Industry Notebook #1

Summary
　The article is “OUT OF THE SHADOWS” which comes from “Special Effects: The History and Technique (April 3 2007)”, a book that is wrote by Richard Rickitt, is talking about the movie effects and its history. At first, the author introduces some “toys” that were considered as the ancestors of cinema. He also mentions some persons who invented them and how the toys worked. The principle of those toys is manipulating light and shadows. Second, the author introduces “Persistence of vision”, a principle that makes a rapid sequence of different images appear continuous and is what allow people to enjoy watching film and TV. Finally, the article mentions Eadweard Muybridge(1830-1904), a person who developed a system of individual stills cameras set alongside a track to record the normal movement of men, horses and other animals. His photography was very important for the developing of motion picture devices.

Citations
　Richard Rickitt. Special Effects: The History and Technique. Billboard Books. April 3, 2007. Wikipedia <>

My opinion
　There are lots “toys” about shadows that author mentioned in this article. One is called ombres chinoises(Chinese shadow). It is a Chinese doll play. The stage is a translucent paper screen and there is a lamp project on it in the backside. When the characters that are made by leather are put in back of the screen, the character’s silhouette appeared on it. Moreover, the characters have joints. So you can change their pose by sticks. I’ve played it before. The principle is nothing but light and shadows. Although it is simple and easy to play, I didn’t know it is an ancestor of motion picture, further, I realized that a modern machine usually comes from some old, simple, easy ideals and even comes from a toy in my grandpa’s age. In our opinion, the earlier devices of cinema might like toys, they are simple and crude and even easy to make today, but they play an important role in the cinema history. Therefore, we should play our role well in our life, not for you, but for everyone who concern about you.The “Persistence of vision” has been noted by the ancient Greeks. However, it costs a long time to become a motion picture nowadays. The earlier devices were able to be improved, because of people’s curiosity. Even the ancestors failed again and again during the experiment process; it is still a very important motivation to push the cinema industry moving forward. Yes, a motivation is very important when you are doing something. I love watching 3D animations; I believe it could be a good motivation for my learning English. Ha Ha!

An artwork in my field

　Nowadays, due to the fast development of digital technology, people easily make a 3D animation artwork by using their own personal computers. Some of artworks are for commercial use; some of them are just for fun, so evaluating a 3D animation artwork is getting complicated. People like Wall-E because the character is cute, while some one prefers Final Fantasy because its visual effects are stunning. However, in my opinion, creative ideas and a good character design are the crucial principles when evaluating a 3D animation artwork. There are many great 3D animation artworks in recent years, but I would further to take “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride” as an example to support my idea.

　First, creative ideas are an essential part of a 3D animation artwork. Story, dialogs or themes, interesting and unique ideas are the best way to catch audiences’ eyes. People always are expecting an entertaining story or something special when they go to a theater. If the artwork can not please or surprise them, they won’t remember it. On the other hand, creative ideas enable the excited audiences to talk about them and eager for sharing, even willing to go back to the theater again. “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride”, a stop-motion animation artwork made in 2005, is a good example. Director Tim Burton completely shows his unique style and humorous ideas in this artwork. The story is about two different worlds: the living world and the dead world, and the color scheme between those two scenes presents an interesting contrast. That is, the living world is gloomy and boring while the dead world is colorful and carefree. Moreover, the people in the living world are greedy and scheming, but the people in the dead world are joyful and open. Usually, dead world is depicted as obscure and fearful place where the living people don’t want to go; also the paradise is always up in heaven, not underground. Tim Burton attempted to preach that we should be concerned more about living world. These interesting and special contrasts not only present a creative idea, but also provide an attractive element to this successful 3D animation artwork.

　My second principle is character design. It goes without saying that characters are the soul of a 3D animation artwork. A good character design can not only present a living role in front of the audience, but also can reflect their own background and personality traits. Even a supporting role has its own task, so characters need to be strong and interesting in a visual sense to get people’s attention. The characters in Corpse Bride are stand out from other 3D animation. Corpse Bride, the main actress with a decayed wedding dress, is not pretty, nor graceful, a maggot often come out from her eye-socket. She looks not attractive at all. However, these designs honestly show her tragic background, a poor bride was cheated and killed before her wedding. Further, the groom Victor, the clumsy main actor with nice clothes, he is not handsome, nor cute, he is always getting in a trouble, but he dresses well and plays piano well, that shows he comes from a rich family but he is not ingenious. Those designs honestly present a vivid character in front of people further guide the audiences accessible into the story. Such an example shows that Corpse Bride truly makes an impressive character design and inspires me a lot.

