Sunday, August 4, 2013

Production Plan – Interim for SCG Productions


The following is an outline of the entire production for SCG Productions to deliver on time the short animated film, ‘Suffragette Molly’.
 
Workflow

Currently there are two members who will be undertaking the majority of the work of SCG Productions, Craig Gullen (Director/Writer/Animator) and Seon (Modeler/Animator). However, as in Semester 1 exterior help may or will be required by other animation students and although their contribution may be small will still be gratefully accepted.  

 

When viewing the production plan, Seon my new member will be looking after all character modeling. The reason behind this decision was the possible problems and doll like appearance of the characters I modeled up/sculptured over the break. The modeling will be conducted within Maya based on the designs by Toby, designed in Semester 1.

 

Once Seon has finished modeling she will pass the model to me, where I will create a reference of both her model and rig/controllers I modeled up during the break (alongside the character models). The main reason I have decided to use the same rig I modeled during the break possibly with slight modifications is due to very tight time constraints.

 

After completing all the character modeling and rigging which I estimate will be week 8 or 9, most of our time will be allocated to the character with the greatest screen time or the most complicated then we will then work on the minor characters. Blocking and animation will be shared amongst the both of us.

 

Seon has indicated that despite her animation not being her strongest skill, she is really keen to be involved, whereas it’s my strongest area as well as prop modeling. Tasks will be allocated according to animation complexity. I will look after the two main characters, whereas the three others will be looked after by the both of us. As you can see in the shot tasks, many shots will be conducted at the same time, over a period of one to five weeks depending on it complexity.  Referencing filming with both actors will likely take place in mid to late August once Jess arrives back from London.

 

For myself, the rendering of the scenes will be conducted once a shot has been finished and will take place both at JMC (depending on computer availability) and my home computer. This will allow for an easier workflow and permit the project to be always going. To achieve correctness, playblast and basic renders (low settings) will be conducted throughout.  Any lightening and special effects (fireplace, dematerialization,) will be achieved within After Effects by both of us.

 

In concluding, at this stage tasks will be shared evenly by both team members.

 

Communication and tracking

As well as the twice a week meetings during class times, most communication will be conducted through emails and Trello as we both believe this is the best out of class form of communication.

 

Communication so far has been fairly good over the past two weeks. If conflicts ensue between the two of us, which could happen from time to time, the best way to resolve the issue is to calmly discuss the conflict be that design, creative, technical etc. During discussions of such nature, i.e. conflicts of a design nature, I feel it would be best to draw or list any problems on paper, then communication can therefore proceed. If communication continues to fail, a third party (i.e the teacher) will be brought in to resolve any problems.  

 

Tracking of tasks will be conducted through class time as well as emails and Trello. If any tasks do fall behind, reallocation of the task or changes may need to be implemented with advice from both teachers.

 

Management Strategies

As Seon came onto the film very recently, her say will be as equal as mine, even though I have allocated the role of Director to myself.  This is vital as it is much hers as it is mine, however the final say if problems occur will ultimately came down to a decision by the teachers and myself.

Additional help - Students

If a situation occurs and any additional help is required (character modeling, prop modeling, animation, composition etc), this decision will be based mostly on time, but expertise, complexity will be looked at also. Ultimately, if Seon, the teachers or myself believe any help is necessary or required, posters or emails will be required used to render any such assistance. However, such assistance will also depend on the availability or time the other student/s have, and this will be looked at on a case by case basis.

 

Additional help – technical issues

From time to time technical issues will arise and to combat this, assistance via the internet, books or teachers help will be sort after. With such problems, additional time may need to be allocated and any changes will be reflected in the production plan to indicate this.

 

If technical issues do occur depending on time, and the problem will determine how we will approach this. If the problem is small, YouTube or the internet is a solution, however like everything on the internet, it may be more harmful than it is helpful. This will be determined by the individual and also on time. If it is too complex, another solution may need to be found either online or from the teachers’ assistance.

 

Final thoughts

‘Suffragette Molly’ is a highly complex detailed story and as such needs the dedication of both of us as well as help/assistance from the teachers. If any problems occur, both I and Seon will work it out with guidance by the teachers. As time goes on, changes to the look, or story may need to take place and if this occurs, this will be handle in a way where the best for everyone will occur.

 

Generally, I am happy with progress, but I know problems will occur and changes to the production plan will need to be consistently looked at and updated so the end results will be perfect for all concern.

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