Hamizah Sukiman10ADigital Technology Inquiring and AnalyzingMr.
Luke Jones17th September 19th October 2014
Design Situation
Problem: The challenge that I face is the challenge of wonder,
in which I have always personally wondered about the world around
us, the world that we live in. I, personally, have always
particularly thought of what is at the bottom of the sea, as it is
a quite undiscovered place. As I grow older, it has come to my
attention that I want to express what I think of this undiscovered
world and what it looks like to me, as a form of personal
expression of my personal ideas. As a person, I dont draw nor write
all that well, thus visuals are the best way for me to truly bring
my ideas to life.
Solution: In this semester (September January), I will create a
short animation film, incorporating both the ideas of creatures
that may lurk in the dark seas and a short storyline to go with it,
to make the film run a little more smoothly and have a little
entertainment section to it, rather than a documentary-styled
video. This video has no specific targeted audience but myself, as
this video serves as a manifestation of my own ideas and thoughts.
Although, this video will be shown to my peers and adults alike, as
I feel like this is a form of broad entertainment that should be
suitable for most age ranges, as it has a storyline (which might
interest younger age ranges like my peers) but at the same time a
different style of characters (which might interest the older age
group).
3D animations and films are often use to depict stories and the
expression of ideas, thus the chance I have when using Bryce 7.1
helps me greatly in solving my challenge. This 2-minute film will
open up the creativity of both myself and my audience in exploring
several possibilities of what could exist. This helps to expand my
wonder for what lies beneath the sea, and incorporate a short skit,
as an expression of creativity all at the same time. It will be my
way of personal expression, using visuals to bring everything I
think of, to life. Bryce 7.1 uses animation, a very effective
visual in terms of creating very detailed sceneries and landscapes
(what Bryce is quite known for), which is ideal in terms of
creating the setting of my underwater world and its creatures as
well. The image shows an example of Bryce 7.1 used in making
underwater situations; very similar to the video I will be creating
this semester. Underwater animation by Bryce 7.1Source:
http://www.sharecg.com/v/64001/favorite/5/3D-Model/World-of-Silence-for-Bryce
This film will also act partially to raise awareness of how were
not alone in this world, and we live with creatures more than just
other humans as well. The thought that the ocean and everything in
it is living, it creates a feel to the audience that our actions on
land towards the sea affects more than just ourselves and the fish
by it, but the possible beings it may affect as well. This
awareness will come in indirectly as the audience watches the film,
and it puts us into perspective. Hopefully, this awareness would
make one think twice into the effects of our actions, like
littering, on the ocean and whatever lies beneath it. This video
will be uploaded on YouTube, thus this awareness raising will be
opened to a whole larger audience worldwide.
The Research Plan, Sources & Analysis
1) Why is media, such as music and sound effects, essential in
this video?
a) Why is this important for success: This animation is a form
of entertainment, as it is a form of media (video). As all videos
do, it has to hold a certain level of appeal to keep the audience
interested. As most high school teenagers and adults have the
average attention span of 3-5 minutes (Research by OMD), it is
important that all methods that could be taken in making this video
a better video all around. Music and sound effects create a setting
for the visuals that are shown, and the more alive this video is,
the more attention it will grasp. When the video grabs full
attention from the audience, the message that is conveyed will be
fully passed on and absorbed by them, thus making this video a
success.b) What will be researched:i) Articles regarding
presentations: There are many written work regarding presentations.
Articles like these include what/what not to do, how to have the
audiences focus based on their group and what media works best for
which purpose. ii) Researches on attention span and its triggering
factors: These types of articles will help in terms of keeping the
attention of the room intact, and making sure the audience has
their full concentration in what is being depicted in the video.c)
Where will this information be recovered from:i) Articles from
presentation tips sites. There are many websites that give many
advice and tips on what to be done in terms of presenting, which is
usually targeted to people in companies that have things to present
in meetings, etc.d) When will this research be done: This research
will be done throughout the week of October 12th up to October
18th. This research should not take long, as it is a collection of
facts that are already studied and how a presentation/video should
be done, rather than learning about a whole new skill altogether.e)
Level of importance: This is a 5. Music and media need to go
together to truly spark interest in a presentation, and an
interested audience in always a target. (On a scale of 1-5; 5 being
the highest)
2) How does a video convey emotion?a) Why is this important for
success: The video carries a message behind it, and this message
has to come through to the intended audience. A successful
awareness video is a video that has an after-impact on the targeted
audience. Videos like these are videos that one remembers after
watching it, and usually spread around to their friends and so on,
thus enlarging the whole audience scope and the number of people
who become aware of the issue. A good way to leave an impact is to
play with emotions. As emotions are a common human trait,
triggering certain ones will leave an effect on the audience
themselves. The video should convey emotions to truly raise
awareness for the issue in order for it to productively serve its
purpose. b) What will be researched: i) Articles on what provokes
emotions through medias like videos: This will help understand how
the human emotion work and what triggers it, to give an impact on
the audience.c) Where will this information be recovered from:i)
Websites that talk more regarding psychology and human emotions and
how they work to help understand how to convey emotions to have a
strong impact on the audience to make this product effective.d)
When will this research be done: This research will also be done
throughout the week of October 12th up to October 18th. This
research should not take long, as there should not be too many
aspects of understanding how to create an impact through media.e)
Level of importance: This is a 3. This aspect is important, but as
raising awareness is my second aim in the creation of this product,
it will not be top priority. (On a scale of 1-5; 5 being the
highest)
3) How are underwater worlds created on Bryce 7.1?a) Why is this
important for success: Regardless to say, as the whole video is on
underwater point of view and most of the visuals will be
underwater, the skill needed to create underwater settings will be
essential in the actual creation of the video in the first place.
