Work on VFX for Viola Films webisodes 'Mechanical Me''

A fair while ago, must've been good three weeks ago, I was taken by Viola Films producers and asked to help out with some visual effects for their three web episodes "Mechanical Me" . Essentially my task was to develop aftereffects layouts, which later could be applied to many various shots.

This video quickly shows some effects I have developed and applied to shots :

Given the time restriction (1 week for one 10 min. episode) and general scale of the project, the effects, also other aspects such as props, costumes etc. had quality restrains to them. However, I was glad to explore some new fields to me, such as working with green screen. I have delivered something both producers, Sam Supple and Debra McGee, were happy with. Some other work included designing logos , etc.:

 

 

Wrap up and Result of D Commission

3 weeks ago I have been asked by Iceage Musics Limited company to create ident animation.  It was a kind of one-man-band type of commitment s o I was responsible to coming up with the presentation idea after they gave me guidelines what they want to see in it ( re characters and environment) , designing, producing, animating and making a soundtrack.

The time was also quite short, only 4 days for everything. So it was least 14 hours a day.. But was worth it! :]

 The project was enjoyable and the pay  too . I totally enjoyed being the director designer and animator of a professional assignment and I could totally see myself doing something similar in the future :]

"D" Comission : Set design and shot Set-ups

During the second day of the production for 'D' Event's Ident I've worked out set design and staging.

 

  

  

and today, started animating some of the characters, here is a snipet of clown scene:

In theory tomorrow should be the last day and by the end of it I should have a rendered and edited roughly 10 second long sequence . Hope that will happen :]

Work Placement @ Picasso Pictures: Permitted Publication

Finally James Boty, a director at Picasso Pictures gave the permission to publish project  work I did during those two weeks back in May. Looking back at it, it was an exciting experience, an eye-opener too. I was lucky and happy to have had the chance to meet all the freelancing animators, directors and studio’s producers who truly convinced  and inspired to finish my own creative projects ( Ivan the Bird).

As for this document, it showcases the  pipeline I took for  producing 5 critters. Drawings were done by designer called DJ. I was translating them to 3D models and designing their textures.  The nuance of it was the complexity and details had to be suggested using only the color pass and there the director comes asking to make them transparent-like and so on.

We had to write a diary on our work experience, which can be found here .

 So there it is:

Work Placement @ Picasso Pictures by JJ Jolanta Jasiulionyte

Work Placement Evaluation: An Employers Word

Today I've received and can present evaluation of work placement from employers point of view.
Creative Director, James Boty and studio's producer Inga Johnson , sent their evaluation of my performance during the two weeks time:

"Whilst on a two-week work placement at Picasso Pictures in London during May of 2011, Jolanta worked diligently as part of a team developing 3d characters for use in animation. She showed great enthusiasm and skill in modelling 3d characters and creative flair in creating her own designs for character textures. Jolanta was very well organised and communicates well with her colleagues. She was also very accurate in her estimations of the time required to do particular models and reliably kept to her schedule. I would not hesitate to recommend her."

James Boty

Creative Director

Picasso Pictures

02074379888

"Jolanta was a pleasant and friendly addition to the production team during her two-week work placement at Picasso Pictures. She was able to integrate seamlessly into the company environment by helping out with the day-to-day running of the production office. Jolanta is a very approachable individual who is not afraid to offer assistance but also keen to learn more to develop her skills. She had a very methodical and focussed approach to the CGI work she was given and believe she will go a long way to reaching her career goals. We would be happy to welcome Jolanta back to Picasso for another placement if the opportunity arose."

Inga Johnson

Senior Producer

Picasso Pictures

0207 4379888

I'm happy to have received it but more importantly, to have had this opportunity.

Evaluation: Work placement @ Picasso Pictures

Sadly I can't apload any visual material for half a year. So only after that time I'll publish a large post of  entire production.

In the mean time these are  main points I’m taking away from the past two weeks:

Perhaps most memorable were times where conversation with industry’s professional felt really easy, just  simple sharing of experience, jokes  ect. Happy moments.

I took note on the advantages/disadvantages of working at a small company too . The environment feels very  informal. You get to know staff as close  friends . It also means there will be more of variety in assignments. Directors and producers expect you to be knowledgeable in many fields, therefore supposedly it promises less of a routine. ( for example one day a post-prod guy  was even doing a voice over for a commercial himself ).

