Blockout 7

I experimented by collecting what I considered to be the strongest footage of my previous blockouts and tests and assembled them into one film. Because of the way I have put it together the camera cuts are very rough and many of the compositions had to be flipped to make it make sense. I think the story works well but my lecturers still have problems with it. However I have no more time to adjust it as I am already falling behind schedule. The films duration is now 1 min 11.

I also tried the blockout without the plum (below) and although this cut off a few seconds I do not think it makes sense.

Moments

My lecturers still feel the motives are unclear and story unrealistic and recommend I change it. Despite it being late in the schedule and me wanting to get on with production, I know the importance of having a believable story and have therefore decided to experiment by blocking out a series of 'moments' that could then be used of additions or improvements for my story.

I developed the climbing down sequence placing more emphasis on the boy's unsure footing. I think this is an improvement although probably needs to be pushed further.

I experimented by decreasing the size of the mound as I thought it was needlessly big. Although most of the animation is unchanged certain bits are more effective.

At several places the boy is on the verge of becoming mean, a characteristic I am wanting to avoid; the idea being a mischievous boy out looking for adventure and excitement. I liked the idea of him giving a glance over his shoulder to check he is not being watched before sneaking towards the goat.

I extended the shot of the goat trying to escape the oncoming boy. I think the goats actions are now clearer.

I played with the proportions of the stick, enlarging it so the boy struggled to lift it. The concept is good, although to include it I would want to change the whole film to focus on the boys struggle with it.

I gave the boy a saucepan helmet to help clarify him wanting to be a knight. I tested out the new prop in the reaching for a plum scene. Although a fun animation it is out of character for the boy and therefore will not be used. The saucepan works well though and I am thinking of keeping it.

Based off a home video I happened to see recently, of me nearly three years old attempting to force feed grass to five unimpressed adult goats already munching away at the village green. I modified the stick giving it a leaf at the end which catches the goats attention. The animation has not worked well but I think it is a strong idea and one I would like to include in my film. Maybe after this the boy could hold the stick protectively from the jaws of the goat and then spy the plum to distract the goat with.

A problem with the current ending to the film is that the goat just seems to accept the boy on it's back as there is a gap before the boy gives the plum as a token of gratitude. I added the goat trying to shake the boy off and now thinks it makes sense. The purpose of the goat to start galloping is also unclear. I wanted the goat to hold some affection for the boy; maybe he is a regular visitor to the otherwise lonely goat. I was finding it difficult to show affection (looking up fondly, galloping off with a smile) because of the limitations of the rig I am using for the blockout; its purpose being to give an example of how to rig a quadruped so there is no eyes or facial rig. To solve this problem I have used the leaf on the end of the stick to act as motive for the goat to start galloping. The action is maybe too quick to be read and I still prefer the original motive.