The final blog post EVER!!!! (...until next year...) class evaluation

1. Why did you take this class?
I took the class because I wanted to get into game design, and I wanted to learn about the basics of animation.

2. In general, what did you like most about this class?
I liked being able to make animations in 2D and 3D, though I seemed to have problems with everything...

3. In general, what did you like least about this class?
Crashes, not being able to complete a project, and blogs. However the blogs weren't so bad once I got a working computer, they were just  a slight annoyance.

4. What was your most favorite project and why?
Probably the 2D short, it was short and we had almost complete freedom with it. Plus, we didn't have scripts that made them all sound the same.

5. What was your least favorite project and why?
The final project, I just had problems with that. I lost 2 days due to the publishing error when we kept troubleshooting the computer, then I couldn't get flash on my computer until the end, and when I was able to work on it from home and bring it in, everything went wrong. I think it was the only project that I didn't finish..

6. Discuss the overall effectiveness of the instructor (for example: preparation, availability, interest, content knowledge, expectations, etc.).
Ms. Licata was generally very helpful. She knew what she was talking about when she taught us lessons and tutorials. She also claimed that she was learning Maya at the same time as us, but she seemed to be able to do everything with ease. I kind of expected her to be a harsh, "you better do this or I'll fail you", kind of teacher, when I heard of the class and how you had to be interviewed to get in, but she was kind and had a good sense of humor, especially when dealing with our whines and complaints.

7. What are the most valuable things you learned in the class?
Ask for help when you need it, don't be afraid to make friends with the people around you, take constructive criticism, ignore distractions, and offer help to others that need it.

8. Do you feel that this class will help you achieve your future academic or career goals? How or why (or why not)?
I believe this class will help me in the future to get a job in the field of animation, I've learned many things about animation from my teacher, and hopefully it will look nice on a resume.

9. How could this class be improved?
I'm not sure. It's not like we can get computers that never crash, or very advanced technology, and we learned very useful things. I think the class is fine as it is.

10. Additional comments:
Honestly, I love this class, it has just been a pleasure to come here everyday. It makes going to school actually worth it. However, we NEED a sound booth. It stinks that we couldn't get the other one because of the fire-code.

class this week

1. I learned that it's important to carefully make a resume.

2. I'd like to learn how to get flash at home.

3. I was frustrated with absolutely everything......

4. I was happy with nothing....really, I'm still very angry that I can't get flash at home..

http://youtube.com/?reload=2&rdm=13zbj017q#/watch?v=pzJ5-2L8ZX8

I thought this pixel art thing was cool....

response to moviegoers numb to the amazing, article

What I learned

1. People have come to expect perfection from movies, not even realizing the hard work and effort it takes to make something that good.

2. "Special effects are no longer special" People don't even acknowledge all the special effects placed in movies.

3. Older movies didn't have digital effects, people had to try hard to make a movie set to look like something else, but these days, those movies now look horrible.

My opinions

1. I've noticed that movies nowadays are heavily reliant on special effects, and that is sad.

2. I still enjoy older movies and especially the cheesy little effects movies.


Will movies years from now just end up being an explosion every 10 seconds?

class this week

1. I learned how to make a decent resume and portfolio.

2. I need to learn to work faster, that "final"project deadline is coming faster than I want it to.

3. I was frustrated that my computer, flash, and audio were all working against me.

4. I was glad that I solved a few problems... i'm still confused how...


So here is a link to a simon's cat video, because they are cute and it was related to the article we read. YAY.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5ODwR6FPRQ

response to anatomy in games article

What I learned

1. Video games over time have been making more realistic looking characters and could one day make characters that look exactly like normal people.

2.  Perfect the shape of your character's design, make sure it is anatomically correct, then add textures.

3. This process can be applied to a variety of characters, whether human or not.

My opinions

1. I don't think believable looking characters is the best way evoke emotion from an audience, its the personality of the character. 

2. The appearance of a character shouldn't have to be incredibly realistic to be likable, just look at the neck-less boxy minecraft characters and super meatboy.

Do we want games to end up having perfectly human looking characters? Games where you can go around murdering 'normal people'? And god forbid the game glitches, and you see a normal person morph into an abomination of limbs...

Response to the YouTube cartoons article

What I learned

1. YouTube gives show creators almost complete freedom to do what they want, without executives telling them how to do it.

