Character Design - Male Character

As the animation is from a cat's perspective, only the bottom half of the male character will be visible. I have taken this idea from several cartoons such as Fairly Odd Parents as it accentuates the perspective. As the character is on his way to bed in the animation, I have decided to design him wearing a dressing gown to reconfirm this idea.

Character Design - Cat

As I have previously stated, I am basing my character on my cat.

Animatic

Storyboard

Motion Research

Here are some videos where people have attached a camera to their cat enabling us to see from a cats perspective. As my animation will be shot like this, this is good reference to show how the camera will move.

Update: It is 2am and I am working on a project, the television is on and by chance a program has come on on bbc2 about cats that have had cameras attached to them so that we are able to see from the cats point of view and what they get up to, I think that it would be extremely beneficial for me to view this as it will be helpful research. Apparently it was aired last year, the details can be seen here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b02xcvhw

Research - Characters

The main character of my animation will be a cat, however, the perspective will be from the cats point of view. I have decided on this because I thought that it might make the viewing more interesting, especially at the beginning. I have also found several videos where people have attached a camera to their cat therefore I can use these as reference when producing my animation.

As I previously stated, I have decided to use my own cat as a reference as there is not a better reference than real life. Also, I already have plenty of photos of him and I can take more if certain poses are needed.
























The other character that will be in the animation is a male character. This character is not significant within the animation apart from helping the viewer to understand the perspective. As the view is from a cats perspective, the male character will only be seen from the waist down. There are many cartoons that have used this idea such as Tom and Jerry and Cow and Chicken, this adds to viewers perspective of 'being a cat'.

Research - Environments

I will have two environments within my animation, the initial environment being a kitchen scene and the second one being 'Kitty Kingdom'.

I have been researching kitchens and I am particularly drawn to the contemporary designs as I do not want to produce a standard, plain kitchen. As always I am striving to improve my skills therefore I want to push myself.

I have looked at many different examples of kitchens and have used them as inspiration and reference by combining ideas from different images as well as my own to create a concept. Here are some examples of the styles I have been looking at:

The second environment is 'Kitty Kingdom'. I think that this environment will be challenging as I have not yet created an environment that was not based on reality however, I do think that this will be enjoyable. I have searched several different phrases and am going to combine inspirational ideas to produce my perception of what a cats 'perfect world' would look like. I am also going to ask other people what their idea of kitty kingdom would be.

As I want Kitty kingdom to appear surreal. I need to also research into surrealism and surreal environments. I have several influences already such as Alice in Wonderland, The Lorax and The Cat Returns but I have research into more depth surreal and fantasy environments: 

This research has definitely contributed ideas to my idea of Kitty Kingdom. I am looking forward to creating the environment as by producing a surreal landscape I am able to create objects that I would not normally. 

Production Timetable

I have produced a schedule for the production of this project to ensure that I give each aspect enough time therefore making sure I meet my deadline.

Week 1: Ideas

Week 2: Project proposal

Week 3: Research including Motion Research

Week 4: Storyboard and Animatic

Week 5: Character Designs

Week 6: Environment Designs

Weeks 7 & 8: Modelling Environment

Week 9: Animation

Week 10: Rendering

Weeks 11 & 12: Editing

Introduction

For the second part of the Final Major Project unit, we have to produce an animation no longer than three minutes long. We do not have a brief for this animation so we are completely free to do what we want although, we should use this project to showcase our skills in our preferred areas of animation.
Because of this, I have decided to produce a short 3D animation with a high focus on the modelling and the environment as I feel that these are my strengths and I would like to progress my career towards 3D modelling.

As I have previously attempted to achieve a realistic aesthetic, therefore I want to explore a more surreal style so I am able to model objects which aren't so realistic. I am more drawn towards styles that are quirky, especially within animation such as Tim Burton. I recently watched The Lorax and I found it visually enjoyable to watch, I particularly enjoyed the idea of the fantasy world which looked soft and happy. Because of recent projects, I have developed an understanding of hyperrealism and how the audience enjoy escaping into a different world.

I have previously found that I am more motivated during a project when it is focussed on something that I am passionate about or have an interest in and people that know me know that I have a lot for cats. I find their attitude and demeanour endearing. Another favourite animated film of mine is Toy Story for many reasons but in particular the concept that your toys come alive, I decided to take this idea and add a cat twist. I imagined what a cat would do perhaps at night time when everyone goes to bed as cats always decide that it is play time and they are always tired in the day.. Maybe they have a secret kingdom they go to, which then made me think of the Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns.

I have decided to produce an animation in 3D from a cats point of view showing what a cat does at night, he travels to kitty kingdom of course!

Another reason for this is that I have a cat myself, Bartholomew, who will be a great reference to use during production. I have decided to base the main character on him.