Experimentation

Initial thumbnails. The story is about a guy having an office job who keeps working but the time stands still, then he falls asleep and enters the dream world.

Storyboards

Animatic

Choosing the rigs.

Having previously experimented with all the rigs I decided that the best suited for my project would be the "StickyBones" character.

For the 3D part of my project, I choose the "Dash" rig.

Quick rig test.

Once I decided on the characters, I quickly realised that I can't have facial expressions on the Stickybones character.

To fix this I used Polymorph to make a mould of neck joint in order to be able to add another head to the puppet.

Once the plastic mould was ready I started building test heads using plasticine.

First test shot.

Secont test shot. Here I tried to add a timelapse showcasing the time being distorted and standing still.

Water simulation tests.

I was planning to have a scene which involved liquids in my story, but after experimenting with liquid physiscs in Maya I scrapped the idea as it turned out to be very time consuming and not important enough for the story.

Previz.

Here is my first previz test.

Experimenting with AI.

I have tried the CSM's picture to 3D model. Firstly I used my own clay character to generate different variations using Adobe Firefly.

Next, I moved Into CSM 3D model generator and generated a 3D model.

Next, I used Actorcore's Accurig to auto-rig the character and then I used Mixamo to apply Mocap data.

The first props for the stop-motion set.

Creating new props.

For the base of the stage I used a wooden crate which I cut in half and removed one of the side panels so I can have acces from underneath in case I have to use tie-downs for the puppet.

Next I made a desk, a chair a keyboard and a screen using wood, and worbla (a thermoplastic).

First Digital set.

Next I moved into Unreal and started preparing the set, I also imported the animation from Maya but the textures didn't show.

I fixed the texture problems by exporting the animation as an FBX file, now the textures are working.

I also started experimenting with set ideas inspired by surrealism.

Here I started painting and weathering the props.

First set with place holders.

Previz

Here is the new set with the new props.

Assembling the stage.

I made the clock using foam board cut into a circle and I glued on top of it a printed picture of a clock.

For the clock handles I used black aluminium wire.

I also made a new head for the puppet.

Here is a test shot of the windows, I used blue paper and was trying to see if I can replace with a picture or video

I wasn't happy with the result because the paper was not matte and was reflecting the light there were a lot of spills, so I decided to just print a picture and use that instead.