Assignment 1 Part 2. Revision: SCG Productions of Suffragette Molly

Roles and detailed delivery items

Since the start of the production, Suffragette Molly is progressing as a reasonable pace, where all models and rigging are currently on pace. Seon has at this stage modeled up Sally Anne and Molly Campbell and is about to begin on Bradford. On the other hand I have taken these models and have finished the rigging of Sally Anne and Molly. Currently I am in the process of painting weights for Molly Campbell and as by the schedule will have this completed by week seven. Upon completion, animation blocking will begin for Molly in scenes 1 and 5, progressing to full animation and the blocking within scene 3 starting in week seven.

 

During this time Seon will continue up until week 9/10, modeling the characters starting with the second main character, Bradford, moving to the secondary characters of Dr John and the Butler. As per Sally Anne and Molly, upon completion Seon passes these characters to myself usually in person so I can continue rigging, using the standard rig created during the session break. This rig has been modified according to the character and this will continue. Allowances of about two to three weeks to finalise rig, weight painting and testing will continue as per the previous five weeks.

 

Once all character models have been completed, Seon will join me in all animation, both blocking and final animation. At this stage allowing for time, most animation should begin around week six and finish around week 13, allowing an average of around four to five weeks of animation per scene. Despite the large number of camera shots with various camera angles and styles, I believe all the animation within these camera angles can be conducted at the same time as much of the action takes place in one area. As most of the action is focusing on Molly and Bradford with various mid shots and close ups reducing animation time, allowing the majority of the time to focus on facial expressions and upper body language. As scheduled, many of the animation passes will be conducted at the same time in order to work at a faster rate.

As per the schedule, lighting test will begin from week seven and will be ongoing. However, as per the script, most scenes will be dark using the fireplace as the only light source.  As soon as animation and light test have been completed, rendering will begin and ongoing starting in week nine or ten, however, being in the style of a classic film with the colours saturated out, a high end render will unlikely be necessary, therefore saving time.

 

For external help, at this stage, reference filming for animation is planned for week six, and is to be precisely filmed according to the 3D layout pass with all voice actors (depending on availability). It is also hoped that we can work alongside the audio students, recording of voices and sound. I will organise it with Adrian the audio teacher as soon as possible.

 

In terms of music, I have organised a composer to work on the music. We had a meeting about two weeks ago. He has sent me an email with a sample, but due to time constraints, I haven’t had the chance to listen to it, but will do so by mid-week six.

 

Upon redoing the scheduling, time was a big factor, in particular to do the animation. As it is a group of two, Seon is working on the Character Modeling and I am working with the rigging, weighting and animation blocking, it may be necessary to acquire assistance with the animation. I will design a poster asking for animation assistance as I did last semester while working alone; however help may or may not be provided. If help doesn’t come, I will work twice as hard in order to get life in all the characters within Suffragette Molly. 

 

Finally, as per required the schedule will be monitored and modified regularly. If time runs out or we are running behind this schedule, changes may be required either big or small to complete the story on time and on budget.  

 

Review of resolution of changes and disagreements

Currently at week five, disagreements haven’t occurred as Seon’s work on the characters has been exceptional. I believe the main reason for this is because I have given Seon full control of the character design, providing her the freedom to develop these characters close to a style in Toby’s original designs with a taste and hint of her ideas and flavour.  This allows Seon to be part of the project making her contribution 50% allowing me to continue with set modeling and character rigging. The only changes I have made in her design were adding some edge loops into the face for greater facial expressions.

 

However, while I believe future disagreements are unlikely to happen, if any disagreements do occur, this will be looked at according to the circumstance that may arise. As stated above, I have allowed Seon to be her own boss and take full control of any component she is involved with. I will go to Sean for help and advice, but letting Seon make decisions will reduce disagreements.

 

In terms of changes, a number have occurred, mostly minor but significant none the less. These changes have been to Molly’s face and dress which she originally modeled in a princess style dress. Seon wonderfully took advice from Sean and created a dress like that of the reference material provided. 

 

The biggest change so far has been with the externals of Bradford house. Originally looking flat and lacking appeal, changes have been made to the brick and entrance adding character and a style close to 19^th century mansions.

 

Team communication

At this stage, most of the communication has been face to face on Tuesdays and Thursdays with the odd updated email to transfer any files. Currently, this seems to be working nicely as we can discuss any such problems or enquires together.

 

However, I have indicated to Seon about Trello and so far we haven’t used it to pass on any files. This may well change in the future when both are undertaking the animation and require files to be transferred or exchanged on a regular basis.

 

Technical issues

Some technical issues have arisen since week two mostly in the rigging of the face, arms and legs. Most, so far, have been resolved either by viewing YouTube tutorials or Wei’s help. The other thing that has helped enormously has been the situation where I tried and failed on a number of occasions, especially in rigging and weight painting for Sally and Molly. I have taken these errors on board and the weight painting of Molly has taken half the time and I hope these errors or mistakes will be looked at and considered with every rig or weight paint I do with every character. I consider that I have learnt more from making mistakes then any tutorial I have watched online. These tutorials are guides and I while I have taken them on board, I have rarely looked at them more than twice.

 

Final Word

Currently, even though I believe we are going well, I understand that the pace will need to be picked up when the animation begins. While I am not worried or concerned at the moment, this may change if the animation, rigs or rendering fails. However, I have allowed time for each scene to be animated with all scenes to be animated at the same time. It may mean additional help may be required and if so, my attitude will be the same as Seon. It will be their project and they can have their own style and flavor. Generally I am happy with progress; however I understand problems will occur and I believe I have allowed enough time in the schedule for such problems to occur.