blog #12 Nightmare before Christmas

I don't remember if I liked this movie when I was growing up. I might have been turned off by it because it had a dark twist to it and the characters seemed to always be singing. But a lot has changed since then. Since im studying art and design, I seem to pay more attention to the details and appreciate the movies entirely. When i watched this today, I was analyzing everything that I saw, because i understand the amount attention that it takes to put this together.

Because this is a stop-motion animation, there is alot of care put into the film. Since its not hand drawn, I can imagine that the site was hand made. A lot of people must have been invovled with the studio design, the character developement, and special effects. Did you notice the snow? When main character was playing in the snow it was so detailed. When they walked in it, they sank in. Little details like that made the movie realistic. The body posture and movement was good too. If they took one step, the hair would move, hip positioning would change, and it wasn't stiff.

The Nightmare before Christmas must have been challenging for Tim Burton to create. It is one thing to be moving one character with each frame. But to move multiple characters and adding extra elements like, wind and hair movement must have been a huge task. I would have to guess that there was a large team. And each person was probably responsible for each individual character in the scene. That person would have to adjust every minor detail that was demanded.

I like this movie. And I will try to see the Corpse Bride if its out. Im sure its even better with all the new technology that is currently available.

blog #11 Toy Story 2

Pixar did a wonderful job with Toy Story 2. The script was good and the gags were definately entertaining. It was the first time that i saw Toy Story 2, so I enjoyed every moment watching it. The people who created this definately did their research before taking on this task. Each toy was different and the developers had to give character and personality based on the toy's physical appearence. They really put themselves in a toy's position. I could definately visualize a Mr. Potato Head acting the way he did. The funniest gag was when they were in the car and the Mr. Potato Head got scared. The back compartment of his body popped open and all of his business fell out. I liked this movie the most out of the ones we've seen because there was never slow moment in the film. They never kept on one scene too long, the story just flowed really well. The camera angles made you feel as if you were one of the toys. It was shot at their level. The dramatic use of scale gave you a feeling of how it might be if you were that size. The creators added famous scenes from movies such as Star Wars, where buzz's enemy was actually his father. I related really well with the characters because I was familiar with their voices. This movie kicked ass.

Watching this movie was like taking trip down memory lane. I recognized toys that I had or seen when I was growing up. Like the etcher sketcher, Mr. Potato Head, The Nintendo, barrel of monkeys, toy soldiers, barbie, slinky, trolls. There were a mixture of classic toys and modern toys. Pixar had something for everyone, regardless of their age group. I might have to go buy the dvd for christmas. It would be interesting to see the next generation of toys that kids will be playing with 5 to 10 years from now. Personally I think kids in this genereation are more interested in video games. Every kid seems to own a gameboy.

blog #10 Spirit

I was impressed with DreamWork's animation of Spirit. The animators paid close attention to minor details such as the horse's movements, facial expression, and body posture. By doing that, it made the horse seem more authentic. I noticed that in this animation there was less dialogue. We could hear and listen to what Spirit was thinking but he never actually heard him verbally speaking during the movie. The animation worked out pretty well without much dialogue. Sound and movement helped the movie change from when scenario to the next. Like the scene when the General was trying to break down Spirit. I noticed that with every facial expression he made the music in the back would change and adjust. Like when he was angry the music and rythem was fast and upbeat. When he was tired and drained the music made you actually feel as if Spirit lost the battle. One thing that I liked most about this movie was the camera angles. It made the chase scenes more dramatic. When the camera is moving under the legs and then changing angles, it gives the viewer a better perspective. It just adds to the whole film. It also in a way make you feel as if you are a part of the whole ride. It gives the scenes more depth rather than a static scene that is side scrolling.

The only thing that bothers me about this animation is the cheesie moments Spirit has with the othe horses. It's already bad enough that they don't speak but there are these moments when they try to warn each other or communicate, i found myself anticipating words coming out. Because the other horses are just staring with blank looks or with confusion. Besides that, this movie was pretty impressive visually with the help of CG effects. I know we mentioned in class about the story not being as historically accurate but would children who watch this movie actually care? I think they just want to watch it to be entertained.

blog #9 Invisible Identity

Recently a friend of mine from VCU has inspired me to take a look into motion graphics. I have always been interested in this new media but never had the chance to explore it on my own. Maybe because i know how time consuming it can be or that it takes alot of conceptualizing and sometimes a big team to pull it off.

My friend introduced me to a motion graphics company called syndrome studio. They are definately talented with what they do. I spent most of my weekend going through their video portfolio and replaying them over and over until i was tired. The one that had me stuck was a video called "Invisible Identity"

The video was simple and captivating. I think it was due to the images of the homeless people and the background music. It sounds kind of like the introduction to a mystery show or something. The combination powerful. And i couldn't help but replay it over and over.

The video was made from a documentary of the homeless in los angelas, California. The crew spent eight months filming and getting to know the homeless. The purpose of this piece was to give a name to the people in the streets who are normally neglected and ignored.

