Monkey Animation in Krishna

One of those very few shots that I have animated in the 'Little Krishna' series developed at BIG animations. Nice to note that it was part of the 'making of' videos available online.

I came across this interesting animation clip posted by one of my favorite animators Richard Lico. It was so brutally comical, that I laughed my heart out. Apart from being technically brilliant, it was so very tastefully created.

Here is the link -----> Mouse tale

Can wait to see the completed project, but I am not sure if it has not already been completed.

Animation Cake

Shawn Kelly, Animator at ILM and co-founder of the online animation school 'Animation Mentor.com' has given this recipe for the "Animation Cake" in his newsletter. Its quite funny to read but at the same time very useful. Here it goes-

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ANIMATION CAKE:

1 gallon of rough thumbnail ideas
2 quarts of video reference (created and/or found)
1 quart of thumbnails derived from the reference

*Note to chef: Be sure to include timing notes! Exaggerate thumbnail timing and posing to personal preference

Mix contents thoroughly and pour into a pan
2 tablespoons of saving key poses based on your thumbnails
1 heaping cup of breakdown poses, again based on your thumbnail poses and timing notes
Season breakdowns with anticipation, weight shifts, eye animation, and rough arcs
Mix with original contents and stir until terrible computer-created in-betweens are completely dissolved
Add contents to baking pan, and place in oven until ready

If possible, allow animation to cool before decorating, to have a fresh eye

Once cooled, polish Animation Cake with Arcs Frosting, Overshoot Sprinkles, and top off with Secondary Animation Candles!

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Sweet!!....... isn't it ?!

For further reading, go here --> 'Recipe for Success: Baking Your Animation Cake'

BIG's Little Krishna

BIG animation studios has finally completed their flagship project 'Little Krishna,' and it's ready for broadcast(telecast/webcast/podcast and so on). The 13-episode Action, Adventure, animated series will be a milestone in Indian animation.
Read the synopsis here and watch the trailer.

I consider myself lucky to have worked on some of the episodes of 'Little Krishna'. It was great to have worked with some of the most talented artists and animators in the country. I am sure this project will be a blow-away success.

Weighty stuff

Found an absolutely cool tutorial on weight shifts in animation. I have been longing to get some material on this subject. This fantastic article is supported with some awesome video references.

One of the Videos

Weight_Legs_Front from DJ Nicke on Vimeo.

Here is the link to the tutorial

http://animationsalvation.com/free_tips/dancinghip-hop/135

Really Cool !

Panda – Pure Awesomeness!

There is no price for awesomeness! That’s what the Panda replies to his awe struck admirers……in his dream . The awesome 2d animated dream sequence at the beginning of the 3d animation movie Kung Fu Panda is in my opinion the best opening for any animation movie I have ever watched. In fact, the movie also had a great opening at the box office!

The starting sequence was a hint of what was to follow. It was hilarious to the hilt. The dialogues, the acting, fight sequences were simply superb. Apart from the voices of Jack Black(Panda), Dustin Hoffman(Shifu) and Ian McShane (Snow Leopard), others didn’t appeal much to me. I have no clue as to what Jackie Chan had to do in this movie. I thought the animators need better recognition than those who lent their voice. The animation of Grand Master Oogway was a certain highlight. The fierce antagonist Tai Lung, the snow leopard, was fantastically portrayed and is now in my list of best animated villains! At last, DreamWorks animation studio has got the pulse of movies that would work for a larger audience. Kung Fu Panda is awesome and attractive; easily the best animation movie of the year. I am saying this after watching Wall-E.

Looking forward to more stuff from Dreamworks animation studio.

Transformers - After effects

“This is a must see if you're in the mood for a strong, loud summer movie. Fans of the Transformers and newcomers alike are going to have a lot of fun.“

This is what a review of the movie ‘Transformers’ screamed. Not that the reviews break or make my decision to watch movies. I have been wanting to see this movie ever since I saw the trailer involving the Beagle and I finally did it last week. The actual movie was so different from what I had imagined. But that had to do with my knowledge (or the lack of it) of the Transformers comics. But boy did I like it!

Every time a robot transformed, I felt something running down my spine. It was just amazing. Hats off to the animators! The action scene in the desert was fantastic. The CGI integration with the real videos was just perfect. Some fast editing helped pace the action scenes, but sometimes got me lost in it as I couldn’t find who was getting hit.

I also liked the performances of the cast crew, especially Shia LaBeouf.

On the negative side, the excitement created at the introduction of the team of autobots that come down to save earth is not maintained throughout. Not all of those autobots were fully utilized in the movie.

On the whole it was thoroughly enjoyable!

My Showcase page

Finally, I have set up a page to post my animation works ! Though it is temporary, I find it easy to use Google pages to quickly showcase works powered by YouTube

Find my works here ---> Animation works

Best Animated Villains of all time

A new thread has been posted at Cgsociety calling for the members’ choice for the best animated villain character of all time. I have tried to list some of the characters that flash my mind.

My ultimate choice would definitely be Davy Jones-the captain of the Flying Dutchman, in the movie ‘Pirates of Caribbean’. Perfection has never been so perfect. ILM has pushed all limits of reality in CG. DJ’s screen presence is absolutely terrifying. Hats off to Bill Nighy, who has done the acting for this character.

My next choice would be General Grievous from the movie Star Wars. Although I have seen the movie only once, for some reasons, he is fixed in my mind.

The Flame shaped hair-do villain ‘Syndrome’ from the movie ‘The Incredibles’ is also a well made character with villainous personality. Can Pixar go wrong !

I would also mention Marcus Carvinus from the movie Underworld Evolution just for the excellent CG work. This Luma pictures created model (thanks to Zbrush) has been made with amazing details. Technology has played a great role in the making of some of the stunning characters of 2006.

Nothing engages my mind as much as 3d animation. But still, it wouldn’t be complete if I don’t mention the villains in the 2d animation movies too.

‘Scar’ from the movie Lion King is one of the best. His sinister looks and sick attitude makes him one of the all time favorites.

Next is a little weird. He is the most entertaining villain of all time and the most harmless (!!!!) too. Meet Mr. Tom.