　All people have their own opinion when evaluating a 3D animation artwork. A complete consideration of people’s views is difficult to present, because they are so varied. However, unforgettable creative ideas and vivid character designs are the most crucial principles to me, because they guide me to clarify a quality 3D animation artwork from others.


In this article, all the pictures' copyright are belong to Tim Burton's Corpse Bride.
http://corpsebridemovie.warnerbros.com/

Happy Birthday

　Well, today is my brithday. This is my first time having a birthday in other country. However, I am not happy actually, beacuse my homework is havey every week and now I even haven't enroll the following semester's classes yat.

　Even so, I'm an optimistic person, so I still bought a GAP sweater for myself in this afternoon. No matter what the future will be, I wish I can get over all of difficulties in front of me and wish my family and all of my friends are also happy.
　I took these sunset pictures today, and the sunset was beautbul at the moment. I think god does bless me, maybe, ha ha~

Runs VI

　Now I’m study the bone system. First, I have to creative the bones, that including limbs, tails, spines, neck and head. Then adjusting its axis all the bones have to be the same aspect. If not, the bones will go the wrong way. Almost all the bones have to manage one by one. In 3D studio MAX, it has a character system. The system will creative a bone system for user, you don’t have to creative all the bones. So the steps are getting difficult now. Last week, we learned how to creative controls for your character. Tomorrow, we are going to study the rigging system. I hope I can with teacher very well, and don’t be sleepy, bless me.

　By the way, my English class is getting tough. It almost takes me 90% time every week. I study hard, but it’s still not easy to get an “A”. I hope I can pass this class this semester, so that I can focus on my major. Bless me again….

Runs V

　Something about the texture....

　Our teacher loves my character, and he asked me to "shrink" and "sew up" his mouth. Yes, that’s how it happens. The textures took me lots time, especially his face. There are color, bump and specular texture. Because of limited time, I didn't do my best on it. Even, I haven't make his eyebrows yet. Yes, You can also see how time consuming it was from this picture. However, although it was really a laborious task, the texture looks not bad.

　By the way, my mouse is not very comfortable when I was using it. So I decide to use the lab’s tablet in the future.

　The teacher told us that we have to make a 5 seconds animation artwork in the end of this term and the skeleton, IK, rigging are not easy as I thought. So I have lots task to do later. Bless me.

Having a hair cut in the U.S.

　13^th OCT. is my first time having a hair cut in the U.S.. After that my English teacher, Laura said ‘that’s a nice hair cut’, but I think it was just ok. Well, we all know it is expensive that having a hair cut in the U.S., and also I don’t like the ‘tip culture’ here. So I worried about the hair cut, when my hair was getting long.

One day, a senior told me that one of his roommates can do it and he might help me, but the senior forget after that day, so I had to go to a hair salon still. Next afternoon, I went to China town and found a cheapest hair salon in an alley, then went in. The hair salon looked old fashion and a little bit shabby. Although I tried to talk to her and made the air easier, the barber barely said anything. So I just sit and the barber just cut. That’s how it happens. It took me seven U.S. dollars, including 1 dollar tip. I think the price is reasonable, because most of the prices are ten dollars in the main street in China town. This experience is not bad, maybe I’ll go to the same hair salon next time.

Runs IV

　Today is the 7th week of this semester. Also, this week is our Midterm. Yes, a very busy week. And my Runs is almost finish, I put a color texture on it. All the texture worked on the Photoshop and I used nothing but mouse. His UV warp and color texture took me almost two weeks, so that I didn’t have time to draw the bump and specular maps. Today, we have to drop off this character, and this image is the final shot of him.

　As you can see, finally I decided to make a realistic texture, because I think the difficulty is higher than cartoon-like style. Although it took lots time, I fully enjoy it.

　This image is Runs' back. I like his realistic spine. The bumpy spine looks awesome. Further, those back spots are also great. Because they are supposed to be irregular and natural, I managed the spots one by one. Again, although it's truly a time consuming task, I fully enjoy it.

　The last image is Runs' original texture picture. The model was separated at lest 30 parts. Therefore, the final task was to seam them and made all of them being looked seamless. That’s totally a nightmare. Because some seams’ length are not the same, I had to match them one by one, especial his arms and belly. Even, sometimes I had to adjust them one pixel by one pixel.

　I confident that I had already done my best on this project and I wish Runs can bring a good luck for me. This afternoon, our new lesson was creating joints. I am so excited that animating Runs can be excepted soon. Bless me!

Related links:

• 　Runs I
• 　Runs II
• 　Runs III

Presentation day

　Tomorrow morning is my first oral presentation. My object is ‘green ship’, a public art in Fan Francisco. My partner and I are the last team on the list tomorrow. Yes, I know it's not good, but we didn't have any choice.