As Bryce 7.1 has a very large variety of landscapes settings, it is
essential to know which ones are to be used specifically for the
atmosphere that will be created in this particular video.b) What
will be researched: i) Video tutorials: Video tutorials are an easy
way to obtain a skill, as usually it is verbally and visually shown
to us through a walkthrough. Videos are usually easier to
understand as a viewer can see first hand point of view on the
software.c) Where will this information be recovered from:i) Video
tutorials will be searched on YouTube. YouTube user David Brinnen
is an example of a user that makes tutorials on Bryce 7.1. There
are many other video tutorials relevant to the creation of
underwater effects and worlds that should fit what is needed for
the creation of the video.d) When will this research be done: This
research will be done in early weeks of October (weeks of October
18th onwards) during the research timings. This research will be a
hands-on type of research; i.e. working with Bryce whilst working
on the tutorials, to fully understand the tutorial and get used to
what and how things work with Bryce 7.1. This should take up most
of the research timings up to November 9th (before the creating the
product stage of the semester) as this will directly affect the
creation of the product and thus more time needs to be spent on it,
in order to completely understand it before the creation of the
actual product.e) Level of importance: This is a 5, as the whole
video is underwater, thus it is crucial to know how to create the
setting needed, from large-scale terrains to minor details. (On a
scale of 1-5; 5 being the highest)
4) How does one make a high quality (pixel wise) animation
video?a) Why is this important for success: A high quality video
would get more attention than a lower quality one, as people tend
to pay more attention to something when every detail of it is
visualized to give the precise and accurate idea of what is being
conveyed in the actual video. A low quality video will
automatically be associated with poor content quality, poor
music/audio, etc. and would not get as many views and attention as
it should, making the aim of raising awareness fail.b) What will be
researched: i) Video tutorials: Video tutorials on how to create
high quality videos are available on YouTube, as a creator would
want his content to be of high quality, thus the demand for videos
as such increases as the audience pool increasesii) Bryce
tutorials: Some videos/article regarding Bryce and animation
creating from there would be very useful to help with making sure
the animation and details are clear and of the best quality
possiblec) Where will this information be recovered from: i)
YouTube videosii) Articles, both on websites and books possibly,
and videos (on YouTube) regarding Bryce 7.1d) When will this
research be done: This research will be done on the week of October
19th, after the creation of storyboard, when the actual product
will be created and the quality research will be ongoing as the
product is created.e) Level of importance: This (On a scale of 1-5;
5 being the highest)
5) How does one make a good storyboard?a) Why is this important
for success: As any animation would, it is essential to have a
storyboard to ensure smooth plot that is easily understandable for
the audience and the creator themselves. A storyboard avoids
clutter when creating and filming, and helps the audience to have a
grasp of the message that is being conveyed by the creator.b) What
will be researched: N/A, as I already have the skills to create a
storyboard, only the storyboard creation itself is left to be
created.c) Where will this information be recovered from: N/Ad)
When will this research be done: The week of October 12th, before
the creation of the actual animation.e) Level of importance: This
is a 5. A good video is one that has an organized storyline that
makes sense to the audience, thus the ability to create a good
storyboard is very essential in terms of making sure the video has
smooth transitions and an understandable plot. (On a scale of 1-5;
5 being the highest)
6) How will the product be accessible to the audience?a) Why is
this important for success: As part of my aim in the creation of
this product, the product must be easily accessible for a large
audience on a public platform. This product will be on YouTube, as
it allows free uploading to a worldwide audience, as needed (stated
in the design situation), thus it can be accessible from anywhere
at anytime. This is an advantage as the videos audience will
continue to grow as the day passes, without actually having to
advertise it around.b) What will be researched: N/Ac) Where will
this information be recovered from: N/Ad) When will this research
be done: N/Ae) Level of importance: This is a 3 as raising
awareness is not the main aim of the creation of this product, thus
it will be of less higher priority. (On a scale of 1-5; 5 being the
highest)
Research QuestionLevel of importance (On a scale of 1-5; 5 being
the highest)
How are underwater worlds created on Bryce 7.1?5
How does one make a good storyboard?5
Why is media, such as music and sound effects, essential in this
video?