From  health POV  clearly  it is necessary to do some sports. Everyone in the studio was doing either yoga, or going to gym, or swimming ect.  Buy the way, shockingly to me, almost everyone in the building looked awful lot younger their real age. I’ve mised  ages by an interval of 6-7 years! A friend suggested one day later I chose a good industry to help stay young  :D

I learned that a workday in a studio depends highly on which side of the fence you’re at. For example, a day of painting was a totally different experience to a day of laying out UV’s. I see now that it is very important to choose your work field wisely and from day one try and earn your stripes in it, so that with confidence you could step into it and no day would be a drag or bring exhaustion filled with doubts of your career choice.

Funny, but this is also what’s left vivid in my head. One day I was doubtful about the entire game in this field,  and we started discussing that. One of the colleagues brought a funny point. He said that at least we don’t get uniform or a suit, we get to be with our own closes. That somehow and weirdly tied up a lot for me. 

I'm gald I had these two weeks, thanks to Phil and Alan :]

 

8th Day in Picasso Pictures

After speaking today with James Boty, I’ve got few of the creatures done and ready, two almost there and one more to “bring to life”. I should finish the project before I leave Friday , so in a way, there  I have a deadline .

During lunch brake I went for a walk in Soho and accidentally passed framework studio’s ( They did the spectacular illustration of The Tale of The Three Brothers, for Harry Potter Deathly Hallows )
. There were runners and rotoscoping artists just sitting on the stairs during their brake, so I asked them  about framestore and in general talked a bit. Apparently the studio  has two buildings, one working in films, one in commercials. The career steps for new recruits sounded very close to double negative’s  usual employment rutine , where you start from runner, then go to rotoscoping, do tutorials ect. Most importantly, the studio has recently launched a  massive employment and are looking for runners and employees in many other fields .

Lastly I was given an advice to make sure and get reference letters from Picassopictures, from people who I worked with mostly, that is Inga Johnson, producer, and James Boty.(I’ll ask Inga’s if she could do the same for Ruben).

And there are two more days to go…

7th day in Work Placement

 Today I’ve continued on texturing creatures.  Few sets of texturing are now waiting for director’s approval.  

Also, recently I’ve made one of the best art book buys , James Gurney’s Color and Light.  Initially the book aims to inform realist painters, but topics covered are universal: he explores lighting techniques, colour theories, visual perception and the science behind  all with resourceful illustrations. 

 I’ve  read it while on underground trains and little bits of knowledge and techniques didn’t long to find their place in practice.  I’m having it in front of me to reference theories of color wheel use, while  creating color palettes for creatures . The end results surprise myself. When looking back at designs I don’t think I would’ve come up with such solutions.

Week 2 in Picassopictures

I was fortunate enough to start my work placement at a time when one of the directors, James Boty,  brought a new project for production. He came with designs of 5 creatures and briefed me the idea of a game where these characters fit. Last week I’ve finished interpreting designs into 3d models and preparing for texturing.  

That stage of production, though asked a degree of creativity in problem solving, wasn’t particularly creative.  However to the end of the week director asked me to try and figure out creature texturing and gave freedom for my own interpretations.

To make sure nobody’s time is wasted I did initial texturing and showed it to James. 4 out of five got two thumbs up do develope further,  with notes taken down for changes to the last one.

Also director informed today that  these characters won’t have ‘fancy’ shaders ( no special settings for shaders or specular/ bump maps ect.) because of limitations in the game.It means all the complexity has to come from colour map . So today I also worked on one of the creatures detailed texturing aiming to find the balance between level of detail and cartoonyness.  All seemed to work nice and I have a clear standart to work to for for all characters.

to conclude, day ran  even faster than before, I've lost track of  time and found myself really engaged with painting. Also each day contributes to a larger, overarking view of this entire experience and soon enough I'll be evaluating my work placement.

End of First Week in Work Placement

It was a nice Friday in Picasso studio. I’ve moved into painting textures. James Boty provided me with reference imgaes and asked to create initial textures for each character, so we could move from there.  

Here is the reference sheet

 

some of the images are from finkbom's book of their characters. This have me an indication of the style to head for. 

With these images and a short line from director via email: “I would like them to have fairly bright colours and insect like material qualities...quite cartoony...” , I tried to come up with something.  Again, all examples will be shown in unit’s presentation as for half a year no true material can be published.