　Although I’ve prepared this oral presentation for two more weeks and practice it for over six times, I still nervous now. I think my speaking is still not fluent enough, further, I always lost something when I practice. Is my practice not enough or I am over nervous? I don’t know. The only one thing I know is that I just want to do my best in all my classes, even it’s tough. So, pray for me and wish I have a good luck tomorrow morning.

Public Art

　What kind of artwork is free and can be seen, be touched, even be photographed everyday? That is public art. However, although people can enjoy it in our daily life easily, it is sometimes difficult to discuss people’s views of public art, because this is such a multifaceted topic. Some people think that the public art is a bridge between artists and viewers, some people think that public art is only a beautiful decoration somewhere. However, it is very important that public art can educate its viewers about multiple topics, such as contemporary issues, artist’s personal experience and reviewing our history.

　Public art has a potential power to influence viewers. Public environment and no charge enable public art to deliver the contemporary issues faster. A classic example is Keith Haring. Subway billboards, street walls and freeway advertisements, his artworks could be seen from diverse public areas. The simple and semiotic painting makes his concepts accessible to the viewers. Moreover, the ideas, such as birth, death, love, war and drugs were also easy to understand. People can see them and think about those social issues almost everyday. Therefore, through contemporary issues, public art educates people about what we should care about or consider more in our environment.

　Artist’s personal experience could present different idea to viewers. In the United States, people come from many countries. The artist’s different background and culture certainly provide varied resources to public art. Do Ho Suh, a Korea artist, is a case in point. His “Public Figures” (1998-1999) is a good example. Every young boys have to serve in military in Korea. He did too. So he showed his personal experience from the military in “Public Figures”. The artwork told us that a hero’s achievement needs to be supported by a lot of people, everyone is very important for their country. However, military service in the United States is voluntary, so young boys do not need to serve in military. They might never care about their personal value even what they can do for their country. Do Ho Suh’s “Public Figures” indeed gives a different idea to the people in the United States.

　Besides contemporary artworks, historical monuments also are playing an important role in public art. As we know statues and plaques are common in public area, but why they were built there? It must be because of a memorable person or an unforgettable achievement. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a prime example. When people see the great monument, it not only tells the president’s glory stories, but also teaches people never forget their devotions. Generation by generation, people keep their history and appreciate those leaders. Therefore, it is clear that the public art educate people about its topic.

　The function of public art is versatile. It goes without saying that public art can beautify environment or be a communicator, but I think the most important function of public art is educating people. Of course, there might be an argument to be made for another position. However, for the reasons that I have presented above, I feel that my opinion is the most valid.

Runs III

　Sorry for haven't post new article for one week, because my homework is getting heavy. I have to pay lots time on my homework and the weekly test. However, Even so, I still work hard to finish it as possible as I can.

　This is Run's model so far, it almost finished. I might modify some details, but it won't change too much. Yes, this is my first time modeling in MAYA. I'm not familiar with this great software, but I work hard on it. The model costs me one week and I made it by polygon not NURBS. Now I'm thinking is the realistic texture better for him or the cartoon-like? I know the realistic style is awesome, but it must costs more time. I'm not sure if my time is enough or not. Such a dilemma, isn't it?

　If interest, you can click the picture further look the wired frame in GIF animation, the structure will be clearer, also you can check it with its draft in Runs II.

boeuf Bourguignon

　Yes, I cooked boeuf Bourguignon yesterday, and it tasted awesome. I found the key-point is beef. The beef has to be chose carefully. I’ve already knew what beef is better for my cooking now. It goes without saying that a nice beef makes a delicious meal.

　Last time the beef stew is Chinese style, this time boeuf Bourguignon is West style, and I love both of them.

Beef stew

　I love cooking and enjoy delicious food. This is my first time to make a beef stew. However, I don’t like it….

　I was going to make a "boeuf Bourguignon"this afternoon, but I forgot to buy a beef broth, a very important material for boeuf Bourguignon. Therefore, a traditional Chinese beef stew was coming, because it doesn’t need beef broth and easy to cook. Ok, Every material were ready, Let's cook!

　At first,I fired onions, tomatos, celery, gingers, and the beefs. Second, put all of them into a deep pot with a little salt, 2 bay leaves and 2 piece of aniseed. Finally, stewed them with low fire. After three hours. done!

　The beef stew cost me three hours. Yes, a little tough, not as easy as I thought before. However, although it smells good, the beef is a lot bit hard. Maybe I should use sirloin next time.

Moon Festival

　Sep. 14th is Moon Festival, a very important day in Chinese culture. However, Taiwan is surfing a typhoon now; and almost all the Taiwan island is raining or over cloudy. It’s pity that Chinese can’t see moon in this day. Therefore, I took this picture out side and upload it here. My dear friends, just came here if you can’t see the moon.

