Continue making the props and set

I've been working on the room and furnitures for almost a week and I'm making a good progress. I'm also satisfied how the turned out the way I pictured them to be.

Evaluation on Skills:
As a perfectionist, I push myself really hard to achieve something that I want. Hence I've been working really hard on the props, hoping that they would turn out the way I imagined. The most difficult part was understanding the structure of props. I had to figure out how the shelves can hold on the wall, and how the sewing machine can actually function. But I actually found it exciting to learn and figure things out.

Evaluation on progression:
Unfortunately I'm still behind schedule, though I've been working really hard throughout the whole time. I would have to adjust my schedule later on, perhaps shortening the time on the filming and evaluating stage.

The Chalk and Stationaries

The Pin cushion and scissors

The Working Table

The sewing machine

Overall look of the room

The window and Cabinet

The Mannequin 

The sewing Machine

The Sewing Machine

Making of the Mannequin

The Sewing Machine

The sewing machine plays an important part in my animation. According to my animatic, there will be a few scenes involving the sewing machine --moving. So it is crucial for me to make a functional sewing machine. I have made some research on vintage sewing machine:

I tried to figure out how a sewing machine works mechanically. I've spent quite some time on it figuring out how it works. In the end I decided that my sewing machine would be too small to capture the exact function of a sewing machine. So I just make some of the important parts to move:

Evaluation on research:
I have done a lot of research on sewing machine. I've been looking at images, drawings and videos to figure out how it function. Though in the end I still can't find out how it actually connect from the paddle to the wheel, to the sewing machine, but I'm satisfied with my final outcome.

Paddle and wheel of my Sewing Machine

The overall look of my sewing machine

My painted sewing Machine

Final Group tutorials

It was the final group tutorial we have before spring break. I could only show them the few props I've made but that's about it. There's nothing further I can seek for their help since I've reached the prop making stage. Though my tutor has given me the final advice on using stop motion software. I'm not sure if I'm keen on purchasing any software but I might research on some later on.

Evaluation on my progress: 
I'm quite further away from schedule as making props take longer than I thought. I should procrastinate less and simply just focus on working fast and smart. There is time when I take too much time on just one prop since I was working on the details. I must learn how to loosen up a bit and understand less is more.

The Pictures and Cabinet

Another Cabinet with a drawes

Making of the Set and props

I began with deciding on the size of the rooms and flooring plan of the room and furnitures. This involved a lot of measuring and calculation which I loathe. I have placed my Tailor puppet in the middle of the room to test on the size of the props:

Testing of the size of the Set

Then I sort of just revolve the measurements around the Tailor, so that everything would look right with him. I've also started working on the smaller props, like the fabric rolls, the thread and the pictures on the cabinets. 

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

The Ribbon rolls 

The Threads

The Fabric rolls 

Plasticine and sculpture!

After making the armature, I begin to sculpt the Tailor with plasticine. It does took me quite a while since it's the first time I've made a puppet of this size. I had only made small, palm-size armatures before. 

Evaluation on Material (Plasticine):

It is not my first time working with plasticine but still I find it difficult due to the size of my puppet. Although I have worked my way out and discovering how to work with it. For example if the plasticine get harder, I can simply blow it with a hair dryer to make it soft again with the hot air. Using modeling tools for aid is also very important. Since there is always some detailed part that I can't sculpt with my fingers. 

Evaluation on my skill:

I think I have improved my sculpting skill as the Tailor came out the way I pictured and drew. I was delighted when I was complimented by my peers. Also after completing it, the Tailor is able to stand and balance, which I was satisfied about. Though I must somehow work faster as according to my action plan, I'm a bit behind schedule. 

Close up of the Tailor's face

The Tailor. 

Making of the Tailor Puppet

I've started on working on my puppets, props and sets. Making the armature is harder than I thought. As it is the base/foundation of the puppet so you have to be certain that it is stable, movable and in the right size.

The Armature of the Tailor Puppet

Evaluation of materials I've used: 

1. Wire: I did not use the aluminum wire for armature puppets as it's unaccessible for me. So I simply use regular wire from the hardware shop. It is stable especially when I've bound two pieces of wire together, but turn out it is pretty hard to move around and hold. Which is not effective as it is suppose to move around freely for animating. 

2. Styrofoam: It is indeed very light so it gives no burden to the body at all. Hence the armature is able to balance properly. It is also really easy to cut into the shape I desire. 

3. Organic planting pots: I have not thought of using this material until I found them in a pound shop. Not only it is inexpensive, it is light, easy to cut and attach. It is the perfect size for the body as well. One criticism is that it does not provide enough stability due to its light weight. 

Overall, I think the armature is successful though I did not use the traditional method and tools. It's able to move but not as smooth as I thought. But it is very light yet able to balance. 

Group tutorial

During the group tutorial today, I have presented to my group mates my animatic. I was content to know that they too find it effective. They had also given me the following suggestions/comment:

1. When the daughter glanced around the room, she would be able to see the tailor and the dress during the first rotation. Then the she quickly looked back to the spot where the tailor was standing, but he'd be gone by then.
2. To test if my animatic work, I can take pictures of the characters and the scene accordingly to the scenes and poses. Then put it together as sort of a film sequence/animatic.

