Interactive Narrative - Life of a Rock Star
I've finally managed to upload my interactive narrative to Deviant Art which was strange because it wouldn't work in University so I had to borrow a friends but anyway its done now and you can all hopefully enjoy it. Whats been very annoying about it is that I have never used flash before and can barely understand any of the Html formatting which is why i'm glad this project actually turned out ok, I keep finding little problems with it however but I'm certain that its completly fine now. For instance I found that the song I have playing in the background repeats everytime the player chooses to play again, and I didn't notice when I actually handed the work in probably because of my caffine enduced state of awakness but its fixed now ready for my big presentation tommorow...
Life of a Rock Star by ~tunderball on deviantART
Monday, 15 December 2008
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Final One Shot Film
Final One Shot Film
Youtube has finally decided to let me upload my final one shot film at last which im quite relieved about. I think that its quite an interesting piece, Its inspired by the lectures we were
given on lighting and the use of colour, I have taken the idea for the film 'Punch Drunk Love' starring Adam Sandler where two distinct contracting colours have been chosen to represent
two different personalities. I chose to submit this piece of work over the one shot film I created in my group simply because of the idea behind it that creates a level of depth to the piece and it also combines a lot of what we learnt in the seminars and lectures about lighting and colour.
To use this idea I set up two lights and added a coloured filter to both and shone them on a black background, I then had two people from my group stand infront of the lights to create shadows. I am very happy with the effect, I also added a posterize effect to the film on Adobe Premiere to bring out the colours more, although I think that the execution could have been better for instance the folded curtain almost ruins the effect I am still happy with the idea. I've also added a soundtrack, Pete Doherty and Wolfman 'For Lovers' which suddenly created a great deal of emotion to the film, anyway enjoy....
Youtube has finally decided to let me upload my final one shot film at last which im quite relieved about. I think that its quite an interesting piece, Its inspired by the lectures we were
given on lighting and the use of colour, I have taken the idea for the film 'Punch Drunk Love' starring Adam Sandler where two distinct contracting colours have been chosen to represent two different personalities. I chose to submit this piece of work over the one shot film I created in my group simply because of the idea behind it that creates a level of depth to the piece and it also combines a lot of what we learnt in the seminars and lectures about lighting and colour.
To use this idea I set up two lights and added a coloured filter to both and shone them on a black background, I then had two people from my group stand infront of the lights to create shadows. I am very happy with the effect, I also added a posterize effect to the film on Adobe Premiere to bring out the colours more, although I think that the execution could have been better for instance the folded curtain almost ruins the effect I am still happy with the idea. I've also added a soundtrack, Pete Doherty and Wolfman 'For Lovers' which suddenly created a great deal of emotion to the film, anyway enjoy....
Thursday, 11 December 2008
The Perfectionist - Final Pixelation
The Perfectionist - Final Pixelation
I initially got the idea from the A-ha video for 'take on me' where the characters are interacting with animation. I opted for a much simpler approach however by having a fried pretend to draw with different types of art materials. I the divided my first attempt at pixelation up into scenes and used the actions tool to quickly create the impression that the images had been created by conventional art tools. The film would then play until the next scene where the hands would screw up the paper (giving it the name the Perfectionist).
Today is a day to rejoice because I have finally finished my massive pixelation project! This has taken forever (around 16 hours in fact) to complete but now its there I am so happy its untrue.
I initially got the idea from the A-ha video for 'take on me' where the characters are interacting with animation. I opted for a much simpler approach however by having a fried pretend to draw with different types of art materials. I the divided my first attempt at pixelation up into scenes and used the actions tool to quickly create the impression that the images had been created by conventional art tools. The film would then play until the next scene where the hands would screw up the paper (giving it the name the Perfectionist).That was the simple bit however the real struggle was overlaying all of the images and making it look authentic. To give you an idea I had to individually edit 375 images. But now that it's done I am actually so happy with it it's untrue. I've also added a monster of a soundtrack in The Cure's 'Close to Me' which gives a nice bouncy feel to the project but also overlays really well for instance at times the hands seem to be moving in time with the music, I've also timed it so that the horns come in for the dance near the end. All in all I am so happy with this project and I'm actually glad that I spent so long on it now, anyway hope you enjoy it....
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Interactive Narrative
Interactive Narrative
Basically I've created a very quick project that I am calling the 'Life of a Rock Star' where you will be able to choose what path to stardome the character will take eg Going Solo or joining a Band and making a series of choices that will affect his career. By the end your character will either end up a washed up wannabe in WOW! magazine, on a desert island or somewhere imbetween. Again I have created the images my self but without adding colour its amazing how much time I've saved. Obviously graphically It's nowhere near my first attempt but at least I'll be able to finish it and this time I does have a much thicker narractive.
