and communication within a digital context.
LO4 Critically reflect on my approach to the project and the final design solution.

Assessment Requirements
Body of work including a presentation of final outcome/s and developmental work. (Tutor Assessed) 100%
Assessment Criteria (specific criteria related to the learning outcomes and linked to the statement of generic assessment criteria matrix):
Evidence of understanding through synthesis and development - demonstrated through creative solutions, decisions and judgements and that are reflected upon in the presentation (LO1, LO3, LO4)
Evidence of knowledge and technical processes – In use of advanced digital media equipment and processes (LO2)
Evidence of understanding through research and analysis - interpreted through analysis and critical evaluation of visuals and information, ideas and concepts and then developed and externalised to produce solutions. (LO1 LO4)
Evidence of realisation through the communication of ideas – demonstrated through the communication of solutions presented effectively and understood by others. (LO1, LO3)
Evidence of understanding through critical evaluation and reflection – Informs idea development to resolution through project work and in relation to professional contexts, and career development. (LO4)

Transferable Skills
My transferable skills for this unit will come from learning new software, Adobe After Effects and possibly other editing software. Being able to document my work in a more thorough way using a blog and learning new contexts for my work to be based.



References
Chong, A. (2007). Digital animation. Lausanne: AVA Academia.
Holmes, D. (2005). Communication theory: media, technology and society. London: Sage.
Wells, P. and Hardstaff, J. (2008). Re-imagining animation: contemporary moving image cultures. Lausanne: AVA Academia.
Gehman, C. and Reinke, S. (2005). The sharpest point: animation at the end of cinema. Toronto, ON.:YYZ Books.
Onedotzero (2004). Motionblur: onedotzero: graphic moving image makers. London: Laurence King.
Zeegen, L. (2007). Secrets of digital illustration. Crans-Pres-Celigny: RotoVision.
Guest Lecture Series : Saul Bass 15/02/89 (1989) [DVD]
Bass, S. (2004). Bass on Titles. [DVD]. Pyramid Films
Earth The Power Of The Planet. (2008). UK. BBC. [DVD]





Action Plan

WEEK 18 21ST-27TH
Attend animation workshops.
Start idea generation.
Watch documentary again.
Experiment with After Effects.

WEEK 19 28TH- 6TH
Mid Year Reviews.
Work on drawings from initial idea generation.
Look at already existing title sequences.
Create questionnaire send out to people.
Continue After Effects experimentation.


WEEK 20 7TH-13TH
Create a trial animation.
Ed around for support.
Create a detailed storyboard and plan for final animation.
Look for possible soundtrack to accompany the animation.

WEEK 21 14TH- 20TH
Start Animation.
Attend partner tutorials.

WEEK 22 21ST-27TH
Continue to work on animation.
Attend group crits.

WEEK 23 28TH-3RD
Continue to work on animation.
Attend seminars and presentations

WEEK 244TH-10TH
SUBMISSION OF ESSAY 5TH APRIL
Print Days with Ed
Ask any questions before Easter.

EASTER
Work on blog.
Continue animation.

WEEK 25 25TH-1ST
Final editing of animation.

WEEK 26 2ND- 8TH
SUBMISSION OF CONVERGENCE/ DIVERGENCE 3RD MAY

STOP FRAME ANIMATION WORKSHOP

Stop motion (also known as stop action) is an animation technique to make a physically manipulated object appear to move on its own. The object is moved in small increments between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement when the series of frames is played as a continuous sequence http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop-frame_animation

I went to the stop frame animation workshop held by Ed. I found this to be really useful as even though I have said that I will use after effects for my animation some parts may still be created using a form of stop motion. We worked in groups to create short animations using paper cut outs. The only equipment needed was a camera, a tripod and photoshop. After taking the photos we uploaded them onto the computer utilizing photoshops animation interface to manipulate the frames, using photoshop also allows you to change the amount of frames per second, slowing or speeding up your animation. Unfortunately I don't have a copy of the animation to post on here.

During the workshop we were shown other examples of stop motion here are some of my favorites:

TheRapture "House Of Jealous Lovers." from phil tidy on Vimeo.

AFTER EFFECTS WORKSHOP

As I had never used after effects before, I went to both the beginners workshop and the advanced. This is what I produced in the first workshop:

These where created just to get to know our way around the interface, at first there are so many things to look at that it can feel quite daunting but after you have a play around with it, it becomes like any of the other software just a tool.
In the advanced work shop we created a animation of raining 3d cubes unfortunately I don't have this to post up.
Going to the workshops has given me the confidence to use after effects, to experiment with it and see what it can be used for, and how its many tools can benefit me.
Here is one of the artists that Ed showed us :

This animation has shown me that you can achieve a lot just by having a moving background, this is definitely something I will consider using in my animation.

