Week 1: Early Pre-Production

 This week for Advance Production, we got the ball rolling in the pre-production phase. We used our time to develop our storyboard, identify potential rigs to fit the aesthetic and theme, brainstormed audio, and tested some of the monster rigs. 

To start, we were able to confirm the functionality of the Deadpool rig in Maya and in Unreal, to an extent. The next step for testing the rig would be to create a short animation for the Spline test in Unreal, which will be addressed within the next two weeks.

Deadpool on Agora

For the Spider Silk rig, I was able to find her on GumRoad and have been able to confirm it's functionality in the controls and that it come with a complete set of textures. Similarly, we will need to complete the same Spline test with the Spider Silk.

SpiderSilk Rig on GumRoad

For the two monster rigs of the animation, we will be outsourcing them from GumRoad as well. Both rigs, the Multalisk and Hydralisk, are rigged by the same person which will ease any learning curve between both rigs. One of our animators, Brian, had already gone ahead to test the rig and it's textures in Maya which have worked flawlessly. Following this, we will be adding this pair of rigs to also complete the Spline test in Unreal.

Multalisk Rig on GumRoad

Hydralisk Rig on GumRoad

To address a key part of our animation, I went ahead and started looking into creating a custom Can label and finding a Can FBX model. Luckily, I was able to find a great (and free) Aluminum Can model with clean geometry. After looking into some guidelines for custom labels, I was able to find some measurements to use to create the design.

Aluminum Can FBX on CG Trader

(Reference) 

Using the image above, I referenced it to create the layout of the Can design. Using Canva, I was able to create two different logo designs for the Power Boost energy drink. By creating these images, I aim to make the texture process a lot easier for the prop.

(Version 1)

(Version 2)

In preparation for upcoming weekly, we were tasked with completing a one-page treatment, storyboard, and an animatic. Thanks to Farris creating the storyboard, I was able to streamline creating the video for the animatic with some music, SFX, and timing for the shots.

Power Boost Animatic (Version 1)

Much of the SFX were tracks were thanks to the efforts of Vicky for taking time to look for audio. Additionally, we were able to get a head start on the environment design thanks to Lesly, our layout artist, for making digital concept design boards. This upcoming week, we'll be working on improving our storyboard and starting the Splice tests for our rigs.