20 Comments »   posted in Anime, CGI, Internet/Blogs

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Here are some intriguing animation examples from a paper delivered at SIGGRAPH 2010 about “Programmable Motion Effects.” The researchers were Johannes Schmid, Robert Sumner, Huw Bowles and Markus Gross. They experimented with different ways of adding motion lines as an alternative to traditional CGI motion blurring. Here is the paper abstract for those of you who speak CG:

Although animation is one of the most compelling aspects of computer graphics, the possibilities for depicting the movement that make dynamic scenes so exciting remain limited for both still images and animations. In our work, we experiment with motion depiction as a first-class entity within the rendering process. We extend the concept of a surface shader, which is evaluated on an infinitesimal portion of an object’s surface at one instant in time, to that of a programmable motion effect, which is evaluated with global knowledge about all portions of an object’s surface that pass in front of a pixel during an arbitrary long sequence of time. With this added information, our programmable motion effects can decide to color pixels long after (or long before) an object has passed in front of them. In order to compute the input required by the motion effects, we propose a 4D data structure that aggregates an object’s movement into a single geometric representation by sampling an object’s position at different time instances and connecting corresponding edges in two adjacent samples with a bilinear patch. We present example motion effects for various styles of speed lines, multiple stroboscopic images, temporal offsetting, and photorealistic and stylized blurring on both simple and production examples.

As sophisticated as computer technology is nowadays, it amazes me that we have trouble figuring out how to recreate effects that animators achieved effortlessly seventy years ago. In terms of graphic sophistication and artistry, computer animation has always struck me as being one step forward, two steps back…

62 Comments »   posted in CGI, Motion Blur

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Between Bears by Eran Hilleli

August 3, 2010 1:26 pm

The best part about Eran Hilleli’s Between Bears is the distinctive style he crafted using Maya and After Effects. The graduation short was made at Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem. If you can read any meaning into the film, I’d be curious to hear your take; all I took from this short is that old men love butterflies made out of bear fur. Then again, I may still be a bit slow after my weekend getaway.

(Thanks, Nate Pacheco)

20 Comments »   posted in CGI, Shorts, Eran Hilleli

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NBC Peacock ID by Nathan Love

July 28, 2010 4:28 am

Nathan Love created this uncommonly appealing NBC station ID in collaboration with NBC ArtWorks, the on-air graphics department of the network. The source of its concept is clear, so I’m glad to see that Nathan mentioned it on the YouTube page: “Inspired by the infamous Spumco promos, as well as vintage NBC logos.” Frankly, I still prefer Spumco/John K’s version, but then again, I’m a sucker for funny, skillful character animation.

UPDATE: The animation studio Nathan Love commented about the production process on Motionographer: “It should be noted however, that this piece is entirely 3D, with the exception of the paint-stroke effect for motion blur, which was added in After Effects. We wanted to experiment with South-Park style animation, so in the end, every unique shape (expressions, head/body turns, etc), were all illustrated beforehand, and rigged in 3D.” There is also a behind-the-scenes video posted on Motionographer.

CREDITS
Client: NBC Artworks
Director: Nathan Love
Creative Director: Joe Burrascano
Art Director / Designer: Anca Risca
Animation & Rigging: Dan Vislocky
Additional Animation: Ryan Moran
FX Compositing: Sylvia Apostol
Sound Design & Music: Drew Skinner

26 Comments »   posted in Advertising, CGI, Nathan Love, NBC Artworks, Spumco

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Looney Tunes exclusive clip: Coyote Falls

July 22, 2010 7:30 am

We still don’t know whether the new Looney Tunes Show for Cartoon Network will meet our lofty expectations, but I was invited to a screening this past week to preview the three new CGI Road Runner-Coyote shorts for theatrical release — and my verdict is in: They’re terrific!

Coyote Falls is the first one out (it’ll be attached to Cats and Dogs 2 opening next Friday, July 30th). These are three-minute, three-dimensional cartoons in widescreen (scope). It works perfectly for these characters – the feeling of space in the vast desert only adds to Coyote’s desperation. This time he has ordered an ACME bungee cord and has set up a birdseed trap under a highway bridge. It’s a “foolproof” plan that takes everything into consideration … except oncoming traffic.

The characterizations, posing, even the sound effects and music (by Chris Lennertz) are spot on. I especially liked the explosions, which in cg have a stronger impact and thus are funnier. The 3-D is even used to extend into the audience – something most modern filmmakers are loathe to exploit. At three minutes these films really are too short (I think some trailers are longer than that), but they show real potential. This is the first Looney Tunes short produced by Sam Register’s new Warner Bros. Animation division. (BTW, the film is simply a Warner Bros. Cartoon with no Looney Tunes or Merrie Melodies designation). Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone are supervising producers along with Allison Abbate (Fantastic Mr. Fox, Corpse Bride, Iron Giant), Matthew O’Callaghan (Curious George) directed in respectful homage to Chuck Jones. The film begins with a very cool 3D CG WB-rings logo designed by Peter Girardi. Below is a 25-second clip to give you a taste. Below that are three exclusive images (click thumbnails to enlarge).

[clip removed at request of producer]

175 Comments »   posted in CGI, 3-D, Looney Tunes, road runner, Sam Register

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train…train by Baptiste Sola

June 30, 2010 12:05 am

A new short-short called train… train from French artist and animator Baptiste Sola:

2 Comments »   posted in CGI, Shorts

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Sean Connery is Sir Billi

June 23, 2010 2:25 pm

Can this skateboarding octogenarian and his goat save the day? That’s the setup for Sir Billi, a new animated feature with the voice of Sean Connery. Their publicist wrote us, “Wanted to reach out to you with the first ’sneak peek’ of the sizzle reel!” Szz-z-z-z…if they’re selling the sizzle here, I shudder to think what the steak looks like. Then again, hearing Connery yell, “This Bessie Boo is our beaver!” isn’t entirely devoid of entertainment value either.

UPDATE: Sean Connery explains why he is certain this is a “first-class” project:

93 Comments »   posted in CGI

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The Smurfs teaser trailer

June 17, 2010 12:05 am

Introduced by Neil Patrick Harris: The Smurfs

(Thanks, Liam and Dave Alvarez)

132 Comments »   posted in CGI, Feature Film

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