My tutor had also commented on my animatic. She suggested to adjust some of the scenes. For example when the daughter opens the door, it can be from the outside instead of the inside. Also it is better to not to show her face as she picks up the stationaries.

I find it really useful to talk to my peers and tutor as they always have different yet useful insights and suggestions. I have learnt to consider other alternative scenes and develop my storyboard. As well as to test my animatic with the actual puppets and sets. Since experiment can help me understand what would work and what wouldn't work.

Storyboard~

I have started on my storyboard for a few days now, and the following are some of the factors that I have considered in order to make my film work:

1. How will the audience know that the girl is the daughter of the tailor?
2. How will we know that the Tailor is a soul/ghost from the dead?
3. Will the daughter be able to see the Tailor?
4. Will there be a wedding scene?
5. Should I reveal what the Tailor is planning to make from the beginning?
6. Will there be any dialogues?

After I've finished my storyboard, I put together an Animatic along with the chosen background music. I think the overall idea is effective and how I imagined it to be. I'm satisfied with most of the scenes. However some of the scenes might be hard to animate when I reach the animating stage. So I might have to make minor changes to the scenes due to the level of difficulty.

My Animatic: 

Building an Armature

Before when I was to made a model, I usually just go for it and make it without any planning. I wouldn't even think twice on the materials and simply just make it on a whim. After I research on the proper construction of sculptures, I understand the importance of planning and basic structure. The armature and help my puppets to animate properly.

I've also researched on different materials which might be useful for my puppets:

Styrofoam: It is dense yet it's soft and light enough to attached other features. It is suitable for the face and body of the characters and it won't be a burden to the supporting legs. 

Wire: Most tutorials suggest aluminum wire since it's high in flexibility and elasticity. It is usually used for all the body parts. But in my case I would most probably just use it for the limbs.

Aluminum/ Kitchen foil: Most tutorials would use clay to cover up the wire base. This tutorial above have suggested using foil which is cheap, easy to access and work as great as clay.

Plasticine: I would use plasticine for the whole puppet from hair to clothes. I've thought of using fabric for clothes but I'm more confident in sculpting since I'm more experienced. Also it would take less time if I just sculpture it with plasticine. 

I have a hard time listening to my own voice which is something I have to learn. I was struggling between the two different versions of tailors as they both worked for my story. The human version was more sympathetic and capture the exact emotions I wanted; while the bear version was more special and fairytale-like. I was asking around for opinions but I just became more confused.

In the end I decided to go with my gut and chose the human version. It was a surprising choice, considering what I thought of human characters. It is really important to follow my heart and make my own choice. Since it is my film so I should include more of myself instead of listening to others.

Character design

I've started on my character design for the old Tailor. In my head I've always pictured my characters to be some sort of creatures. I never thought of having humans as I thought human characters are lacking of originality and specialty. However in the end I designed both a human and animal version of the Tailor. Ironically the human version seems to work better for my story. Though I still prefer creatures over humans but I'm willing to develop both of them.
I shouldn't let what I pictured or my preference to limit the development. Since a better and surprising result may always leapt when I'm least expecting it. This process have encouraged me to be more open-minded and pushed my imagination to grow.

I've also researched on actual old Tailors and found some models who would inspire my design. I picture someone who has white hair, mustache but well dressed. 

Then I found this Tailor above, who is almost exactly the way I pictured. I really fancy his hairstyle in here, I'll probably capture it into my design. 

Background Music~

I imagine my film not to have any dialogue or narration. I would like the audience to figure out the story through the actions.  However I understand the power of sound and music of how they can instantly take a film to another level. So I want to add a soft/sad background music to help stir up the emotions. 

Recently I've watched a Korean film called The Wolf Boy. It was a pure, fairytale-like love story between a girl and a boy that had been raised by wolves. There was one scene which the girl sang and played the guitar for him. It was the first time the wolf boy has ever heard music and he was in awe. The song was pure and touching which I thought was perfect for my film. The following is the instrumental version of the song:

In today's group discussion, we presented our own ideas to each other. Then we were to give suggestions or criticisms to our peers. I thought it was a good activity, not only can I learn how to present my ideas, but the suggestions given were invaluable. We were able to help each other think outside the box and eye for details that we might have neglected. I'm a shy person who don't really enjoy discussing with "strangers". But I was able to step out of my comfort zone today and speak up which was an improvement for me.

One of my group mate has introduced me to these films which might help inspiring me. The Kiwi! film was particularly useful since the mood is exactly what I want to capture in my final work: 

In the beginning, the Kiwi was pulling the rope and nailing the roots to the cliff which people would question what the it was up to. I was inspired to apply the same thing to my film. In the beginning the tailor's work could be unspecified so the audience would question what he's tailoring. And that the wedding dress will not be revealed till the end of the film.