Well as it turns out plugging in a difffent track, isn't as easy as i first anticipated. I still have to create two new new null objects from the new track postitions (convert audio to keyframes) but after that its a simple case of copying and pasteing the same expressions into the new null objects and applying whatever parameters fit the new waveforms.
As an exmaple i've tested my visuals out on a classical track by vivaldi: I've changed the background to white and the particle generator to black to see if an idea i've been playing around with would work. More on that later, i'm busy noting down some visuals on paper (le gasp!)
tj -x-
Monday 26 January 2009
Thursday 22 January 2009
Animation to Music Test using after effects
I was struggling on deciding on which program would be best for the job, my intial chocice was flash, but sadly i only have basic knowledge of that program and google wasn't giving me anything to work with. Then i thought that what i'm creating it basically a windows media visualisation and there are plenty of tutorial on how to create them.
Custom media player visualisations tutorials
Now i could follow these tutorials but it would a) mean learning somehting completely new that only applies to a niche part of design and b) wouldn't really give me the control i wanted over the animation. Also in order ot export it to a format viewable on TV it would have to be screen grabbed and the audio applied over it, which is a very unprofessional and ad-hoc way of doing things.
Thankfuly I do have quiet a good knowledge of after effects and whilst on Andrew Kramers site video co-pilot i discovered a tutorial on creating exactly what i wanted to do within aftereffects
vidoecopilot
I follwed the turtorial basically to the word with only minor changes. But in doing so i've an understanding on how to make two expressions work together to create parameters to animated visuals, keyframed to the postition of the waveform. This theory can be used to power any function in after effects that has a numerial vaule, which is evrything come to think of it, i just need to adjust the multiplier in the first expression (Treble = effect("Both Channels")("Slider");
value+[0, Treble]) and the set the corrisponding parameters in the second (linear(value,10,100,0,600)) to control how the visual reacts.
Im order to make the pink and and the blue move indepentdantly i split the audio chanels into bass and treble so the blue is the treble and the pink is the bass.
The track is Eastern Jam by chase and status (and is only a 60 second sample) and has very prominant beats. The next step is to see if this works with another song plugged into the composition, somehting completely diffrent, a punk track, a pop song or maybe somehting classical.
tj -x-
Custom media player visualisations tutorials
Now i could follow these tutorials but it would a) mean learning somehting completely new that only applies to a niche part of design and b) wouldn't really give me the control i wanted over the animation. Also in order ot export it to a format viewable on TV it would have to be screen grabbed and the audio applied over it, which is a very unprofessional and ad-hoc way of doing things.
Thankfuly I do have quiet a good knowledge of after effects and whilst on Andrew Kramers site video co-pilot i discovered a tutorial on creating exactly what i wanted to do within aftereffects
vidoecopilot
I follwed the turtorial basically to the word with only minor changes. But in doing so i've an understanding on how to make two expressions work together to create parameters to animated visuals, keyframed to the postition of the waveform. This theory can be used to power any function in after effects that has a numerial vaule, which is evrything come to think of it, i just need to adjust the multiplier in the first expression (Treble = effect("Both Channels")("Slider");
value+[0, Treble]) and the set the corrisponding parameters in the second (linear(value,10,100,0,600)) to control how the visual reacts.
Im order to make the pink and and the blue move indepentdantly i split the audio chanels into bass and treble so the blue is the treble and the pink is the bass.
The track is Eastern Jam by chase and status (and is only a 60 second sample) and has very prominant beats. The next step is to see if this works with another song plugged into the composition, somehting completely diffrent, a punk track, a pop song or maybe somehting classical.
tj -x-
TV title sequences
Although remaking a film sequence offers the oppotunity to explore visual material surrounding the concepts behind the movie its a very linear exercise. What appeals to me about the TV series title sequences is the oppotunity to create a set of title sequences that have a constant element to them, but differ throughout the series. For instance a series of biographical documentaries that represent the induvidual identiy but keep a constant tone throughout the series. This has led me to look at a more modular concept.
It would be nice to be able to some automate the title sequence much like the recent idents for SC4 recently created by Proud.
SC4 indents by Proud
Proud Creative, S4C Audio Ident 2 from Proud Creative on Vimeo.
