Animation Development.
Pitch Bible: Evaluation
Introduction
This project required us to produce a pitch bible; a booklet
of information regarding an idea to be published on a medium, this could be a
new film, television show, short film etc. This would also be presented as a
pitch, to sell the idea effectively and professionally to replicate the
conditions we would face in the future. Within this essay I will be reflecting
on the overall project and progress through it.
Initial Research and Inspiration
I attended a number of workshops with Steve about how to
create a pitch bible, what we would need to do for the project and examples of
other pitch bibles. I found these sessions very useful to guide me in the right
direction and generate ideas. Using an idea I have had for a long time (from a
young age) because over the years I have taken the time to expand my imagined
universe. However I now needed to apply the professional principles and
organise my imagination in a way it can be understood and presented. This was a
challenge because I needed to remember that no-one else knows about my idea and
that all information needs to be shared.
I have been inspired by a number of sources over the years
including film, games, TV etc. To begin illustrating ideas I searched through
old sketch books for reference and remember my ideas. Then I started to develop
these characters further; because my characters closely resembled other
characters and were cliché. I found this very important to be different otherwise
my ideas would always stand in shadow of others; reading research from other
artists I found ways to push my character designs and their personalities. This was a challenge throughout the project
because I was very conscious of what ideas have been repeated and what is currently
popular; this made me paranoid and conscious of everything I made.
Contacts
Planning the project and presentation I anticipated
challenges I would not be able to face alone. Therefore I took the opportunity
to contact professionals to assist with my project. This way my time is saved
and the best quality of work can be produced to present professionally. Firstly
I contacted my brother: Matthew Bowden who is a carpenter. Knowing this I asked
him to build a set which the characters would be embedded. Maintaining contact
throughout creating the set, measurements and materials were exchanged.
Another professional I contacted is called Michael Tharme
who I met at the Manchester Animation Festival, we were both volunteers and talked
to each other. Michael is a professional modeller who creates models and rigs
for stop motion productions. For my production this was a perfect opportunity
to create the ship I had designed. I intended to both have images of the ship
integrated into a background and bring the model to the presentation. Throughout
production I maintained contact with Michael, sending messages and images to each
other using social media. At first I sent designs and inspiration references,
and throughout Michael sent me images of his progress. This was a fantastic way
to work, recording progress and monitoring the design. I would definitely work
with Michael again for his services and professional attitude for future
productions/collaborations.
Production
During production I created: the booklet, all assets for the
booklet, the presentation, and the set. To begin I planned the necessary pages
I would need within this booklet to be both efficient and effective in
delivering my idea. After I had planned the pages I had to create the, mainly
using Photoshop to both create the pages and artwork for the pages. I used a
weathered metal design to portray the style of the show, as inspired by diesel
punk. Creating sketches of the characters, turnarounds, and action sequences for
the pages which then coloured in Photoshop.
However the medium of the show would be 3D, therefore I had
to create a shot to portray what the final product could look like. Using a
pre-made rig as a base; I manipulated it to look like one of the characters in
the show. Creating a unique helmet model as this is an important element to the
character’s identity. Posing the character in a seated and stood position in
Maya, planning what the character would appear to do in the shot.
Once Matthew completed the set, I went on to paint it with
spray paint as a base coat. Using everyday items and rubbish, I began to create
the set which the character would be embedded. I decided to use rubbish because
one of the points of the show is to promote recycling; therefore I am following
the show’s message. For colour and
composition I chose to colour these items to make them appear part of the show’s
universe; portraying everyday items as enlarged and interesting gadgets and
gizmos.
Once the set was created I booked the stop motion studio to photograph the set. Using controlled lighting within the studio I took photographs with a DSLR from the AV store. I experimented with a range of lights and intensities to offer a range choices when I imported the character.
Presentation
In preparation for the presentation I created a PowerPoint,
this would be an effective asset to use for a presentation. During a
presentation it is important to keep the audience engaged, one way to do this
is through visual stimulation; therefore I decided to use PowerPoint to both
visualise what I would be saying and support in presenting. With feedback and guidance
I have used purple visual assets within the PowerPoint as I will use this as
support to what I will be saying during the presentation.
Taking preparations further I created notes which I will use
to help me deliver the presentation. Keeping information clear and brief to
ensure the presentation is within the ten minute limit. I do not like to give
presentations as I feel nervous and anticipate problems; however I always try
to stay calm and practice will improve my presentation skills.
To create a unique experience, I decided to bring other elements
to the presentation. I decided to bring the model of the ship of the show to
the presentation for the audience to engage with the model. This would be the
ship used in the show and the audience has a unique experience during the presentation.
Conclusion
In conclusion this has been a challenging yet rewarding
project. I feel I have worked very hard to complete everything on time,
alongside other demanding projects. This project required multiple mediums and
use of software’s including Photoshop and Maya. In addition contacting professionals
was a new experience with positive results unlike previous group projects. I
feel much more comfortable working alone on a project such as this with
external contacts. I believe I have worked effectively through difficulties
with other projects as well as this one.