This has got to be the most strange project I have ever attempted in my life! Not because I haven't enjoyed it exactly the opposite to be precise I've loved it which is why it is a shame that this was the last project because I've had no time to do it in.
To start off with I had these grand plans of producing a piece of work similar to the Gorillaz website www.gorillaz.com/flash by creating a virtual tour of my flat. The problem is however each image that I have created took so long to create that there were simply not enough hours in the day to even come close to finishing. I probably shouldn't have gone into so much detail on every image.
It basically got to the point where if I had continued to do this project I would have failed the course. Thats not to say I don't like what I've created I thinks its awesome but to be realistic to meet a deadline thats fast approaching this isn't the best project to choose.
So I had to find a alternative that isn't turning out badly at all...
Basically I've created a very quick project that I am calling the 'Life of a Rock Star' where you will be able to choose what path to stardome the character will take eg Going Solo or joining a Band and making a series of choices that will affect his career. By the end your character will either end up a washed up wannabe in WOW! magazine, on a desert island or somewhere imbetween. Again I have created the images my self but without adding colour its amazing how much time I've saved. Obviously graphically It's nowhere near my first attempt but at least I'll be able to finish it and this time I does have a much thicker narractive.
Please note that I am not dropping my first project at all because I'm enjoying creating it so much and I do intend to finish it. It's just on hold for the minuite I might possibly consider using it on a website and use one of the rooms as a theatre to view my work from but I'm only firing ideas out at the minuite. So basically its an ongoing project that sadly won't be finished for the deadline thats on hold for the minuite while I get everything else done.
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
One Shot Film - First Attempts
One Shot Film - First Attempts
Below are my first attempts at a one shot film. The first is a simple lighting experiment that I attempted using two different colour filters on two lights, two members from my group then stood infront of the lights to create a shadow effect. I am really happy with the idea and the way that the two colours clash in order to represent the two different personalities of the figures in the video however the execution of the video was difficult. The main problems we concountered were the folded curtain that created shadows that weren't neccesary, it was also difficult to keep the actors out of shot as they had to stand in front of the lights. To edit the film I am hoping to add a filter or change to colours slightly to bring out the blue and red lighting more and possibly crop out the hand that wanders into shot.
The second one shot film is a much more basic idea of a meeting for a drugs deal, what I am particulary happy with is the use of shadow and clever lighting. You only see what the camera wants you to see the over the shoulder view ensures that you never see one of the figures, while I am editting I will also cut out the intro where you can see the bodyguards face to add to the mystery of the character making him feel more imposing.
Below are my first attempts at a one shot film. The first is a simple lighting experiment that I attempted using two different colour filters on two lights, two members from my group then stood infront of the lights to create a shadow effect. I am really happy with the idea and the way that the two colours clash in order to represent the two different personalities of the figures in the video however the execution of the video was difficult. The main problems we concountered were the folded curtain that created shadows that weren't neccesary, it was also difficult to keep the actors out of shot as they had to stand in front of the lights. To edit the film I am hoping to add a filter or change to colours slightly to bring out the blue and red lighting more and possibly crop out the hand that wanders into shot.
The second one shot film is a much more basic idea of a meeting for a drugs deal, what I am particulary happy with is the use of shadow and clever lighting. You only see what the camera wants you to see the over the shoulder view ensures that you never see one of the figures, while I am editting I will also cut out the intro where you can see the bodyguards face to add to the mystery of the character making him feel more imposing.
Lighting
Lighting
This is a short experiment using lighting. Here we shone a light from one side to create a shadowed effect along one side of the face to create a serious looking interview situation. It is fair to say though that Jit's acting stole the show....
This is a short experiment using lighting. Here we shone a light from one side to create a shadowed effect along one side of the face to create a serious looking interview situation. It is fair to say though that Jit's acting stole the show....
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
What is the Rule of Thirds?
What is the Rule of Thirds? 
The rule of thirds is a technique used in visual arts to where two equally spaced vertical and horizontal lines are placed over a picture dividing the image into 9 equal parts forming a net like the one on the left.
The rule of thirds is a technique used in visual arts to where two equally spaced vertical and horizontal lines are placed over a picture dividing the image into 9 equal parts forming a net like the one on the left. The four intersections formed by the lines crossing, known as 'hotspots' can be lined up with features in a photograph or a film to create interesting compositions that will create a feeling of tension and energy and form a more interesting composition that looks more professional.
