Fuzzy Rampage from Tony Brain on Vimeo.

Having now completed my short film, Fuzzy Rampage, I would like to put into writing my experience with the project and what I have come to terms with as a result. Just to get it out the way earlier rather ramble though the whole synopsise, during the project I had many difficulties which have harshly affected the outcome, such as a loss in my family, 2 funerals, the theft of my belongings including my laptop with a large chunk of work which I could never recover and had to re-animate, and also less depressing but just as intrusive, visited Japan. Baring these hurdles in mind, just the fact I have a finished film leaves me pleased with myself, despite it being shorter than the brief requested, at least I have a finished film worth showing.
This was the first film i worked as a serious flash animator, now being experienced and familiar with the program, i found using it to create interesting scenes easy and found myself being adventurous with camera pans, angles and using many different techniques. My main goal was to create a film that primarily used frame by frame animation, as opposed to last year’s final film “Balloon”, which was completed animated with motion tweens, an ok way to go for my first time using flash, however not very impressive and inexperience showed. This year I managed to keep to my word, but compromised in places by crating animated loops and moving them across the screen to avoid having to redraw an action, though it proved an effective solution, it is still noticeable, but not so bad if the loop is done well and enjoyable to watch anyway.
Like last year, i had a friend, George O’dowd, who is on the artist strand make my backgrounds, which went perfectly well having good communication. He was able to draw exactly what i requested in a wonderful 90’s cartoon style which complimented the feel of the film perfectly. Unlike last year however, i also worked close with a friend from overseas in America to help produce a sound track to the film. We created an online drop box which we shared, i would put in up to date animatics which he could open at any time and created the sound track as i slowly developed the film, towards the end, only timing had to be tweaked on his end as less and less scenes needed finishing, it was a great way to work and keep myself motivated knowing someone was always waiting for the next animatic.
Now it’s all over, am i happy with my film? Not really, I’m relieved its over and pleased i have something to show for it all, it was a good outcome that shows a lot of great imaginative work, but as a whole, i could of done better. I felt discouraged at times, and lost a lot of time, but saw to it i would have a finished piece, at least one that made scene after having to drop some scenes. However on the plus side the scenes i did manage to finish i had fun playing with to get interesting effects, some of which i hope to be considered impressive.

Finished scene (finally)

Don't get me wrong, the time it took to make the scene wasn't because it was hard, but rather just life getting in the way of my time on my film. That being said, I'm now full speed on my film again and even finished the previous bunny over head scene!

The background was drawn by George O'dowd, a talented wannabe concept artist I've had the fortune of spending 6 years with on various art courses. He's proven well he can follow my spesifications to get the background i wanted.

However, I keep getting suggested to put a little butthole under the bunny's tail as it jumps overhead, do i really want to draw that? :P

Perspective test: I was trying to figure this scene in my head, and after a little trial and error with flash, i think i figured how to give the illusion of camera motion and a bystander's view point. Basicly, the background is a 3 point perspective with an arched camera pan, making it look as if someone is watching the bunny jump over head. This is a test and not properly timed out to the proper duration of the film's scene, but it shows what i need to accomplish is achievable.

Starting from this post i will be keeping a record of progress to my latest and final Student film for my 2D animation course, along with progress reports, i hope to upload some pre-production and my own personal thoughts on other Animated matters like resent films, great classic cartoons and games, but the focus will be on my own work's progress and development.

Above is the first snippet of aniamtion that will contribute to my film, it is that of my Bunny character, cute right? Without the backgrounds however you wouldnt think this thing is as big as a building! I'm happy with how the bounce came out though, i feel its weighty and you can definatly tell its a rabbit which is always a good thing when something looks like what its ment to be. This was a test to figure how the thing is going to move, but it came out nice enough to be made into a symbol using the pen tool for the outline so rescaling the line thickens to match a sceen, so it may come in handy later as a simple drop and drag sceen.

I'll try keep this thing up to date!