Within these idents the images moves to the broadcasters voice, sound creates a unique image so that no two ident is ever the same.
With this in mind i could create a series of idents that animate visually to a unique sound that is played across them. Useing the example of the biogrpahical docmentaries, I could do a series of based on the lives of famous and influenctial musical artists.
other examples of image moving to music are everywhere, from the simple visualisations on media player to VJ sets at clubs. An exmaple that reall stands out is "Solar" a music video for Goldfrapp by Flight404. It uses the music to power an animation and lyrics to power the typographic element.
Solar - Flight404
Solar, with lyrics. from flight404 on Vimeo.
With this in mind i aim to create a script or expression within a program that will allow me to plug in any song, from the corrisponding artist, which in turn will animate visual elements within my title sequence. This will create a unquie sequence for each biography within the series. Now i just need to figure out whicih program to use.
tj -x-
It would be nice to be able to some automate the title sequence much like the recent idents for SC4 recently created by Proud.
SC4 indents by Proud
Proud Creative, S4C Audio Ident 2 from Proud Creative on Vimeo.
Within these idents the images moves to the broadcasters voice, sound creates a unique image so that no two ident is ever the same.
With this in mind i could create a series of idents that animate visually to a unique sound that is played across them. Useing the example of the biogrpahical docmentaries, I could do a series of based on the lives of famous and influenctial musical artists.
other examples of image moving to music are everywhere, from the simple visualisations on media player to VJ sets at clubs. An exmaple that reall stands out is "Solar" a music video for Goldfrapp by Flight404. It uses the music to power an animation and lyrics to power the typographic element.
Solar - Flight404
Solar, with lyrics. from flight404 on Vimeo.
With this in mind i aim to create a script or expression within a program that will allow me to plug in any song, from the corrisponding artist, which in turn will animate visual elements within my title sequence. This will create a unquie sequence for each biography within the series. Now i just need to figure out whicih program to use.
tj -x-
Monday 19 January 2009
Film title sequence intial ideas
The first film that entered my mind was amelie, for two reasons the first being that there's a bloody great big poster of Audrey Tautou above my bed and secondly i thought its aesthetic and playful tone would give me plenty of opportunities to appeal to the current trend of craft within design (see this months issues of both creative review an eye for discussions on this trend), this trend is evident as much within animation as any other design disciplines.
"Stay In My Memory" by Bim is a good example of this aesthetic
with regard to an amelie title sequence i've a couple of ideas knocking around my head one being using the very odd expressions Audrey Tautou makes in the outtakes of the movie
and combining them with the photograph motif that runs throughout the movie to create a stop motion animation alot like the Sia - "Breathe Me" video (embedding disabled click link)
Another idea is a vectored animation along the lines of Lisa Schibels T-mobile illustrations (illusive pg.73)
The problem with using amelie as a basis for this project is that the movie already has a pretty good title sequence. (sequence come in at 1min 14sec)
Its Also already been re-done before, this version is quiet clever though, I really like that way the credits are displayed on relevant objects such as the director of photography displayed on a camera for example.
So we're looking for a film that has no title sequence or a really bad title sequence.
I've been watching alot of German cinema lately, and a friend informed me that Run Lola Run has a particular bad title sequence. (title sequence starts at 2min 46 secs)
It kinda reminds me of a cross between the opening to fraggle rock and a Hannah Barbara cartoon.
But as a concept this movie is great it deals with time, destiny and choices which can make great metaphorical visual material as well as the physical aspect of running. But with its heavy mid 90s techno beats it doesn't make for good material when it comes to a more crafted appearance, but thats not so say if i did go forward with this movie i'd have to keep to that aesthetic anyway, it'd just be nice.
When it comes to updating the title sequence for Run Lola Run something that sticks in my mind is Mirrors Edge, a first person free running game from Swedish developer DICE, there are some quiet striking similarities between Lola and faith too
but then again shoulder length matted hair and vest tops seem to be the norm for women that can run really fast ...
The first person perspective is interesting, and could be a good design direction to go in. I also like the motif right at the start with the foot print reveling the EA logo, I think that could translate very well to a title sequence.
