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Research::

Other interesting effects can be found elsewhere. In an episode of The Simpsons Homer is transported into a 3D world, where he is represented in 3 dimensions. Not only is this hilarious to watch, but it is interesting to see how a fully 2D character translates into 3D. This leap from 2D to 3D is illustrated nicely when realises that he has volume. "What is going on here? I'm so bulgy. My stomach sticks way out in front and my... ARGH!" - Homer
The whole sequence when Homer (and then Bart) is in 3D is technically great. Homer still moves like in 2D, with all his manerisms intact which implies that 3D animation shouldn't be any different from 2D. All of the fluidity and style should carry over, but fro some reason no one has managed it yet! That is a generalisation, which is quite possibly wrong. What I mean is that I haven't often seen any 3D work that has the same character as 2D work
Treehouse of Horror VI- The Simpsons
Click pic for video
For this project it will be necessary for an original animation be used. The reason behind this is that any 2D animation derived from a clip will already be influenced by someone else. Originality in source material is required. Therefore the animation will be improved according to what I think, and not what the previous artist tried to achieve.

The clip to be used will be a short animation of a puppy jumping through a hoop. A major influence on choosing this subject matter, ie. a puppy, is a purely personal one. I have always wanted to animate a puppy, as they are so much fun to watch! Animals tend to translate to 2D as much more cartoony, dynamic characters than humans. By using a puppy I will already have a headstart with the 2D style that I am trying to achieve.

To find out how cartoon dogs move, a clip of Mulan came in very useful. Click here for a clip Near the begining of the film we are introduced to Little Brother, Mulan's dog. The animation fo the dog is superb. We get a real sense of clumsiness, mischief, playfulness and everything else associated with a dog like that. When examined frame by frame the animator puts Little Brother is some extreme poses. These look completely out of place when viewed individually, but when played back give the dog his lovely movement. This is exactly what will be needed with the 3D puppy. The fluidity must carry across into my own animation.



Innovations Project:: Daniel Canfora
MMI