Below is a short clip explaining the Rule of Thirds....
If you notice how the Rule of Thirds has been used here by having the two characters in the image are placed directly under the two vertical lines, also the two 'hotspots' also line up with their faces.
Pixilation First Attempt
Pixilation First Attempt
This is my first attempt at a short pixilation film that I made using a lot of still images and then editing on Photoshop.
This is my first attempt at a short pixilation film that I made using a lot of still images and then editing on Photoshop.
I am happy with my first attempt however I am also working on a second attempt using a second set of images to which I have over layed the clip from my first attempt at Pixilation.
Below are a few examples...
.
Here the hands will draw each scene from the clip using different art tools for example the above is charcoal and I have used an appropriate filter to create this effect. I am very happy with the way this is looking however this is taking a long time to create as every image has to be edited individually. But I'm sure I'll get it done.
Friday, 7 November 2008
Aesthetics over Function
Why is it that we want our Belongings to do more than just Function Well?
On the left is an image of my favourite car, the Classic Mini, unfortunately I do not own this car but in my opinion it is the best designed car in the world. Why? well there are better looking and faster cars with better gadgets but there is something fantastic about it, without doubt its a classic car and yet it was made so well that it can still be used today, its an underdog, its small, its fun, it stared in the greatest car chase scene ever.
The most basic car these days on paper is a better car and would function better however these cars seem to lack the heart of the Classic Mini, it may be old and comparatively slow when compared to newer cars but it is a symbol of Britain and not to mention one of the most aesthetically pleasing cars ever.
Why are we Willing as Soon as we can Afford it, to pay extra for things with Appealing Forms?
It is a simple fact that we want the things we own to look good, whether its clothes mp3 players or computers we will pay more for an appealing object. This doesn't make it any easier to use, I would like to use the example of my bass guitar, it cost about £150 while deciding which to buy I found another costing a lot less that sounded just as good and yet I payed extra for mine simply because it looked better and had a better make...
A waste of money? probably but with major things like that, that I am going to use for a long time it is better to shell out more money because you have to live with it and use it for a long time.
Friday, 24 October 2008
The Future of Multimedia - Next Gen Games Consoles
The Future of Multimedia - Next Gen Games Consoles
In an industry estimated to be orth around $30 billion it is no surprise that each games console producer (Microsoft, Nintendo & Sony) are desperate to become the market leader. For many years a simple system has occurred the companies would release a new machine boasting improved graphics and games, it has now come to the point that graphics are almost life-like on all consoles except for one.
Nintendo's Wii console is nothing but a global phenomenon, instead of focusing on improved graphics Nintendo almost kept the same level of graphics from their previous console the Gamecube and instead gave gamers an entirely new level of interactivity by recording movement through the Wii remote. Not only has this console saved a company who always played second fiddle to Microsoft's Xbox and Sony's PlayStation 2 in the previous generation of consoles but it has also broadened the appeal of computer games. No longer exclusively made for teenagers, Nintendo has tapped into a rich vain of new gamers by appealing to a wider group of people that had previously been excluded from the market, the vast majority of girls for instance. Games such as Wii fit and Dr Kawasemas Brain Training again both projects of Nintendo both look at helping to improve a persons body or mind, again with an increased level of interactivity that you not only play but is supposed to become a part of your daily routine, other consoles just simply aren't looking at doing this. Because of this Sony's PlayStation 3 is looking shaky in the market sales while the Xbox 360 has made use of big game titles exclusively for the Xbox such as the Halo and Gears of War series to pull through this being said the Nintendo Wii is still selling at a rate of 3 to 1 on all other consoles.
The Nintendo Wii could therefore be seen as a sign of things to come, it is no longer an option to simply improve the graphics of a next gen console and an increased level of interactivity could be seen throughout all consoles in the future, graphics can only be improved to a certain point until they are entirely life-like and that stage is fast approaching. Not only that but both Microsoft and Sony make no profit from every console they sell while the Wii is sold for much cheaper and for a profit. It is therefore easy to assume that the future of gaming lies not with improved graphics but with unique ideas that place the player within the game and allows them to interact fully instead of pressing buttons while facing a TV screen. You only have to look at the success of the interactive games such as guitar hero and rock band to realise that the age of the controller is over.
Bibliography:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6960575.stm
In an industry estimated to be orth around $30 billion it is no surprise that each games console producer (Microsoft, Nintendo & Sony) are desperate to become the market leader. For many years a simple system has occurred the companies would release a new machine boasting improved graphics and games, it has now come to the point that graphics are almost life-like on all consoles except for one.