This piece strikes me because it is often true. We do sometimes ignore the homeless. And when they beg for money, I know some of us are thinking," Why don't they just get a job instead of begging." And I guess it's not as easy as we think. How do you pick yourself up when you're starting from the very bottom with nothing to your name. If it was that easy, we probably wouldn't have a problem with poverty would we?

blog #8 Siggraph

Yesterday night, Siggraph had a screening at the Johnson Center theater.If no one is familiar with Siggraph, they are a community that consists of researchers, developers, artists, animators,artists and filmakers. Their main focus is on computer graphics and interactive techniques. This group has chapters around the world and they provide educational resources, grants,awards, conferences and reviews. Last night was when they had a screening of the 2005 Electronic Theater. It show cased some of the most visually appealing and innovative collections that was selected by a jury of computer graphics experts and specialists.

The event started at 7:30 and I think ended around 9:30. I arrived a little late but was kind of curious to see what the screening had to offer. When I got there the screening already began and the first short 3d animation was kind of boring. It was really artsy and conceptual so it gave me the impression that the rest of the showing was going to be like wise. But to my relief it wasn't. There was a variety of animations. It had a range of films that were humorous, sad, conceptual, informative ,and most importantly mind blowing. You get an understanding to how much time and effort is put into each project. There's alot of thought and planning that is involved as well. And the ones that get the idea or message across are truly the best ones in the show.

My favorite piece was called Self Defense. It was conceptualized by Chris Harding. And you can get an idea of how talented this guy is when you see his website. His work definately contains humor. And even though they have a innocent juvenile look, i don't think it's for kids. But on the other hand, I think this guy is really talented and i enjoy his work. His work has also won plenty of awards.

blog #7 post: PSYOP

I recently recalled a commercial the Bombay Sapphire aired a few years ago that stole my attention. It was a beautiful piece that is only a minute long that has won numerous design awards. The commercial was elegantly done and truly thought provoking. I kept asking myself," How did they do that?" This commercial is truly unique and I presume that at that time, the method in which they used was new to the industry. This is the type of commercial that makes the viewer forget what product is being advertised and just makes them think.

With its smooth and fluid like animation. I give the creators alot of respect. The commercial has chinese and japanese influence using sillouettes to create images. I loved the use of layering and scale. And the smooth guitar sound of the guitar compliments the visual effects. The beautiful piece is titled " DRIFT " and it is exactly how the animation feels. It starts of with a woman blowing peddles. The peddles drift and land in water and a koi fish swims along the stream. Its surreal because of the transition from water to sky. You can't tell wether its one or other. But it doesn't matter because its nicely done.

The creators of this commercial is a two man creative company named "PSYOP" It stands for psychological operations, which is a military wing. They specialize in commercials and carry a list of high profile clients. They've recently worked on a commercial for the infiniti limited engagement.

blog# 6: Joe Ledbetter

I've recently been pulled into the vinyl toy collecting scene. And i can say it's going to be an expensive hobby. What makes it so unique is the fact that most of these toys are produced in limited amounts. And they are blind assortment, which means you don't know what design you are getting until you open it. It's kind of like trying to find the one baseball card to complete the collection. If you want to get an idea of what im talking about go to kid robot. This site is one of my favorites. The best thing is the toys are designed by some of the most influential artists, designers, architects, and street artists in the industry.

An artist that is currently gaining fans and fame is Joe Ledbetter. He's a self taught artist from Los Angelos. He has a unique style and flavor for illustrating cute fuzzy animals acting out in disturbing adult behavior. He adds his sense of humor in every piece art he makes. Not only are his paintings cool, but the toys that has designed and painted are crazy.




He has created a short animation with the help of Scott Friedman. Who is a well known and respected designer/animator in the industry. The animation is called "Joy comes in the Morning". It has everything that makes an animation intertaining. Good concept, storyline,music, and creativity. So check it out here.

blog #5 Warner Bros Store

This post is probably not as exciting as my other posts but i had to do it. I visited the new section of Tysons Corner mall over the weekend because i was bored. I had to get out. It was boring. I've been in the house for two days and veg'd infront of the TV.

But when I went to Tysons Corner, It was so crowded. It felt like the christmas holidays. Parking was horrible and even walking was hard. I saw the new stores and the Victory Secret Store was really cool. It has like a burlesque feeling. But yeah, for the most part the new section was where all the excitement was located. And when i wondered off to the old section of the mall, i noticed that some retail stores were going under reconstruction.

Then I felt like something was missing. What ever happend to the Warner Bro's Store? I think i was in 6th grade when i first seen the store. I was visiting my parents for the summer from Pennsylvania at that time. I remembered spending hours in that store looking at the merchandise and framed illustrations. As a kid, it was one of the coolest stores i've ever been in. I remembered buying a bugs bunny dog tag and showing it to my friends when i went back to school in Pennsylvania. Telling everyone how cool it was.

I don't know the reason why the store was taken down but i just know that as a child the warner bro's store had an impact on my childhood. The store was just a brand experience but the biggest influence was their cartoons. I use to spend hours at nite drawing bugs bunny, taz, and marvin the martian. I can definately say that warner bro's cartoons and a few others influenced my decision to be a art and design fanatic.