4
How does one make a high quality (pixel wise) animation
video?4
How does a video convey emotion?3
How will the product be accessible to the audience?3
Table showing the level of importance of each question in the
research plan against each other
Research & Product Analysis
Example 1
Video Discovery Channel 2/2--Mermaids: The New EvidenceLink to
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw3RR6daB18
Analysis
Description of example: From 2:05-2:10, it has animated footage
of possible creatures, like the mermaids and other deep-sea
animals. It shows general movement of the creatures as well as its
detailed facial and physical aspects and characteristics.
Breakdown of example: Video resolution: 360p Duration: Whole
video 43:29, part that was researched 2:00-2:15 Intended audience:
Science lovers who are adults; based on seriousness of language and
visuals Sound: Music present in background Visuals: Involves a lot
of color in the animation, mostly blues and darker colors (those
with lower value)Analysis of example: It includes animation of the
said creatures of the deep-sea, giving an idea of possible
anatomical features of the creatures Music very mysterious music to
give audience a sense of suspense and wonder, making people want to
watch the video even more Evidence gives videos and images to prove
the existence of these creatures Video quality The quality is 360p,
which proves how important high quality videos are in terms of
keeping attention
How the example is relevant to the research plan and product:
This inspires the project, as the video will be set in an
underwater setting that involves several creatures that are
deep-sea and do not necessarily have the same physical features as
the marine life that we know of. The animations in this video give
an idea of how I could design and animate my creatures to
incorporate in my own video later.
Example 2
Video Bryce 25 minute lighting project advanced underwater
effects a tutorial by David Brinnen
Link to video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js9sZZEpZAnalysis
Description of example: The example is a video tutorial by
YouTube user David Brinnen on how to create underwater effects for
Bryce 7.1. It is a form of walkthrough and he explains verbally
whilst carrying out every action, explaining why the step was taken
and what impact it will have on the terrain.
Breakdown of example: Video resolution: 720p (HD) Duration:
27:57 Intended audience: Bryce 7.1 users, both beginners and
intermediate level users but mostly intermediate Sound: Clear voice
over, no music Visuals: Actions are conducted as they are being
said, and has clear visuals to help viewers know what to expect
when they try it out, or follow along as the tutorial
progresses.Analysis of example: Gives clear instructions of what to
do when performing each action Gives reasoning for each step to
help viewers understand the effect of that action on the setting It
is for intermediate to advanced users, thus it will be harder for
beginners like myself to follow
How the example is relevant to the research plan and product:
Research question 3 explains the importance of knowing how to
create and have underwater effects in the video, as the whole
product is underwater-based. This tutorial does help a lot in terms
of knowing the basics of underwater settings, as Bryce 7.1 is known
for its landscapes, rather than seascapes and let alone underwater.
This is a good tutorial to refer back to if needed to find specific
things to create and animate.
Example 3
Article POV (Point of view)
Link to article:
http://vimeo.com/videoschool/lesson/107/pov-point-of-view
Analysis
Description of example: This is an article giving steps and tips
on filming a POV video/movie which includes several video examples
after each stated point to give a picture of how the said point is
implemented and which situations and scenes that it is best
implemented in. It explains the different angles and ways that POV
can be shot from, and which works on what cases.
Breakdown of example: Intended audience: Beginners in shooting
films Article content: 4 main points, including examples in both
video and image form.: Provides reasoning for each point made, in
terms of filming Visuals: Clear images and videos describing, in
detail, what each POV is and its effects Videos: Video examples are
only good examples; none to show the mediocre examples and why the
steps need to be included
Analysis of example: Clear visuals - shows importance of high
quality visuals to ensure attention Gives examples which helps
readers to understand how and why the POV technique is used in ways
It doesnt include a tutorial/walkthrough, thus it might be
complicated if reader does not understand the point even after the
example is shown It doesnt show specific steps in filming for POV
shots but rather mostly tips and advice on it As mentioned, it only
shows mostly good examples, but none to show the mediocre examples
and why the steps need to be included
How the example is relevant to the research plan and product:
Although I will not be filming using a camera, like intended for
the article, but the information and tips could and will be
incorporated into my own screen filming as I screen-record on
Bryce. Certain tips are very useful to create certain effects on
the final product, like different angles to give a more detailed
visualization of the surrounding and setting, which could also
seize attention of the audience.
