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.