　　Camera: D70
　　Lens:AFS 17-35 F/2.8 IF-ED(Sorry, I left my telephoto lens in Taiwan)

Walking around my place

　It’s still a shiny day and the sea wind sill blows hard. I went around near my place with my camera this afternoon.

　The church was holding a wedding ceremony when I walked around. This church isn’t big, but people love to hold their wedding ceremony here. I don’t know why.

　The red tablecloth is conspicuous, isn't it? However, It’s not good to take pictures to others without permission, so I just took this picture out side and went away.

　On my way home, I found the cerulean sky, the bright white house, the green grasses and the red line near the road. As you see the picture, the contract is impression.

My back yard

　I took this picture in the morning three days ago. I just got up, through my big window I looked around outside in the shiny morning. The green grasses with little yellow flowers, comfortable breeze blown the tree, the fresh air flowed into my room, the cerulean sky came some sea gulls and the wonderful sunshine arounded me. I decided to photograph it. Yes, as you are seeing, the awesome scenery just in my back yard.

　　Camera: Nikon D70
　　Lens: AFS 17-35 F/2.8 IF-ED+CPL

Runs II

　This is RUN’S font, side view which is just finished yesterday night. Moreover, after referencing a kangaroo, I decided to give him a tail; the tail would make his body has a proportion while he is moving. 　As you see this reference picture above. Kangaroo's tail is very strong, but RUN'S isn't, because his tail is for visual balance noly. ha ha~

　Now, my new character is ready to model in Maya. He will be my first Maya work and the good new is that I think it’s not tough at all. However, everything can’t be all set till my teacher check it. God bless me!

Runs I

　This is a new character draft that I created for my Maya-1 modeling class. I name him "Runs". Here is the character feature:

Runs

　The thin guy is invisible. He has a big belly with lots needles on it. His eyes have poor vision, but the big, sensitive nose will enable him to find foods. However, finding food is not for eating, because he doesn’t have any teeth. Why?
　He has the power to control people’s stomach and intestines. If you waste your food, he will pull out a needle from his belly and stick it into yours; you won’t feel anything, but soon you will have loose bowels. Further, the time that you spend on the toilet will become his life. Therefore, more time you spend in the toilet more life he gets. Beware, don’t waste your food!

Sep/8th/2008　Lance

a letter to my english teacher in Taiwan.

Dear Richard daddy

　I have been in San Francisco for 3 weeks. I rented a room, established a new back account. Further, my senior classmates help me a lot, so I getting know this city. As you told me, San Francisco is a wonderful city. Although the living cost here is very high, I like this amazing city. Hope you will be my gust here someday.

　The term began at Sep/4th and although I have to take an ESL class, I'm in the highest level there. The ESL teacher is very friendly and experienced; I think I can improve my english as soon as possible. However, the formal classes teachers are still speak very fast. Sometimes I can’t follow them, but I believe I can get over it. Don't worry about me. Everything is getting on track. Also, you should take care yourself.
Best regard

　Here are my address and phone number in SF :
　****-* ******* **. San Francisco, CA, 94130 U.S.
　1-415-***-****

Lance

cooking rice with microwave oven

　Yes, I like to enjoy rice than noodles, so rice is very important to me. Before I came to San Francisco, my ex-coworker gave me an electric rice cooker. It looks great. However, it just worked once and dead then. After buying the microwave oven, someone said that it can't cook rice, but I try to find the way that cooking rice by a microwave oven. I searched the microwave oven’s manual on the internet and learn how to cook rice. Consequently, I did it! The tip is that the water that you put into the cooker with rice has to be double amount of the rice. It’s pretty easy, isn’t it?

Salsa crema

　I tried to make delicious spaghetti two days ago. However, the meal was not as good as I expect.
　I cooked it with beef, milk, butter, and some sauces that I just bough from Safeway supermarket. I tried to make white sauce. The noodles is fine, the beef is also fine, but It didn’t taste very good; I don’t know how to describe it. The sauce I tried to make is “salsa crema”. Yes, that’s what we call “white sauce”. But unfortunately, I fail.
　Yesterday, I tried to make white sauce again. This time, I change beef into chicken, and plus another sauce that I just bought from supermarket and put some cream style sweet corn into then. Guess what? It tasted great, the chicken is tender, further the sauce is a lot bit sweet, a lot bit sour and lots cream. The drink is orange juice. I do love them!

The correct name of the sauces I just mentioned above:
　Pesto sauce GREEN
　Salsa crema WHITE
　Salsa pomodoro RED