You can also hear similarities in the euro-tech soundtrack :p
The realse Lead up trailers were animated shorts. Material for basing my own animations on perhaps? If i was to animate a figure i'd like to do some sort of motion capture and achieve these kind of effects.
tj -x-
"Stay In My Memory" by Bim is a good example of this aesthetic
with regard to an amelie title sequence i've a couple of ideas knocking around my head one being using the very odd expressions Audrey Tautou makes in the outtakes of the movie
and combining them with the photograph motif that runs throughout the movie to create a stop motion animation alot like the Sia - "Breathe Me" video (embedding disabled click link)
Another idea is a vectored animation along the lines of Lisa Schibels T-mobile illustrations (illusive pg.73)
The problem with using amelie as a basis for this project is that the movie already has a pretty good title sequence. (sequence come in at 1min 14sec)
Its Also already been re-done before, this version is quiet clever though, I really like that way the credits are displayed on relevant objects such as the director of photography displayed on a camera for example.
So we're looking for a film that has no title sequence or a really bad title sequence.
I've been watching alot of German cinema lately, and a friend informed me that Run Lola Run has a particular bad title sequence. (title sequence starts at 2min 46 secs)
It kinda reminds me of a cross between the opening to fraggle rock and a Hannah Barbara cartoon.
But as a concept this movie is great it deals with time, destiny and choices which can make great metaphorical visual material as well as the physical aspect of running. But with its heavy mid 90s techno beats it doesn't make for good material when it comes to a more crafted appearance, but thats not so say if i did go forward with this movie i'd have to keep to that aesthetic anyway, it'd just be nice.
When it comes to updating the title sequence for Run Lola Run something that sticks in my mind is Mirrors Edge, a first person free running game from Swedish developer DICE, there are some quiet striking similarities between Lola and faith too
but then again shoulder length matted hair and vest tops seem to be the norm for women that can run really fast ...
The first person perspective is interesting, and could be a good design direction to go in. I also like the motif right at the start with the foot print reveling the EA logo, I think that could translate very well to a title sequence.
You can also hear similarities in the euro-tech soundtrack :p
The realse Lead up trailers were animated shorts. Material for basing my own animations on perhaps? If i was to animate a figure i'd like to do some sort of motion capture and achieve these kind of effects.
tj -x-
The brief
Titles Sequence Project
Context
You are to produce three short title sequences for either film or television.
There will be a range of genres and subject to choose from, that will have interesting visual material associated with them. Check out the links at the bottom of the page for some inspiration. The list of titles will be available later.
Task
You will be asked to produce three sequences each with a different mood or visual approach that is appropriate to the context. You could use video or stop frame or a combination of the two. You can use any approach you like but as they are title sequences some typography will be incorporated- this could be really simple – just nice static type and moving image or could be pure animated type.
The idea for the project is you can explore a range of visual approaches that will make your portfolio stand out in contrast to all the competition briefs that employers see each year from students.
The project will allow you to develop your motion graphic craft through the three different approaches. Don’t worry how experienced you are. This project is suitable for both inexperienced and experienced students. You may have some motion ambitions but feel you have no knowledge to proceed through a project; the aim of the project is to improve your knowledge. There are a good number of weeks to complete the project.
Content
There will be tutorial workshops in the appropriate media
Jon Hamilton in tutorial workshops will show you
· How some of the sequences you have seen are made
-Eg;what media and approaches were used for Prologues projects
· How to use our new HDV cameras
· The different methods of using either an HDV camera for video or a Digital stills camera for stop frame animation.
· How After Effects can be used to communicate your project
· How Final Cut Pro can be used to communicate your project
You may have some knowledge at the start or you may have only a limited amount some the intention is that you will have developed both your knowledge and your craft and skills.
Things to be inspired by!:
Motion Graphics community site
www.motionographer.com
Film and television sequences by Kyle Cooper’s company Prologue;
www.prologue.com
http://www.prologue.com/index2.html
Prologue sequences to view:
· Bridge to Terrabithia
· Curious George
· Dawn of the Dead
· Iron Man
· Rock n Rolla
· SOP (standard operating procedures)
· Wimbledon
Prologue Montage showreel;
http://www.prologue.com/index2.html
TV and Film Title sequence genres and themes
As usual research your topic from a wide range of sources,not just the internet.
Do you need to know factual information as well as visual research?
What visual and motion tone is appropriate to the subject matter?
