Time Based Narrative Week 2: Project Development

Research and Mood boards

After presenting my idea proposal to the Animation group five students decided to join my group and take my idea forward. I am the Director of this project paying specific attention to the visuals. For our next meeting all members of the group are to listen to the music and draw their initial response to the music, come up with rough storyboard sequences. As well as this further research into the visuals of the animation using mood boards and film research and stills.

Film Research 

Film setting and visuals: 

A proposed idea for the visuals of the animation was that the surroundings looked similar to traditional japanese paintings taking the form of paper textured background, ink blotches and water marks. This animation is a good example of what our animation might look like in terms of colour, set and scene layout and colour pallet as well as how the characters might interact with the environment.


The Silence beneath the Bark (shorter version):

http://joannalurie.com/test/WordPress3/?portfolio=le-silence-sous-lecorce

Image Research:

Setting Mood Board: 

This mood board is compiled form research images, film stills and my own conceptual drawings. From this research the group can decide on main colour pallet, the atmospheric feel of the setting, surrounding structure and style.  A lot of the images are stylised japanese paintings which is a theme I would like to draw from particularly as our animation will most probably done in 2.5D and will be able to carry that style forward effectively.  A key element found in my research is that atmosphere and depth is created by having a misty forests with decreasing contrast of the trees as they get further away. This will help strengthen a key part of the narrative as Yuki Onna/ the Snow Queen needs to be able to blend into the back ground and surprise the wondering traveller. 

Yuki Onna / Snow Queen Mood Board:

Yuki Onna is a snow spirit/ nymph but acts very much like a Syrian calling sailors to their death. to emphasis this link and empathy with snow is key in understanding and portraying this character. I would like to portray Yuki Onna as a flowing character (as she is described as leaving on foot prints) with only her head, hair and bust being the only solid features and the rest of her form fluid and changing.  

Her flowing kimono will form the rest of her and will sometimes morph into snow leaving a trail of falling snow behind her. The mood board and the film bellow (particular the female character) illustrate the proposed movement of Yuki Onna/ the Snow Queen.

Thought of You- by Ryan Woodward:

http://conteanimated.com