2. YouTube also has very little risk, if something doesn't work well you don't lose much money and there are little consequences. 

3. Since YouTube has a comments and like/dislike function, it allows watchers to directly explain their feelings about the show.

*4. Oh my gosh, there is a show called Super F*ckers...

My opinions

1. YouTube seems to be a great idea for any aspiring animator.

2. I love Frederator, especially the Adventure Time and Bravest Warriors shows.

Shows on t.v. still pay more to the creators than shows on YouTube, right?

class this week

1. I learned how to generate silence in audacity, which helped me with the ambient noise problem.

2. I'd like to learn how to lip sync quicker.

3. I was frustrated with the stress of being loaded with school work, on top of trying to get this project done.

4. I was happy that I finished my recording, then I realized it wasn't done.

So,I found this lip syncing timing tutorial made by these guys who make funny cartoons. I think it's cool that they did that. http://youtube.com/watch?v=1a5sdWsRO5g

response to film cliches article

What I Learned

1. Movies, especially short films, tend to have reappearing cliches that tend to stick out.

2. For example, black and white movies, along with post apocalyptic movies are seen as cliches.(this device will absolutely NOT put an accent over the letter e.)

3. There are many cliches in movies and there will always continue to be more.

My Opinions

1. You forgot quite a few of them, such as: Good guy gets the girl, and the underdogs win.

2. I don't consider cannibalism a cliche, I haven't seen a movie about that in… actually I've never seen one.



How many movies can share a common element before it becomes cliche?

response to pixar article

What I Learned

1. Pixar has a system that allows them to render CGI characters/images in a style that looks like a painting.

2. This process allows an artist to paint 2D illustrations over different CG keyframes and the software fills in the parts in between.

3. It's likely that we're only a few years away from a full length movie being made via this process.

My Opinions

1. Personally, I'd like to see a movie that uses this type of style.

2. This looks similar to the cel shaded style of the Borderlands game series.


Could video games be made that use this style?

response to animating like pixar pros article

What I learned

1. It's important for a person to have some life experience to imbue their characters with.

2. If you're animating something that you never did before, try breaking it down into simple components. (If color-coding parts works for pixar, you might want to try that.)

3. Keep things simple, and if they don't work get rid of them.

My Opinions

1. I don't think I'd just scrap an idea that didn't seem to work, I'd probably just keep working with it repeatedly until I can figure out how to fix it.

2. I'm pretty sure stealing is a bad idea, but begging and borrowing are okay things to do.



How long did it take to make a Terri-Terry walk cycle?

class this week

1. I learned that there is a texture in Maya that looks like moving water, so I shall check that out at some later point in time.

2. I'd like to learn to animate quicker.

3. I was frustrated by the storyboard for the final project and blogs.

4. I was happy that I got a new computer and I was happy with my independent study`s progress. (Kevin's whining was not so pleasant.)





http://m.youtube.com/?reload=2&rdm=12a9yz5o6#/watch?v=V2YL_i-Eu24

So this is a link to a math-o-vision video describing how we use proofs in every day life.

Response to filmmaking tips article

What I Learned

1. Teamwork is very important, one person can't do everything.

2. Sometimes children are more open movie-goers than adults.

3. It's important to know how to work with different animating styles, and when you should use them.

My opinions

1. I find this interesting, especially since I never considered putting 'politics' into films I'd work on.

2. I respect this guy, but his movies terrified me as a kid.

Why'd he finally retire?

class this week

1. I learned which independent study I should do (abstract animation) and which song.

2. I just need to learn to work faster, and now instead of maya, I need to learn how to get fash on my cruddy computer at home.

3. I didn't really get mad at much this week, except for school, and these blogs.

4. I was happy with my progress in my work.


I found an 11 second club winner from March 2010 done in maya. Watch it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHGZpgLyYF4

Response to human eyes article

What I Learned

1.  Capturing still images and later playing them back at a high enough rate that they appear to be moving is called “beta movement”.