Film Title Sequence;
Chose a film that you think deserves a better title sequence. Consider three different approaches, three different treatments, to the title sequence for your chosen film.
Consider who you think the audience is for your chosen film.
You may find a film that has no title sequence in the way that we know them today; today most films have a designed title sequence but this was not always the case prior to the mid 1990s.
TV Title Sequence;
The TV genres are
Architecture
Technology
Business and Finance
Historical/biography
Find a theme from these genres that interests you or is of interest to your target audience. Chose one genre and develop three different TV Title treatments. The titles could work as a series but each sequence covering a different theme. For example each architecture TV title sequence would feature a different architect.
If you are needing some guidance for Architecture or Historical/Biographical below are some examples of people who have good strong visual material associated with them.
Architecture;
Richard Rodgers Partnership
Future Systems
Will Alsop
Sir John Soane
Le Corbusier
Historical/biography;
William Morris
Alexander Rodchenko
Buckminster Fuller
Jacques- Henri Lartigue
Jamie Reid
Bridget Riley
Tracey Emin
Diane Arbus
Marie Curie
Sarah Bernhardt
Context
You are to produce three short title sequences for either film or television.
There will be a range of genres and subject to choose from, that will have interesting visual material associated with them. Check out the links at the bottom of the page for some inspiration. The list of titles will be available later.
Task
You will be asked to produce three sequences each with a different mood or visual approach that is appropriate to the context. You could use video or stop frame or a combination of the two. You can use any approach you like but as they are title sequences some typography will be incorporated- this could be really simple – just nice static type and moving image or could be pure animated type.
The idea for the project is you can explore a range of visual approaches that will make your portfolio stand out in contrast to all the competition briefs that employers see each year from students.
The project will allow you to develop your motion graphic craft through the three different approaches. Don’t worry how experienced you are. This project is suitable for both inexperienced and experienced students. You may have some motion ambitions but feel you have no knowledge to proceed through a project; the aim of the project is to improve your knowledge. There are a good number of weeks to complete the project.
Content
There will be tutorial workshops in the appropriate media
Jon Hamilton in tutorial workshops will show you
· How some of the sequences you have seen are made
-Eg;what media and approaches were used for Prologues projects
· How to use our new HDV cameras
· The different methods of using either an HDV camera for video or a Digital stills camera for stop frame animation.
· How After Effects can be used to communicate your project
· How Final Cut Pro can be used to communicate your project
You may have some knowledge at the start or you may have only a limited amount some the intention is that you will have developed both your knowledge and your craft and skills.
Things to be inspired by!:
Motion Graphics community site
www.motionographer.com
Film and television sequences by Kyle Cooper’s company Prologue;
www.prologue.com
http://www.prologue.com/index2.html
Prologue sequences to view:
· Bridge to Terrabithia
· Curious George
· Dawn of the Dead
· Iron Man
· Rock n Rolla
· SOP (standard operating procedures)
· Wimbledon
Prologue Montage showreel;
http://www.prologue.com/index2.html
TV and Film Title sequence genres and themes
As usual research your topic from a wide range of sources,not just the internet.
Do you need to know factual information as well as visual research?
What visual and motion tone is appropriate to the subject matter?
Film Title Sequence;
Chose a film that you think deserves a better title sequence. Consider three different approaches, three different treatments, to the title sequence for your chosen film.
Consider who you think the audience is for your chosen film.
You may find a film that has no title sequence in the way that we know them today; today most films have a designed title sequence but this was not always the case prior to the mid 1990s.
TV Title Sequence;
The TV genres are
Architecture
Technology
Business and Finance
Historical/biography
Find a theme from these genres that interests you or is of interest to your target audience. Chose one genre and develop three different TV Title treatments. The titles could work as a series but each sequence covering a different theme. For example each architecture TV title sequence would feature a different architect.
If you are needing some guidance for Architecture or Historical/Biographical below are some examples of people who have good strong visual material associated with them.
Architecture;
Richard Rodgers Partnership
Future Systems
Will Alsop
Sir John Soane
Le Corbusier
Historical/biography;
William Morris
Alexander Rodchenko
Buckminster Fuller
Jacques- Henri Lartigue
Jamie Reid
Bridget Riley
Tracey Emin
Diane Arbus
Marie Curie
Sarah Bernhardt
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