Texturing asked for quite intricate patterns and , as time is always a limitation, I quickly came up with some ideas. I remembered Bob showing me how Alchemy works. I’ve never used it myself, however thought this is perhaps the best, speediest approach for creating complex creature patterns. I quickly downloaded, installed and after a bit of acquainting I’ve painted patterns , few of them you can see here: (thanks Bob! )

I managed to develop texturing for two creatures. I've sent images to director, and fingers crossed any is going the right way ...

Time went quickly and the week is over . Looking forward to week two! :]

Day Four at Picasso’s

First week is reaching its end and I’ve finished modeling and UV layout for 5 creature-characters.

With directors approval I’m moving into initial texturing.  So far it has bean a unit-deadline type of work regime, quite intense. So that’s all about work progress.

Apart from that today it was me and a freelance compositor, Shelley Renville, working together with some producers or boss of the company coming to us for one or another matter. In an environment not too crowded with people or hectically busy there was a true opportunity for me to talk to all of them and ask a bunch of questions.

Perhaps the most memorable was the “chat” with Inga Johnson, the producer, and Shelley. They shared stories about their creative career and in general university, it’s importance, also, what it means to be creative in commercial industry. It was just an open and honest chat.  I  feel less confusion. This was the true gold of the day.  

Also, as I’m partly a runner, I’ve got to do the shopping, some good old cleaning, take care of recycling and post deliveries  all for company’s good.

Third day at Picassopictures

 This day had its new flavour in that nothing elementary is a mystery any more (how to get to the building, which directory to use, who to report to or ask for work, where to have lunch ect.) . Oppositely, I started my day knowing where is my place and what I’m supposed to work on.

Today I’ve modelled another creature and prepared 3 others for texturing. Director also trusted me to  texture them . He’ll provide reference sheets for materials, a direction he wants me to follow and asked for my own input and interpretation on it as well. That was some good news for me. I’ll be using an epic size pen tablets, so it seems I will be able to actually put some kinetic energy to the paintings: D

He also told more about the game these creatures will be in. Basically a player will fight every creature in each level.

Other news include that two main workers at Picasso are leaving for a short time. They have one  worker to replace them, however Inga warned the studio might throw anything to us, practicioners,  so we best be prepared.

Also today I met a freelance illustrator, Shelley Revill,  who not so long ago won The Puffin Digital Prize. She  shared her “tips and tricks” how to get involved in freelancing  projects. It seems that members of the studio in general agree that freelance experience in general is a good thing and a “should do”. The downside is the uncertainty of scedule, whether there will be a job . There are ups and there are downs, a stressful game.

But to get back to Shelley, here's some of her illustrations: 

For more go to  wriggleplum 

Picassopictures: Day Two

 And I’m already knee deep into work assignments.   I continued on working for James Botey, finkbom (what is finkmbom??) director. I’m modeling aliens and creatures for game. So it has to be low poly, as efficient as it can  however not using triangular faces as they’ll use it in other programs.  With three creatures finished in two days  and two waiting to be done, I’ve got the feedback to so far be spot on with directors intensions. After seeing them he asked to prepare models for texturing (layout UVs).

I also come very handy when coffee needs  to be bought or packages taken  to the post. :D Which is great to me – I don’t mind having a walk outside to break off computer screen.

A particularly interesting point today  was a chat with Steve May, director of Rabits. I gave him my booklet yesterday. I’ve got some good notes from him on Ivan’s design as well as the environments featured in animation. It was a surprise for me to get the compliment. Well happy I was :D

Also I passed Phil’s regards to the producer, Inga Johnson, she in turn shared she  thinks that us students are in very caring hands and Phil is definitely what a student of our field really needs.

The end of day two :]

To continue on exploring the studio, this time I present another director, Julia Pott:

„When Julia was younger she wanted to be a balloon“

Now she is a freelance illustrator and animator, currently completing an MA in Animation at the RCA, she is also part of the animation collective Treat Studios, and is signed as an animation director to Picasso Pictures.

Toyota Auto Biography from Julia Pott on Vimeo.

Her work tends to explore the motivations behind human relationships, representing characters as mildly ridiculous anthropomorthic animals.

For more see her profile on vimeo. 

Work experience: Picassopictures, day one

 First day in Picassopictures was not without adventures.

Much Like Ruben I also got the chance to meet some outstanding directors and producers of Picassopictures. Steve May,  and James Botey of finkbom, (producer of Zombigotchi),  were two directors  I've got to talk to most, and then work on their projects.

