Wave test run for 'shark shape scene'

Here is a short playblast of how I want the 'wave shapes' to move. I think these shapes work better if they move in a 'cartoon way', rather than move like a real wave.

Snapshot from the animatic

Wave_Test_Run_01 from Jennifer Ball on Vimeo.

The cloning scene - my progress so far (with sound)

I am pleased to have calculated the movement to the exact time of the music. However, I think the camera movement could be improved and I may need to make this clip a little longer to convey more emotion.

Ending Credits - Yes, that does seem very early to think about!

I am experimenting with the ending credits very early on. I didn't want to give it the least amount of attention as the rest of my short film! I think its important to keep it as visually interesting from start to finish. Doing this animation work has given me a bit of practice before I really start animating.

I did think about having the Mountain King in the ending credits like the intro, however, I don't want it look too busy. The font for my name and 'Edvard Grieg' is just a place holder for now.

To keep work at good pace, not everything I do will necessarily be in chronological order. I want to work on different tasks at once. This is outside my comfort zone but feel it is the right thing to do with the time I have left!


My progress so far with the ending credits:

Rigg fully completed and getting ready for animating! (Last checks)

I have completed the Rigg for the Mountain King. I can even switch between the four different views, using just one file! Skinning and rigging all the sides was a long and hard process but totally worth it in the end. I feel more confident working in Maya and am starting to trust my own abilities more.

Before I start animating there are a couple of things that need a fix. For example when I move the arms in the front and back view, the shoulders planes detach a bit from the top half of the body. I don't want this to spoil the illusion, so I will get help with this. I also need to clean up my 'source images' folder to get rid of everything I'm not using. Once these final fixes are done I should be able to start animating!

Front View Rigg

Back View Rigg

Left View Rigg

Right View Rigg

Four different views - controls in channel box

Left Side View - Facial Rigging Complete!

I have completed all the facial rigging for each model now. The files need a clean up and check, I want to make sure all my riggs are ready to use properly. 

With Alan's help I am hoping to put all the sides to the Mountain King in one file, this is so I can switch between the sides easily whilst animating.

The Facial Rigging Process:

Step 1 - Create and connect new mouth attributes 

Step 2 - Make drop down menu for eyes

Step 3 - Check channel box 

Step 4 - Connecting the eye expressions in the connection editor

Eyes Open

Eyes Half Open

Eyes Closed

Right Side View - Facial Rigging Complete!

I have completed the facial rigging for the right side view. However, I'm getting confused with how to parent the eyes, mouth and eyebrows to the head. I cant seem to make them move with the head?

Here is the process:

Step 1 - Create individual mouth planes

Step 2 - Connecting and making mouth controls

Step 3 - Check to see if they appear in channel box

Step 4 - Create drop down menu for eyes

Step 5 - Connect the textures in connection editor

Step 6 - Check to see if it all works in channel box

Eyes Open

Eyes Half Open

Eyes Closed

Facial Rigging - Test Run Playblast

Front_Facial_Rigging_Testing_Final from Jennifer Ball on Vimeo.