SAUL BASS

Saul Bass- Notes from Bass on Titles DVD

-Audience involvement should begin with the first frame.
-Create a climate for the story to unfold.
-Content. key issues, keep it simple and direct.
-Set the stage symbolically for what is to come.
-Title length, needs to deal with relationship with the film- holds information.
-Title acts as the prolog, big part of the story telling process.
- Deals with an ordinary thing that we know so well we seise to see them, dealing with them in such away that allows us to understand them again.
-Making the ordinary extraordinary.
-Intensification of a single moment.


This is the title sequence for Anatomy of a Murder. I feel very inspired by Saul Bass, the simple graphics mixed with great timing have made this sequence very successful. This is definitely a case of 'Less is More'. I have learnt that sleek graphics and good composition can create something incredibly intense and music can have almost as much or even more of effect on the viewer as the animation.

ANALYSIS OF EARTH: THE POWER OF THE PLANET

I began by making detailed notes whilst watching the series also taking screenshots of anything that was visually interesting.

I took these screen shots as reference for the documentary as I didn't want to have to keep watching it. I took inspiration from some of the images especially ones of the ice and erosion, where they have creates amazing textures.

The documentary takes a look at how the earth has formed, why it is still hear and how it continues to renew its self giving life to all kinds of creatures. It follows Dr Ian Stewart around the world to find evidence of what has happened in the past and what impact it has had on us today. It is a modern documentary with state of the art 3d computer generated diagrams.

TUTORIAL WITH DAVID CALLOW

I had a tutorial with David Callow, I only had my initial ideas and not a lot to show, I wanted to check some technical problems to do with referencing footage from the documentary and wether this would be allowed. I was thinking of rotoscoping some of the footage but wasn't sure on the rules of copyright.
Here is what was on my tutorial form:

-Idea: following him, using film from the documentary or animating what he is talking about.
-Get going and refine along the way.
-Situation - illustration of the content, illuminating.
-You can use the footage but need to get permission, it wont be a problem if you are not selling it. More about morals, try and source things yourself when possible.
-Maybe try using different references not just the one if your doing it on what he is talking about rather than him, make it a proposal for the show.
-Supporting the documentary
-Copyright for educational use. look into this.

i found this tutorial very helpful and it has given me the boost to get on with story boarding more ideas and start animating.

IDEA GENERATION

I have been looking in text books for relevant diagrams for inspiration here are a few from Geology made simple:



Although Im not really looking to use diagrams in my final animation, I like to look at them because they have an old science lab quality to them which is a quality I would like to have in my animation.
To look more into this I have looked at some vintage science diagrams found on google images.

I would like my drawings to have this texture to them, I have decided that all my drawing will be done in pencil and be fairly detailed.

RESEARCH INTO FILM TITLE SEQUENCES

This title sequence that has been created by Kuntzel and Deygas . These titles are quite long at 2.33 and tell you a lot about the narrative of the film, the only thing that you don't get an idea of is the ending, this is something that I should keep in mind when creating my title sequence. I only want to give a taste of what is to come. The thing that has inspired me most from this particular title sequence is the way that Kuntzel and Deygas have created transitions from each scene and the way that they have created a different colour scheme for each scene to transition into. I especially like the part where the plane flies across to reveal the roads. I also think that the textures used for the characters work very well. I also enjoy the way that the typography is incorporated into some of the imagery.

These titles have been created by Danny Yount This sequence also has the most inventive transitions but I also like the hand made look in contrast with very sleek vector art. There is also a text sequence towards the end which I think works very effectively. Kinetic type is something that I would like to work with within my animation and also using hand made textures.

The Casino Royale titles where created by Daniel Kleinman
This shows how much things have to be going on at once to keep it entertaining again the soundtrack works well with the animation and has timed movements something which helps the music tie in with the animation.

RESEARCH INTO DOCUMENTARY TITLES

Having mostly looked at film titles which have to perform a slightly different role to documentary titles I decided to analyze a few.

"How To Live Forever" - title sequence from Pastilla Studio on Vimeo.

Make Me White - BBC Title Sequence from Chris Randall/Second Home Studio on Vimeo.

http://www.hellocharlie.co.uk/broadcast/#/client-1116

I have sent Hello Charlie an email but I have yet to receive a reply. Here is the email I sent them

To whom it may concern


I am currently a second year student studying Illustration at The Arts University College at Bournemouth. The unit I am presently working on involves me creating a title sequence for a BBC documentary.
I have come across your work for the documentary series Decade of Discovery whilst researching and I would be grateful if you could answer a few of my questions:

· Did you have access to the finished documentary?



· Were there any requirements of the title sequence?



· Were you given an outline / storyboard to work to or did you have free reign?



· Was the music used supplied to you before hand?



· How long were you given to complete it?


