Conclusion: VFX101 - Assignment #3

As annoyed as I am with my animation and the response it got, I genuinely feel that it was a positive learning experience.
For pretty much all of my life I've put the minimum amount of effort which has always been enough to get a pass. But now, after producing an animation that I was truly ashamed of and most probably failing this subject I realise what was the point in getting "bare-ass" passes in the first place? Sure I got a bit more time to sit around being lazy, but that's about it.
Since the kick in the backside I figure why not work hard on my assignments and create something that I can be proud of. By doing that I would also improve my chances of getting a job, as this would add quality work to my portfolio.

Okay, back to my Assignment #3 animation. Here's a breakdown of what I did, and what I will do in the future:

(Based off the VFX101 Subject Outline)

Pitch:
This Time: Believe it or not but I did have a pitch ready on the date requested. However after the pitches were delayed to the next week, then cancelled I didn't chase my lecturers up to present my pitch.

Next Time: Next time I'm assuming that we will have another lesson dedicated to our pitches, but if not I will make sure to visit either of our lectures and make sure to have my pitch approved before continuing on.


Animatic:
**I did have sketches and a storyboard drawn up. I also had my plot finalised**
This Time: I didn't believe that an animatic was necessary for particular animation, and the closest thing to an animatic I used was the early production files for my animation. (Even though I don't think and animatic was necessary for this animation, I still should have shown the timing and basic structure from my earlier production files).

Next Time: I aim to have a basic animatic, with my storyboard, within a week of my pitch being approved and will screen it at the dailies. I will then modify it accordingly from the critiques. (This is something I didn't do for the whole of my previous animation.)


Pre-vis Sequence:
This Time: I did not do this step at all in my previous animation, however I don't think we were expected to as I don't think it was discussed in the lectures or workshops.

Next Time: I will endeavourer to ask about this step for my next animation. If it is advised I will show/discuss my previs sequence with my lectures.


Preview Screening:
This Time: I didn't submit work for any of the dailies/preview screenings.

Next Time: In the VFX101 Subject Outline the description for this step is the exact same as for the previous step (I'm assuming they are not actually the same). I will aim to screen my Work In Progress once or possibly twice weekly to gain maximum feedback.


Final Animation:
This Time: My animation was completed on the night before it was due and the disc was compiled on the morning it was due. Because of this my final animation had several problems (such as my sound not working).

Next Time: To help prevent late-minute stuff ups and unforeseen problems I am aiming to have my animation finished two days before it is due, so I can have time (and less stress) to fix up and minor problems.


Other Notes:
Sound: To improve the quality of my work I also need sound. Instead of adding sound a couple of days before the animation is due, I plan to have my sound recorded (even a rough/basic recording) for my animatic. When it comes time for proper sound recording I will have to get help/info from my lectures

Hopefully next time my conclusion will me much improved :D