Example 4
Tutorial website Bryce tutorials for beginners
Link to tutorial: http://mulawa.net/tutorials/bryce5/index.html
Analysis
Description of example: This is a website of entirely Bryce 7.1
Pro tutorial that was designed for beginners which shows different
steps and things that could be done using Bryce. Each tutorial is
in a form of slideshows and when each slide is clicked on, there
are written steps and annotation in the picture to further explain
the tutorials. The pictures below shows the two different pages,
the first being an example of a tutorial and the second being an
individual slide/step.
Breakdown of example: Tutorials: Every step is explained with a
picture: Every step is also included with a short sentence to
further explain the step with detail Pictures: Pictures included
annotation in most slides to help viewers identify which features
to use and how they are used Website: It includes 15 different
tutorials on several types of things one can do on Bryce if they
are a beginnerAnalysis of example: It is designed for beginners
like myself which makes it easier for me to follow as it is broken
down step by step and explained at a simpler and lower level Each
step is explained with a sentence - eases the process of learning
and walking through Each image has annotation - eases the learning
of tools and features on Bryce 7.1How the example is relevant to
the research plan and product: This research would be my reference
to creating my final product, and it will also be used as a direct
walkthrough when needed (when I might be stuck on some parts) and
as it is altered for beginners, it will make it easier for me to
follow-through when Im creating my product. In addition to that,
the variety of tutorials can be used into my video as well, maybe
not as directly, but they could be inspiration for it.
Bibliography
Brinnen, David. "Bryce 25 Minute Lighting Project Advanced
Underwater Effects a Tutorial by David Brinnen." YouTube. YouTube,
n.d. Web. 2 Oct. 2014.
Bryce for Beginners. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Oct. 2014. .
"Discovery Channel 2/2--Mermaids: The New Evidence." YouTube.
YouTube, n.d. Web. 02 Oct. 2014. POV (Point of View). N.p., n.d.
Web. 02 Oct. 2014. .
Design Brief
After researching all 4 examples above, I have understood
several things on what needs to be implemented in my video for my
final product. Although, amongst these, the following are found
most important for the creation of the final product to me:
Possible physical appearance for the creatures that live in deep
sea (From example 1). Reason: It gives me a clear idea of what I
can and should design in animation form, as that is the current
predicted features (and everything along its line) to give my video
as much scientific accuracy as possible. How to create an
underwater effect and setting, specifically small things like the
rocks and terrain, etc. (From example 2, time frame - 1:30).
Reason: This gives me a very clear walkthrough and list of steps in
creating the underwater setting and surrounding that I need for my
video, enabling me to make the most of what I can work with using
Bryce for my own underwater world as well as understand Bryces
capability in terms of terrain for underwater. Knowing that POV
filming doesnt necessarily have to be from the head (eyesight
level) and it could be from any angle of a body, or an object with
a surface. (From example 3, 4th example on the article; Quote: It's
important to note that POV doesn't strictly apply to the
perspective from a person's head. You can have a POV shot from a
foot, shoulder, etc. It doesn't even have to be a person! Any
object with a camera attached to it will give a POV shot,) .
Reason: As my whole video will be shot from POV, the relevance of
knowing that POV is not necessarily just shot from the head or eye
level is important, to ensure that my final product will not be a
boring one that has a one point perspective from just a single
angle, but one that is from several different angles instead.
Making a movie/video when it involves animation with Bryce (From
example 4, tutorial 4: Lets Make a Movie). Reason: This enables me
to understand that Bryce, is in fact, done for shooting of videos
and this helps in terms of positions and property of the animation
itself, identifying which ones work with what camera angle
(combined with previous point) to produce an aesthetically pleasing
video to watch, which in turns indirectly increasing audience
interest.
From all these, I will design and create an animation video
regarding underwater worlds that is unknown to the human eye,
including its creatures, using the animation program Bryce Pro 7.1.
This video will be shot from different angles of point of views
(not from just the eye-level angle) and will be shot to capture the
surroundings, like the rocks and terrain, as well as the creatures,
that will be based off what scientific findings have proven in
todays time. These will all be filmed through the correct angles,
based off the Bryce tutorial given online, to create an
aesthetically pleasing video for the audience.