Pre-Production and Style Tests

So, as I mentioned last week I have an idea for a new film. I've started some pre-production this week in the evenings after work and this is what I've got. Above is an influence map of what I'm looking at - on the far left are photographs of industrial revolution cities, where my story is set. As you move further right, the photographs change into drawings and paintings that are influencing me visually and stylistically. I really like the idea of emphasising colours and shapes in the designs.

Sneak Animation Test from Julia Young on Vimeo.

Above is a quick animation test I did over a very rough concept background. The girl (as yet unnamed) in the shot is the main character of the story. In this shot she's sneaking around at night, avoiding the police who might stop her.

I'm playing with the idea of using variations of one colour over an entire background; this is a sunny day, versus the purple night in the animation test. I'm also experimenting with simplicity versus detail. I'm looking for a balance that leaves the focus as the shapes and colours but gives a bit more information and life than the above test.

Church Roof Fund

Recent cartoons to aid the local church repair fund. I had a play with the concept of the thermometer that's used to mark the money raised. Getting the building 'on the mend' was the idea!

News and Stuff

So, last week was the first public screening of 'The Keeper' at its first pubic festival! The Smalls festival is a festival for 'short films on small screens'. The awards ceremony was on Thursday and here are some pictures of the location.

Unfortunately Josh couldn't join me there because he was struck down with a cold, but I kept him updated with an ongoing commentary. The festival was held at Hoxton Arches in London in a unit made from the train bridge arch. It was a very cool event!

In other news, I'm thinking about making another film. I've started doodling storyboards and character designs and below is a quick rough walk cycle test of a character concept.

Walk Cycle Test from Julia Young on Vimeo.

Canada Comic

Hi everybody, I hope you're all well and have had/are having a lovely summer! Since you last heard from me I've been to Canada, staying with my family and dear friends at a lake house in Quebec. It was totally wonderful and very needed after a hectic third year! Whilst there I produced a mini-comic in watercolours based at the lake. I thought I'd share a couple of panels with you today.

For the comic I used A4 pieces of paper which I divided into double-page spreads. Having thumbnailed the story I knew that by working on such a small scale the project would take very little time and I could enjoy painting without worrying about finishing. It's been a while since I last worked with watercolours and I loved using them again!

Since you last heard from me I have also graduated from university and started my new job at Fettle Animation! I started today and I love it already. Hopefully now that I'm back on a regular schedule and in the UK again, Monday posting can resume!

Annecy Festival 2015

Just got back from the 2015 Annecy International Animated Film Festival with these lovely people! Just enough energy left to let you know that I'm back and had a lovely time - normal posting will resume next week.

Top row, from left to right: Sian Mills, James Stafford, Tad Davies, Saeed Ahmed, Laura Jones, Josh Cranton.

Bottom row, from left to right: Jason Evans, Ciprian Costas, Katie Green, Robyn Kelly, Hannah Evans, Gary Seto, Stephanie Howell, me.

All of their blogs can be found in the sidebar!

New Showreel

Showreel May 2015 from Julia Young on Vimeo.

Recently I had to put together a showreel of my work from the last three years of university and I thought I'd share it with you today. You can also find it on the homepage of my website.

You may not hear from me for a couple of weeks now - I'm leaving for the Annecy Film Festival on Friday and so my posting for the next couple of weeks entirely depends on whether or not I find any internet connection!

End of Third Year

Keeper: Sneak Peak from Julia Young on Vimeo.

Well, as stated that it would be in my last blog post, since you last heard from me the film has been finished! We have also enjoyed our end of year show where, judged by A Productions in Bristol, the film won the 'Best 2D' category! This marks for us the end of University and it certainly feels odd...

I hope you enjoy the sneak peak posted above; the film in its entirety will be put up both here and on my website once it has completed the festival circuit. I'd just like to take this post to thank again all of those who were involved in the production of the film - you're all the best!

Some credits again and links to websites:

Soundtrack - Joe Barlow

CG Artist - Rhys Jones

CG Animator - Gary Seto

Compositor - Georgia Dutton

Super-duper special thanks to Jason Evans

Thanks as well to Ben Mitchell from Skwigly for taking these photos at our end of year show, 'Animotion'. Congrats to all the winners!

From left to right - Sian Mills, Saeed Ahmed, Josh Cranton & myself, Alice Parkes, Steph Howell