Commission Overview

Brief details now, images to follow tomorrow.

I shall endeavour to communicate the 'Cell Cycle'.

Initially I envisage a military style briefing, given to Prokaryotic 'troops'.This will take the form of a bootcamp style given by a Sergeant Major to trainees to inform them of the expectations placed on them. Either that, or a mission briefing delivered by a General to crack troops advising them of mission objectives (mitosis and division).

Music can be a rousing score indicative of the British military circa 1945. I shall voice the script in a befitting manner. An exaggerated drill Sergeant similar to Michael Palin in 'Monty Pythons: The Meaning of Life' or something similar to Peter Sellers' performance as RAF officer in Stanley Kubrick's 'Dr Strangelove Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb'.

Another idea would be to present the animation as if it were a 1950's style public information film. Delivered by a Prokaryotic Cell wearing a suit or a lab coat, explaining the Cell's cycle. At least this with this idea I could get away with calling the film, 'Go Forth and Multiply'... just a thought ;).

Early concepts on character appearance will follow.

Aarghh. Story Synopsis. Constructive criticism required please.

ACT 1

'Jimmy the Squeak' (world renowned gentlemouse thief) has been under surveillance from his arch nemesis and Cat Burglar extraordinaire 'Whiskers McGraw'.

After a stake out lasting almost several seconds 'Whiskers' has ascertained the hiding place of 'Jimmy's' stash... the big fish tank in the front window, guarded only by a single unassuming goldfish.

Without further ado 'Whiskers' makes his preparations, intent to break in that very night.

ACT 2

We see a deserted high street (main street) in the dead of night and a made aware of a shadow. the camera follows the small object as it scurries across the street, dashes up a side alley and nimbly hops a fence or two. Leaping on a windowsill, the camera cuts to a close up of an extending claw and we hear the squeal of glass being cut. A second later and our burglar deftly enters the rear of the pet shop, triggering a silent alarm.. our thief uses shadow and their innate agility to proceed to the front of the premises where we see our hero drop to the floor behind the tank. The trap is sprung!!

ACT 3

Okay, this is where it gets a little hazy and I need some assistance..

We see our hero either...

- tied to a chair, spotlight in eyes being sweated down by a certain dastardly mouse.. or..

- strung up about some time related device of his imminent doom.


We see the true nature of 'Jimmy the Squeak' as a maniacal mousechopath...

erm... okay, so I need to get from the trap, to the treasure. It would be nice if I could hamstring both mouse and cat and have the fish come out on top... and I still need to incorporate the helium balloon.

This is easy enough if I can demonstrate a reason to have helium. Perhaps the mouse has voice recognition as a lock on a certain part of the building, the cat needing a higher vocal register to gain access.

Perhaps he brings scuba gear to get to the treasure only to find his air switched with helium.

I can trim down the second act greatly if the trap is sprung as soon as the property is entered which leaves motive, escape and resolution for the latter half of the second and third act.

HELP PLEASE PEOPLE !!!!

Life Drawing: Jane 15/01/13

Not a bad session, after half a dozen 2 minute warm ups we touched on feelings, emotions and states of mind.

 Power

 Stern

Timidity

Sack Jump.

He gets a little faint at the end of the animation, this can be attributed to a light concussion.

Bouncing Ball.

I had to reduce the quality somewhat to save to USB, however, enjoy.

Storytelling Unit: Character ideas.

Following on from Phil's comments regarding my synopsis development I agree that the Warner Bros/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer route is the way to go.

This is a tried and tested format for protagonist and antagonist which creates wonderful motives and competitive nemeses to drive the story forward.

I'm reluctant however to mould my characters in the style of the more recognisable duo's

-Wile E Coyote / Road Runner

-Yosemite Sam, Elmer Fudd / Bugs Bunny

-Daffy Duck / Marvin the Martian

-Sylvester / Tweetie Pie (although this is so, so tempting)

-Tom / Jerry / Spike (again, very tempting)

I shall however be making a call to the ACME lunacy warehouses for some executive slapstick paraphernalia.

The way I see it the story will work well with three character components whether they be classic enemies, victims or generally unaware...

Spider / Fly / Frog 

Dog / Cat / Shopkeeper

Cat / Bird / Shopkeeper

Cat / Fish / Shopkeeper

Lizard / Locusts / Frog

Cat / Mouse / Snake

Character highlighted in red would receive the competitive, carnivorous intentions of the other two.

Character highlighted in blue would be oblivious to the murderous intentions of the other two.

Character underlined would have great 'helium balloon' potential.

Food for thought. As ever please offer feedback.

Thirty second storyboard.

I am proud to present the thirty seconds (32 on film) between 'Superman' beginning the chase of the plummeting aircraft to the point of capture.

I felt this was more significant, challenging and interesting than the final thirty seconds of capture and safe release and it is filled with uncertainty, after all, when Superman catches you, you're caught.