Kind Regards
Vicky Yates

STORYBOARDS, REAPER WORKSHOP AND TONY CHANCE TALK

I went to a talk held by Tony Chance the story board artist. I learnt quite a lot about the film industry, he made some interesting points.
- its all about focussing your vision - its all about planning.
-The framing of shots gives you as much information as what is in it.

Here is my initial story board its quite rough but tells me how compositions will look before they go into after effects this helps me to work out how big the areas need to be and what will move a what will stay still.
We also had a Reaper workshop with Ed Dowie of the paper cinema. It was a very interesting day learning how you can make sound from literally anything like a oven shelf. We produced the sound to a clip from davids trial animation, here is is :

I didn't realize how affective making your own sound would be, if I have time this is definitely something I will try to do with my animation.

CRIT

This is the video I had for the crit, it is still a work in progress a product of me playing with after effects. Here it is :

Test for Title Sequence from Vicky Yates on Vimeo.

This video is showing the solar system, that I created in Illustrator and then imported into photoshop.

Solar System Trial from Vicky Yates on Vimeo.

This a test sequence for the transition between the solar system and the sea, i think the fade works well but all the different elements are on the screen for too long and the movements are too slow.

This is the stop motion that I made in Photoshop to create the birds flying over the sea. I created the basic vector shapes in illustrator then imported them into photoshop where I layered up the ink textures. I gave this video a red back ground so that i could use the keying feature in after effects to blank out the background.

Here is some of the feedback I received during the crit:

Positive aspect-

-Watching the documentary
-Research and subject knowlege
-Research into film and general animation
-Birds are effective
-Transitions in the story board
-Creative transitions
-Having a direct context
-Consideration of the length on context
-Clear planning
-Good textures

Areas for improvement and further consideration-

-Content/Visuals for animation
-Refer to learning agreement
-Be confident
-Think about setting a time limit for animation
-Soundtrack/ Making you own music
-Add more layer create depth
-Consider the audience
-Colour palette
-More layers in the compositions.

After having my crit I have realized that I need to have a lot more things going on in my animation to make it entertaining, there cant be any points in the animation where there is an object not moving. Any movements need to be quick and be there for a reason.

PICK ME UP

I was lucky enough to get around to the pick me up exhibition in London, it is a contemporary graphic arts fair showcasing 24 up and coming designers as well as some of the best collectives and galleries in the UK.

ESSAY SUBMISSION RELATED RESEARCH

I did my essay on Can Animated Documentaries Accurately Represent Reality? you can read this by clicking on the link. I had to do a lot of research for this essay some of which can be relevant in this unit. I still have to think about portraying the truth in a non fiction genre.

Here are some animations that I have looked at - It is interested to note the differences between non fiction and fiction based animation.

NY Times - Turbine-Free Wind Power from Antfood on Vimeo.

Bread Factory from impactist on Vimeo.

Coalition Of The Willing from coalitionfilm on Vimeo.

BBC Knowledge from Sean Pecknold on Vimeo.

BBC Knowledge - Honk If You're Human from Sean Pecknold on Vimeo.

EASTER WORKING ON THE ANIMATION

Here is a more refined story board as my old one was lacking in a few details, this is likely to change as I start to work in after effects as I don't think somethings will work aesthetically.
Over Easter I have also worked on the drawings I will need for my animation:

This is a gif I have created to show how I would possibly make the mountain appear, this will make it more visually interesting rather than having a drawing rising up.

PROBLEMS

Title trial from Vicky Yates on Vimeo.

volcano trial from Vicky Yates on Vimeo.

FINAL ANIMATION

Convergence Divergence Final Animation from Vicky Yates on Vimeo.

Write about how i chose the music

More Inspiration

The Thomas Beale Cipher from Andrew S Allen on Vimeo.

http://www.thomasbealecipher.com/

World Of Motion from Colin Hesterly on Vimeo.

MAKE IT BETTER from Clim on Vimeo.

apoptosis from takcom™ on Vimeo.

All the Tears - Gojira from Zumbakamera on Vimeo.

Inspirational animations

A Record Of Life from Owen Gatley and Luke Jinks on Vimeo.

FLAIRS - BETTER THAN PRINCE from 3rd Side Records on Vimeo.

The Japanese Popstars Feat. Green Velvet - Let Go from David Wilson Creative on Vimeo.

Moray McLaren - We Got Time from David Wilson Creative on Vimeo.

Mykonos from Sean Pecknold on Vimeo.

BBC Knowledge - Honk If You're Human from Sean Pecknold on Vimeo.

BBC Knowledge from Sean Pecknold on Vimeo.

Coalition Of The Willing from coalitionfilm on Vimeo.

Northeastern Promo "Peacefield" from impactist on Vimeo.

Bread Factory from impactist on Vimeo.

NCC Showreel from neasden control centre on Vimeo.

NY Times - Turbine-Free Wind Power from Antfood on Vimeo.