This term we are tasked with the production of LIAF animations. We will work on a theme of our choice based on our interests and then produce a simple animation prep over a 3-week period. Then we present in front of our tutors and many experienced directors, who finally choose the projects and the directors, and then the students form teams of 3 to complete the project.
The whole process is very much like a bidding event in the animation industry. And through mentors, in the industry, if you want to become a director, you need to have the ability to do a presentation to show your idea.
So I was very surprised that I was selected. During the 3 weeks of preparation, the tutorials were very helpful. I kept discussing my story, design and shots with the tutors and students and anyone I can meet and got all kinds of feedback from them.
A lot of feedback has given me a lot of inspiration, but at the same time, I have received a lot of completely opposite opinions, which has sometimes confused me. It also made me realise that to be a director you have to understand very clearly what you want to say and what you can give up in order to say the story.
I was lucky enough to have two perfect partners, Ark and Luna, and we were able to work perfectly together to make the whole process go very successful.
In this project, I took on the role of director and did visual development, storyboarding and animation. The equivalent of me trying out the central part of simple 2D animation production. It was a great feeling to complete a full animation for the first time and I really enjoyed the process, which has reinforced my desire to pursue a career in animation after graduation. So I will try to learn more about the animation industry in the next Blog.