Into Mania

Innsbruck 2012 – The First Youth Winter Olympics!!

Into Mania — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:16:49 +0000

Tomorrow at 6:30 I am off to supervise the VFX shoot for the very first Youth Olympics Winter Games in Innsbruck Austria. I’m not entirely sure at this point as to my involvement in the shoot itself, but I’m ready to pitch in as and where needed.

It’s an honour to be involved with the IOC in such a landmark event. As I understand it, there will be highlights shown on terrestrial and satellite TV around the globe.

Look out for me on Ski Sunday!

http://www.innsbruck2012.com/en

Happy New Year – 2012 is here!

Into Mania — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:09:59 +0000

We’re really looking forward to a number of BIG things this year!

As always it has been great over the past 12 months working with the crazy variety of clients we do and I would like to thank everyone for a great 2011.

Looking forward to this year, there are a number of broadcast projects completed last year and about to air all over the globe. We are also very proud to be part of the first Youth Winter Olympics in Innsbruck in the next few weeks.

Happy 2012 to you all

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

Into Mania — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:31:52 +0000

Following the first day or so of contemplating, deliberating and agonising, my journey to that Oscar began today!

To be fair it would have started yesterday, but I had errands to run and an exhaust fitted to my car.

I began with the story, it’s one I’ve had kicking about in my head for a long time which involves a little girl and her balloon. It’s still up in the air at the minute, but limiting the majority of action to the interaction of these two characters (the balloon is the key character!) means I have a reasonable timetable for the production.

So onto the characters…

I did a few sketches of the main characters began developing the look and feel in 3D. It’s not necessarily a linear approach by any means. I’ll be doing storyboard and look and feel in the evenings (probably sat in front of the TV) and will continue my back and forth between computer and pencil for some time to come to develop the final characters.

Anyway, here’s a quick look at the progress so far today…

Basic box modelled head with a poly smooth on it to give the finished look. This gives me a great base to produce a range of morph/blend shapes for the basic expressions.

So even very basic manipulation of a few points gives very quick results as seen here.

I have no plans in terms of what will be posted when, but please keep checking back. The plan is to blog twice a week with updates.

Objects of Desire

Into Mania — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 11:18:26 +0000

Hello, long time no blog….

My previous blogging consisted mainly of declarations of work completed, along with the infrequent boasts of accolades achieved.

THIS IS NOT THAT BLOG!

I’ve decided in my 41st year on the planet to aim high, higher than I’ve done in a long time. I’ve decided to win an Oscar!

I have made the decision to produce a short animated film that complies with the entry requirements for the 85th Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards in 2013. The story is sketchy, the investment is missing in the most part, and the technical skills to produce DCP and 5.1 sound are yet to be provided, BUT, I will be there!

I’ve already begun scouting for funding for the project and have so far had no refusals! Ok, no offers of funding either, but no refusals!!!

The story is being refined and sections of the storyboard and look & feel artwork will be up online in the very near future.

So this is my Oscar film production diary. I you want to be involved in the project, please get in touch – I’m happy to accept help and advice!

Lastly, don’t just read this blog, promote it.

Thank you x