December 29th, 2011
Progression
Every once in a while there is a scene that hits you like a rock. Cate Blanchett’s acting in the movie Heaven (2002) about a woman being accused of killing four people, is one of those scenes I’ve watched so many times from a realness point of view as well as the strong choices. If given the choice I’d look at real footage of people crying, but this scene I found it so strong that I really wanted to share. Watch in 720p if possible.
Main thing I wanted to point out were the different attitudes throughout the shot, and the overall progression.
- She first starts out pretty dismissive. Expression through half eyelids/mouth corners is pretty self explanatory.
-The next 30 seconds follow with tons of details going on throughout the face before she leans forward. Some of these that really stick with me are:
0:16: “Quattro”. If I turn the volume down, my eyes go to the hesitation through the eyelids.
0:24: the subtle eyebrow move after he says the word “Ascensor” brings great subtext to her taking in what’s going on.
0:26-0:30: this is some of my favorite stuff. Pay attention to the white surrounding the pupils. Again it’s subtle, but less is more sometimes.
Her choice leaning forward and covering her mouth is a great one. Somehow feels real to me. Something that I’d see someone doing in real life under tragic circunstances. If it feels real, to me then it’s a great choice as I can relate.
0:34-0:44: She stays in the same pose. Pretty much what the guy says carries this length beautifully. Again less is more. This is a great example that you don’t need to always have acting/gestures or the face moving.
0:50: from this point on, the way she tries to handle her feelings and emotions and breaks down, is a display of both intense and serious amazing acting. From the subtle looks away to the lip quivers. Watch away and take away what you see.
0:54: great internal dialogue between her and the character played by Giovanni Ribisi without saying a word.
I don’t see acting progression that much different than scene/shot/story progression…unless there is a point to the lack of progression, or there is something helping that progression otherwise. For examples, two characters talking. One is not moving or doing anything, however the other character and the exchange is what’s still helping it move the shot forward.
If there is anything to take away from this post, is to bring your shot somewhere…be it in the acting, the story, etc. Don’t keep it flat or without changes or else it’ll be trickier to have an audience follow throughout. Changes keep things interesting.
I hope this helps.
Happy New Kick Ass 2012 Year for everyone.
Carlos
December 23rd, 2011
Thailand
Just got back from Thailand for 5 days. After working 7 day weeks since June, this was a much needed trip for me. I was going nuts and needed to step away from a computer. Thailand was beautiful, and while it was pretty touristy, there are just so many amazing areas to explore. People were very nice as well. Highly recommended.
I put a small video below of the 5 days I spent there. Shot with my beaten up Nikon D90 and a small GoPro. I have to give it to Nikon, as I’ve dropped, roughed, watered and used the hell out of that camera, and it continues to work. Hope you enjoy.
Carlos
December 23rd, 2011
Malaysia & The One Academy
I wanted to take a moment to thank the wonderful people in Malaysia that treated me really well during my stay. From Tatsun Hoi, Founder of The One Academy and very thoughtful/generous host, to his incredible crew, especially Hooiling Lee, Loh Wong Loon, Ang Choon Khen, Mohd Nazri, Jane Wong, Lee Loong Wun. Thank you. You all made this trip an unforgettable one.
Below are a couple of pictures from the event.
Carlos
Oh yeah, bonus face.
Some additional pictures of the trip in this Flickr link.
December 19th, 2011
Shortfilm: Positions
Hi everyone,
Just getting back to the US after a trip to Malaysia/Thailand. I’ll do a separate post on that, as it was really a great trip in many ways. I’m ready to get back to work. I’d like to bring up that we are in search of some positions on the Animated CG Short film. Since it’s a self-funded independent Short film, the work is essentially volunteered and while everyone involved is financially compensated, I can’t pay competitive salaries. We are looking for people who would like to essentially volunteer to join our amazing team of artists in hopefully creating a visually unique film.
Thanks for understanding. These are the current needed positions.
- CG Coordinator (2 positions)
- Character FX Artist
- Shader Texture Artist
- Set Designer
- Lead VFX Simulation Artist
Please send resumes and/or let me or my Producer Sasha Korellis (sasha@sashakorellis.com) know if you are interested in any of these positions and we’ll send you a full description of what it is that we need and can offer.
