Extension

in
Animation

Code of
Module to be
extended:
Student
Name:
Area of
Study

Title of Project:

Synopsis:

N/A

Module
Code:

ANIM3005

Amy Moss - 14008594

Single Honours Animation

Exploration of Character Design: Maquettes and Cut-Out

Animation
Supporting Pre-Production Module for Character Design for an
Experimental Animated Documentary.

Treatment:
To create two characters to support an Experimental Animated Documentary
focusing on Joey who suffers with mental and physical disabilities. The visual
style of the characters will be completed using warm and cold colours. The
warmest characters will be Margaret, Raymond and Joey, whereas the coldest
colours will be the silhouettes that represent the Government.
The techniques used will be Cut-Out Animation in both digital and attempted
traditional methods, using programs such as Toon Boom, Photoshop and After
Effects to put the parts together. I will also attempt to sculpt Maquettes to
further investigate whether Stop-Motion Animation would work better to identify
the space within a scene contrasted with the movement in 2D digital programs.
My exploration of Character Design will involve the first drafts of the characters,
their history and futures and then I will begin to evolve them into a production
for my Documentary.
The direction of my work will have realistic elements, this is referring to the
facial features on the Maquettes and Cut-Out puppets. I want to employ the
same techniques that Chris Lavis and Maciek Szcerbowski in Madame Tutli Putli
(2007). Therefore, I plan to experiment with the sizing of my Maquettes and also
use elements of visual effects/green screening to allow them to seem more
realistic.
My research will revolve around breaking down the human form, researching
design techniques, animation techniques(cut-out) and producing a final
turnaround of all characters in 3D and their tests within 2D.
Aims
1. Generate Ideas for characters from observational drawings and
incorporate them into final designs supported with research.
2. Produce a range of Maquettes and Puppets to contrast with one another

against digital/hand drawn and 3D.

3. Create tests from cut-out characters to use parallel with work in PreProduction module to also reference when animation production begins.

We
ek
1

Date
28/09

Introduction to Module.

05/10

Proposal Draft.

12/10

Proposal Submission.

19/10

Research into Techniques used within

Character Design work influences.

26/10

Research into Maquettes and Puppets

Contrasting opinions to Digital Animation.

02/11

Observational Drawings Shaping the human

form and he characters.

09/11

16/11

23/11

Begin initial character designs continue with

observational drawings along with researching
body shapes.
Continue with character design begin to
finalise designs and produce traditional
turnaround for characters.
Have characters finalised put together for
testing in Toon Boom and Photoshop.

10

30/11

Build Armatures for Maquettes use designs

from cut-outs to make in 3D.

11

07/12

Sculpt Maquettes and paint them ready to film

a turnaround.

12

04/01

13

11/01

Produce tests of cut-out characters and use

within different software to contrast with which
one would suit the documentary best.
Prepare for submission turnaround of
Maquettes and tests of cut-out animations.

Student
signature
Tutor signature

Activity plan

Tutorials

Date
Date