2. Human eyes don't see single frames, but continuous flows of images. 

3. Human eyes track onto objects and receive a continuous flow of photons onto the retina.

My opinions

1. It's incredible to think about how our eyes work, and the science behind normal camera lenses.

2. Future technological advancements could make our own eyes inferior.



How long will it take for us to have bionic eye implants that are superior to human eyes?

class this week 3/9-3/15

1. I learned more about Premiere and how to make titles in it.

2. I still very much need to learn how to get Maya on my computer at home.

3. I'm still mad that the deadline for the 3D short is on monday and i can't even do anything with it at home.

4. I was happy that the short was extended to Monday but that actually does not help me in the slightest...


I found a thing... It disturbed me greatly. It is a video done in maya to the song 'vicious'. Just... just watch it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-B9ucCIkX0

Response to things creative people do differently article

What I Learned

1. A creative minded person does some of their best thinking when alone.

2. Creative people can turn the hardships of their life into great art or music.

3. Daydreaming is one of the best ways to get ideas for creative people.

My opinions

1. This makes a lot of sense, some of my better ideas even come from daydreaming and spending time alone.

2. I also believe that hardships can be turned into something beautiful, I've heard a few beautiful songs inspired by things like loss or breakups.

Are creative people generally introverts?

Response to cheap+easy black backdrop article

What I Learned

1. The infinite black background makes surrealism and is often used in films.

2. To pull the background off you need black fabric that is unwrinkled, and great lighting.

3. The lighting is the hardest part, but you can still use relatively cheap lights.

My opinions

1. I like this idea, and it's great that you don't have to spend a lot of money!

2. The lights alone would still be a bit of money though.

Roughly how many feet of Fabric would one need?

Response to Ignorant academy voters article

What I learned

1. Hollywood isn't giving animation a fair chance.

2. Some of these voters were incredibly biased, lazy, or just ignorant.

3. A lot of voters abstained from voting for animation.

My Opinions

1. This has actually angered me, Hollywood is stupid.

2. It feels like Frozen won by default.


Shouldn't the voters be required to watch the films and make a choice? They are VOTERS. They should vote.

Response to Minecraft, Sims, future of filmmaking article

What I learned

1. Avatar was the 'biggest grossing procedural based media product' of 2009. 

2. The Sims is capable of being used as a tool for making directable CGI actors.

3. Making a CGI character/world for a movie is very similar to creating one for a game.

My Opinions

1. I don't think that games are ever going to replace movies.

2. I think the idea of making movies in minecraft sounds pretty cool, even though the idea of making games in The Sims, with their disturbing characters and made up language, seems horrible.
I've actually seen an animated series made in minecraft thats currently in its second season, called Seedlings. It's pretty cool.

Aren't there some strong copyright laws or something that wouldn't allow movies to be made out of these games? (Also, I feel like Kevin's gonna like this) 

Class this week, first of march

1. I learned how to put audio files into maya, and placing both of those files into premiere.

2. I'd like to learn how to work faster and get maya on my stupid pc.

3. I was frustrated for a while, with how slowly my 3D short was coming along, but now I feel like I'm just racing against the clock to animate it.

4. I was happy that I got all of my modeling done, I need to grab my storyboard to see what goes where.

Here's a link to a cute 3D short i found while goofing around on youtube, I think it uses the music from UP. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVg-JFlPpDc

ten commandments of directing comedy article response

What I learned

1. You need to have a funny cast AND a funny script for a good comedy

2. You shouldn't judge what you have until you are done editing and it is viewed by an unbiased audience.

3. Be careful not to go too far with comedy, you want the audience to laugh not be disturbed. And you also don't want to not go far enough. Find a common ground.

My Opinions

1. This seems fairly obvious and makes some good points, i.e. cast and script both seem very important for a good comedy.

2. If you make a top ten list of any kind, don't go to 11. That's confusing.

Why are some of these points written in doublespeak?

class this week. last of February

1. I learned basic joints and inverse kinematics in Maya.

2. I'd like to learn how to make my 3D short cooler.

3. I was frustrated with my character for my short due to it not working well with me.
And that I still can't get Maya at home. It's so infuriating.

4. I was happy that we got to see everyone's 2d shorts and Anibots.


Here is a link to a Maya skeleton tutorial video. It's pretty cool.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HJxELstAVKA

lighting tips article response

What I learned

1. Do not render things you can't see, there is no point to anyway.

2. One renderer won't always work so experiment with them.

3. They emulated the same way Michael Bay lights street scenes.

My Opinions

1. It makes sense that if there are objects that exist but can't be seen, they don't need to be rendered.

2. I haven't seen the Lego movie yet, and therefore can not say how the lighting looks, but I definitely want to now.

How long would it take to render just one scene of the movie?

sony pictures imageworks article response

What I learned

1. The style of artist Mary Blair heavily influenced the production design team.

2. Depth styling is changing the look of the scene or objects in the scene based on distance to camera.

3. The design of the 'foodimals' were simplistic looking, but the mechanics of the 'foodimals' were difficult.

My opinions

1. I just watched the movie a few days ago, and it helps to see it first in order to understand the conversation going on here.

