Hearing Juliana talk about her final film, ‘Sketches’ (puppet stopmotion) is very inspiring and I’ve really enjoyed assisting her. Juliana was inspired by times spent on train and tube journeys observing and drawing people. I also have to travel a long way in on the train and I like to watch people and overhear interesting conversations. She has also been very kind, answering lots of questions about second year.
She is collaborating with a sound artist to create the background music and a costume designer for the clothes. I love that she is working with other people, which is something that I am looking forward to doing.
I have learnt lots of new techniques and tips:
- Using a colonoscopy bag to create the puppet skin (gives a natural looking effect)
- Using electrical wire plugs to make joints on a wire puppet
- Having a 12 principles checklist for each shot
- Be organised, have your files well labelled
Live Action Video Reference – Drawing
Live Action Video Reference – Bored/looking on phone
Adding frames into the Animatic
This was a very interesting task as I had to draw in Juliana’s style to make sure the animatic didn’t change too much! I felt more confident to help with the TVPaint animatic; I’m still learning, but I used Vanessa’s advice from life drawing. This task gave me an insight into what an animatic is. It seems a bit like a moving storyboard. However, I think the phone needs to be added in (I didn’t realise there was a phone, I thought it was the hand.)
Music
Juliana asked for my advice on two music files she had been sent by the composer. The music is meant to be played quietly in the background to add to the idea of a waiting room and sense of mischief! I really enjoyed this task and I realised just how important sound is in animation.
Here are some of my thoughts.
Paint Colours
I really enjoy research so I jumped into this task. Juliana wanted me to look up beige, cream and pale blues. Juliana’s animation is set in a waiting room, she wants it to have a warm mood and for the characters to look calm.
Juliana found a pale blue piece of wallpaper to use. That is one of the things I love about stop motion and small sets; you can use anything.
Screenshots of some of the paint colours.
I would like to help with some of the physical making, but Juliana is making her animation at home (so it makes it harder to understand the sizing of the puppets and set.) I am planning to visit Juliana after Easter to see her set which will be very exciting. I hope I can continue to help Juliana next term.