Here is James Botey'sproduced Zombigotchi, some of you will recall it from  Inga Johnson's visit.

Zombigotchi! from Mikey Please on Vimeo.

Here is Steve May's one  phantasmagorical creepfest featuring scary rabbits, ghouls, flying saucers on strings & a cheeky nod to Ed Wood . Animation is winner of The Association of Illustrators Gold New Media award 2010

Rabbits from Steve May on Vimeo.



I had a busy time  interpreting James Botey's chracter designs into 3d models. It was a dialogue with director trying to get his vision - he would come and see the progress and ask for changes. I have to admit, at the beginning I hesitated if I'll do any good, the confidence was long gone, as models had to suit the professional eye now. But my luck was that the project is not reaching its deadline soon  and there was  time.

Also both producers and directors asked not to publish any of the work done for half year. But it all can be shown in unit's presentation at university. 

To my joy I came to discover I'm not the only one doing work placement. There was another guy, Paul, who  also started his practise today. Only differently, he is reporting to only one of the directors, James Botey, whereas I can be approached by any of them, as well as any of the three producers. It was nice to find that I'm not alone there and, like in today's case,  when having problems with maya ect., can ask for help ( those around , directors as well as produser asistants, didn't know maya) .

to mention other things, after few hours of my work I randomly saw John Hannah, an actor for Jon Carnahan's, the anoying brother's character in The Mummy (Stephen Sommers, 1999)  pasing by  the window  in front of me. Also, from  today London is having tube strike started  and  people trafic in some of the lines is just insane, I feel being from the tyniest of villages,  I've never saw so many people per such smal space units...  :D

I was really waiting for the start of this experience as I want to put all of what I have been doing for past two years to the  test. Get the answers wheater this is what I'd imagine it to be and so on.
 
All in all I didn't feel nervous at all just overwhelmed by first day's experiences  :]

 

New Part Time Job

I guess it had to happen one day, I mean saying good by to those cleaning and grape packing jobs. Well,  at least for a while.. :D

This summer I did one simple work for a guy ( The dorje turnaround I wrote before) and he was so pleased with what he got, He spread the word and in the middle of summer I got a call from a sculptor from Rochester asking if I could do some work for her as well.

It turned out she needs an ongoing ..sort of partner or.. just someone who could constantly work with the development of her ideas and its 3d representation . So this is what I'm doing now instead of cleaning - working something more related to the study field.

These are basic representations of the variety of ideas,  some examples of what sort of work I've done so far;

But one thing  really came as a huge surprise to me. Even though I'm not fully prepared or skilled enough for this sort of job (and I did tell that in advance to the sculptor) it was the connection what got me the job.

Of course these past two month was and still acts as a trial period but so far I'm only picking experience and already learned a lot. And I guess we'll see what happens next ..

Dorje Turnaround

This is the turnaround of Dorje - an object that has a symbolic meaning in Tibetian religion.

As I mentioned previously, this was my first commision. A simple little project, but hey, it's money... :D A good practice as well.

Picking Little Experiences - first "true" Commision

A week ago I got lucky and was asked to prepare a little project - a turnaround of an object.

The turnaround is for a an MA final project presentation . Not a tricky task, I thought at first. And perhaps it isn't at all. But it turned to be a little chalange only just because I thought it's gonna be easy-peasy :D But problems as allways occured from unexpected places.
This object is Dorje. Dorje means "Diamond" and it is a tibetian ritual object . It symbolizes method and activeness and is a representation of male aspects.
This is how it actually looks like:

It supposedly is made out of brass or copper and looks old as well as isn't ideally simetrical. Also there are plenty variations in the level of detail. But in my case the task is to capture the esence - idea, proportions, material etc.

The first attemps were ... good examples of developmental stage :D Not to satisfactory.. at all..


But today I spent around 4-5 hours concentrating only on texturing and lighting . Also thanks to Alan's advice I got rid of the little problem , black dots on the model.
Ater palying around with settings it all started falling to place. Also the lighting here, I found, is hugely important. I think if it looks even a tyniest bit as a metal object, 30 procent of that is because of the suitable lighting, light colours and intensities. So this is what I have so far :


To me .. it feels like a cold and heavy metal... At least it doesn't look like plastic , like befor...

And here are some wireframes as asked :)

A simple little project indeed, but very good for keeping fresh and developing the set of skills we gained this year. I even have a tight dedline :D (this Wednesday)
I'll post the turnaround video when it's rendered and done.