Nintendo's Wii console is nothing but a global phenomenon, instead of focusing on improved graphics Nintendo almost kept the same level of graphics from their previous console the Gamecube and instead gave gamers an entirely new level of interactivity by recording movement through the Wii remote. Not only has this console saved a company who always played second fiddle to Microsoft's Xbox and Sony's PlayStation 2 in the previous generation of consoles but it has also broadened the appeal of computer games. No longer exclusively made for teenagers, Nintendo has tapped into a rich vain of new gamers by appealing to a wider group of people that had previously been excluded from the market, the vast majority of girls for instance. Games such as Wii fit and Dr Kawasemas Brain Training again both projects of Nintendo both look at helping to improve a persons body or mind, again with an increased level of interactivity that you not only play but is supposed to become a part of your daily routine, other consoles just simply aren't looking at doing this. Because of this Sony's PlayStation 3 is looking shaky in the market sales while the Xbox 360 has made use of big game titles exclusively for the Xbox such as the Halo and Gears of War series to pull through this being said the Nintendo Wii is still selling at a rate of 3 to 1 on all other consoles.
The Nintendo Wii could therefore be seen as a sign of things to come, it is no longer an option to simply improve the graphics of a next gen console and an increased level of interactivity could be seen throughout all consoles in the future, graphics can only be improved to a certain point until they are entirely life-like and that stage is fast approaching. Not only that but both Microsoft and Sony make no profit from every console they sell while the Wii is sold for much cheaper and for a profit. It is therefore easy to assume that the future of gaming lies not with improved graphics but with unique ideas that place the player within the game and allows them to interact fully instead of pressing buttons while facing a TV screen. You only have to look at the success of the interactive games such as guitar hero and rock band to realise that the age of the controller is over.
Bibliography:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6960575.stm
Monday, 20 October 2008
Photos in the Park
Photos in the Park
As part of the pixelation task a group of 4 including me were sent off to take around 320 photos in a sequence that will eventually become around a 30 second clip. We managed to film a fight/comedy sequence that should be a good basis for my film. I now need to complete the hard part of editing every photo in photoshop which will be hard. However although I like all the photos we have taken depending on the time I would also like to try producing another set depending on the time I have available that makes better use of the pixelation process and the unique effects that can be produced.
As part of the pixelation task a group of 4 including me were sent off to take around 320 photos in a sequence that will eventually become around a 30 second clip. We managed to film a fight/comedy sequence that should be a good basis for my film. I now need to complete the hard part of editing every photo in photoshop which will be hard. However although I like all the photos we have taken depending on the time I would also like to try producing another set depending on the time I have available that makes better use of the pixelation process and the unique effects that can be produced.
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
What do I hope to get out of the Course?
What do I hope to get out of the Course?
I am most looking forward to trying out new things that I have not had the opportunity to look at before at college. Mainly game design looks interesting if I can ever get to grips with the software, but i'm going to keep an open mind throughout the course trying new things and I will hopefully find an area in which i'm interested and good at.
I am most looking forward to trying out new things that I have not had the opportunity to look at before at college. Mainly game design looks interesting if I can ever get to grips with the software, but i'm going to keep an open mind throughout the course trying new things and I will hopefully find an area in which i'm interested and good at.
What did I do in my First Week?
What did I do in my First Week?
The best thing about moving into halls was that everybody was in the same boat, I live with 9 other people and they are all great and we get on better that I could have ever imagined.
So far this week I have been out every night and it has been fantastic everybodys a great laugh and I am proud to say that I remember most of it. I still need to sort out my room properly and stick some posters up when I've got chance but for the minuite everything is fine. I've also found a great few bars in Nottingham, bar 11 is really cool and I can't wait to try the indie music in Cookie Club. It's m,y turn to cook tonight so I'm doing chicken kebabs hopefully everybody won't have food poisoning after....
The best thing about moving into halls was that everybody was in the same boat, I live with 9 other people and they are all great and we get on better that I could have ever imagined.
So far this week I have been out every night and it has been fantastic everybodys a great laugh and I am proud to say that I remember most of it. I still need to sort out my room properly and stick some posters up when I've got chance but for the minuite everything is fine. I've also found a great few bars in Nottingham, bar 11 is really cool and I can't wait to try the indie music in Cookie Club. It's m,y turn to cook tonight so I'm doing chicken kebabs hopefully everybody won't have food poisoning after....
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