Introduction
This is the final week and I have started compiling and making a soundtrack for my final project. I chose premiere pro for my final editing and sound compilation.
Sound Compilation
I used the main soundtracks from Fesliyan studios. They offer royalty free soundtracks and sfx and I took their permission to use some of their soundtracks in my short film.
I thoroughly relished the whole process of finding and mixing the music. I used premiere pro for the sound compilation as it is user friendly and offer decent options for sound editing.
Final Render
After compiling the video and the audio I rendered a final video file for submission.
Critical Reflection
Character Animation
Making a 3D animated short film for kids was a super fun and satisfying experience. I learned a lot from earlier body mechanics assignments, and it really helped me make the characters look natural and believable in their actions. I decided to make the animation look cartoony to make it playful and perfect for kids. Working with a mentor was a big help – he gave me great advice that improved the animation a lot. This whole process taught me that learning and getting feedback are key in making things better. The final result turned out great, and it showed how important it is to combine what you know, your creative choices, and advice from experts when making animated stories for kids.
Choosing the Color Schemes
In my short film, I deliberately used distinct color themes to differentiate between the two coexisting worlds. For the portrayal of the real world, I opted for more natural hues and lighting, grounding the scenes in a recognizable and relatable visual palette. In contrast, the dream world took on a distinctive character through the use of monochromatic tones, mainly shades of purple. This choice aimed to infuse the dream sequences with a sense of abstraction and stylization, creating a dreamy atmosphere that resonated with the narrative’s fantastical elements. The use of these two different color palette not only served a practical purpose in distinguishing between reality and dream but also added a visual layer that contributed to the overall storytelling experience.
Lighting and Rendering
Crafting the lighting and rendering for my animation short film in Maya, employing techniques such as three-point lighting and incorporating volumetric light and shadow, proved to be both a rewarding and challenging endeavor. The strategic use of three-point lighting added depth to the scenes, enhancing the visual appeal. Introducing volumetric light and shadow further heightened the atmospheric quality of the animation, contributing to a more immersive and cinematic experience. The decision to employ Arnold renderer was driven by its capabilities in producing high-quality, realistic renders, and it lived up to expectations in delivering crisp and detailed visuals. However, navigating the complexities of the rendering process required a meticulous approach to optimize settings and ensure efficient render times. This experience underscored the importance of balancing artistic intent with technical proficiency, as well as the significance of continuous learning in mastering the tools and techniques within Maya and Arnold. Ultimately, the lighting and rendering process served as a crucial aspect in elevating the overall visual narrative of the animation, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between technical expertise and creative vision in the realm of 3D animation.
Making the Soundtrack
Creating a soundtrack by compiling free music online and incorporating Foley sound in Premiere Pro was a fulfilling and educational experience. The process required a careful selection of music pieces that not only complemented each other but also enhanced the overall mood and narrative of the project. Combining the audio elements in Premiere Pro allowed for a seamless integration of the soundtrack with the visual content. The use of Foley sound added a layer of authenticity and depth to the audio, creating a more immersive and engaging viewing experience. This hands-on approach to sound design provided valuable insights into the intricate art of audio editing, as well as a greater appreciation for the impact that sound can have on the storytelling process. Overall, this project not only allowed for creative expression but also deepened my understanding of the importance of sound in visual media production.
Final Comments
Overall the whole experience of making an independent project helped me to learn a lot. I have explored different domains of animation. After this project, I have a clear idea in my head about how I want to proceed with my career ahead.