While browsing the internets for animations, particularly on youtube I find myself coming across a lot of films from the Vancouver Film School (VFS). The quality of these videos really stand out to me, mostly 3D animation, they are all finished to a very high standard.
I thought I would share with you some of my favourites that I've seen.
This one is my favourite so far; 'Decency' by Dongkun Yoon, the simple character design and cartoony style allow for very exaggerated animation and expression, while keeping it still believable. I also thought that the voice acting was pretty decent (sound is so often overlooked in animation (one of my biggest problems at the moment) and it has a huge effect on the film). I didn't care for the cruelty in the film, I would have preferred the taller character to have stood up for the frog rather than giving into peer pressure, though I sense the point of the animation was to invoke sympathy for the frog.
This one called 'Border' by Bastian Van Rooden is another great one, the idea itself is simple and the way the film plays out is entertaining. Characterizing a standard object can be a tricky job and I think he did a great job. Extra kudos for the 'Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy' reference at 2:22, I love finding little reference like that in movies and games!
'Space Pop' by Rafael Graça Teixeira is a simple but funny film. The strength of this film is in the animation, the various happenings in the film cause the character to make some very varied movements such as swimming and 'doggy paddling'. Though there isn't really much of a story there, I believe this would make a great film for a show reel as it showcases a lot of skills; lighting, expressions and varied animations, which I hope we'll be able to squeeze into our film next year.
I'm fairly certain that this could be the film school which Robear mentioned to me last year, I'm extremely impressed by the quality of some of the films coming out of that school. Would definitely be a good investment of a year, if only I could afford the fees. More info on their site here.
I've seen the top 2 before and don't care much for the first's storyline, however it is well animated. The second is clever and an unusual story. And I agree with you on the 3rd animation, simple story and would look good on a show reel :)
ReplyDeleteI keep coming across the Vancouver Film School animation channel too, it's not the one I have mentioned but it is similar, VanArts is the animation school I told you about.