NOTE: The work can also be done remotely.
Thank you.
Carlos.
November 26th, 2011
Muppets & Animation
Well, I just got out from watching The new Muppets film. What a beautiful ride. I laughed my ass off, I cried several times and best of all, I had a totally amazing time at the Theater. The crowd was up there, clapping, laughing, etc. And what a reminder of why growing up with the Muppets / Sesame Street is one of the best things that ever happened to me while growing up, and later in my life as an animator.
Growing up it was one of the best things, for so many reasons. I just simply smile while watching them be so alive. Always have and I’m pretty sure always will. It’s the magic of puppeteering and animating. When I’m watching, I’m always involved on the character and not the performer behind them. To this day, I’m still blown away that so many scenes in the film I watched today, affected me emotionally or made me laugh to the point of snoring on my laugh. Yes, I said it.
As an animator, the Muppets have influenced in ways not many other things have. To this day I still use the following Mahna Mahna clip as an example of how you don’t need fancy facial controls, elaborated spine overlap or even IK, to make a character be alive, and feel for him/her.
This is all timing, spacing, contrast…and very creative choices of staging and directing the viewer’s eye. I must of watched this clip hundreds of times, no joke. It never gets old, and it never ceases to entertain me. A great example of simplicity.
Another favorite of mine, you can’t miss. Rowlf’s Piano Sonata moments:
Simplicity is quite an amazing thing. I believe Toy Story 1 was animated to a great extend without leg IK contraints…and to this day is still one of my top animated films I’ve ever watched. So true the expression “The magic of film”. Back to the Muppets. I think I’ve always secretly wanted to be a puppeteer. I just sucked at it. Didn’t take me long to realize that. Same as with stop-motion. I tried, I failed, but I tried. I even tried some Muppet tests on my own a few years back. Warning: some pretty bad film-making ahead. I was learning…I had no friends…no life…
I even recycled the same audio…awful. Anyways. However, I loved doing these tests. No matter how much I suck at it, still have a kick ass time and love anything Muppet related. Watching today’s Muppet film, made me realize that I’ll always love the Muppets.
Go see the film. It’s beautiful, funny, smart and will make you be a kid all over (not that we are not).
Carlos, a huge Muppet fan.
November 14th, 2011
Malaysia Talk & The One Academy
For those interested, I’ll be teaching with animator/Animation Mentor partner Shawn Kelly at the One Academy in early December. Very excited to travel, meet people and take a small break from my current schedule. I haven’t traveled in a while. Here is the information about the classes:
Malaysia Talk at the One Academy
Would love to meet those of you who will be able to make it.
Carlos.
October 12th, 2011
SketchTravel
Fantastic project, cause and Shortfilm created by Pixar Co-Worker Dice Tsutsumi. Check it below:
To find out more about it:
Carlos.
October 10th, 2011
Evan Richards Cinematography Link
While things have been slow on the blog on my end, I still wanted to pass a jewel of a link I found recently. Evan Richards breaks down many famous/classic cinematography awarded films and shares screencaps and wonderful works and examples of composition with us. It’s helpful stuff beyond belief. Thanks to Eduardo for the tip.
Thanks Evan. And enjoy his website.
Update: Be sure to also check out this other site for more fantastic screencapture resources. Thanks Billy for the tip.
Carlos.
September 27th, 2011
Shortfilm: Creature Designer Needed.
Hi everyone,
We are in search of a strong Creature Character Designer. Any help or referrals will be greatly appreciated. Reply privately. Thank you.
Carlos.
September 22nd, 2011
Update
First of all, my apologies to those who have been writing asking questions, asking for feedback or asking for help of any kind. I honestly haven’t found the time to stay on top of the blog email. Things have been busy on my end working long hours on two projects until next Summer.
However, I’d love to still help out in any way I can. Let me know if you are interested in me talking about anything in particular and if I can be of any help, I’ll do my best. There are some learning things I’d love to share in the future when I find the time and can put something decent together.
Carlos.