2. I liked the movie, but I think the first Cloudy was better

What was the budget for Cloudy 2?

Class this week anibot done.

1. I learned how to kinda fix that annoying anibot eyelid problem... too bad I'll never even use the anibot again anyway. Maybe I'll make it an easter egg in my 3d short, that would be fun.

2. I'd like to learn how to get Maya on my stupid windows 8 compatible gateway computer at home. I would be so happy.

3, I was frustrated at first with the anibot, I couldn't get so many things to work. Then no one could get it to work. So, I guess it is cool now.

4.I was happy that I got it in on time, but I cut it REALLY close.


I thought this link would be cool. Its a bunch of tutorials for you peopele to do when you got free time, I don't have maya at home, but you can use them maybe.
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/100-maya-3d-tutorials-beginners-intermediate-advanced-users/

'5 things introverts bring to movies' article response

What I learned

1. Introverts are generally self motivated and aren't easily distracted. 

2. Introverts are slow paced and calmer than extroverts.

3. Apparently... "No one can write compelling, eloquent and persuasive pieces." I believe they meant to say introverts can... but, This is what I was told, so this is what I learned.

My opinions

1. I believe I am an introvert, however I can be easily distracted...

2. 90% of this article, I agree with. However, if you are going to write an article, spell check it first.

What are the pros of extroverts?

What I Learned

1. They had to deliver 120+ headless shots and 400 other shots in less than 2 weeks.

2. There was a challenge in trying to find a way to show the 'acolytes' die, in a new cool looking way.

3. So, this show exists... Yeah I didn't know that...

My opinions

1. This show better mention Ichabod Crane's name, or I'll be upset.

2. I think it's cool what they did with the 'Phiale'.

When will television stop making shows and movies off of fairy tales? we got like 4 snow white things in a super short amount of time.

Another week of class

1. I learned basic animation and that maya hates everyone equally.

2. I'd like to learn how to get things to work well!

3. I was frustrated that my helmet derped and I had to redo most of it. Also, my computer at home won't let me do maya stuff.

4. I was happy that I got something done...

This is a guy's maya project that he made about pokemon. I think it's sweet!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPGt2fOZaO4

response to raindance passion to reality article

What I Learned

1. Find out how much time you have and use any free hour towards working on your films.

2. It's important to watch your budget, a low budget film can still be a good choice since it won't backfire too hard.

3. One should make a portfolio and research the organisation that they want to join.

My Opinions

1. This article lists off some good tips for any person who aspires to be a film maker.

2. It's apparent that they did not spell-check this article after writing it.....

response to despicable directors article

What I learned

1. Gru was going to be wayyyyyyy more evil than he turned out.

2. The minions were going to be evil, ogre like creatures...

3. They're making a minions movie???

My Opinions

1. I'm glad that Gru did not kill any dogs, and that the minions we changed to what they look like now.

2. I guess I have to go see despicable me 2 now.

What was the budget they had to work with?

How the heck do I fix this? Bold and underline are permanently stuck!

Class this week

1. I learned some of the basics of Maya, including the abominations that you can make without trying.

2. I'd like to learn more shortcuts. That's about it.

3. I was frustrated with how long the tutorials were, and that now I have to do a 5 page paper. Whoop Dee friggin doo.

4. I was happy that we had snow days but, now we're behind, so that part sucks...


This is the coolest thing ever, kinda,. It's the halo 3 trailer but just the modeling.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0UW9NC88OpA

response to computer generated images article

What I learned

1. Digitally and traditionally created films are both in the same group of cinematography

2. Even movies that rely heavily on traditional cinematography have parts of digital created images and vice versa.

3. TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE DEFINITION OF CINEMATOGRAPHY!

My Opinions (bold broke so this is italicized)

1. I suppose it does seem unfair to classify traditionally made films and digitally made films together.

2. I personally think digitally created films look better.

Can there be separate awards for the different methods out making films?