1.16.2012

Seminar #1: 3D PuppetFilms - Preproduction!!

Preproduction for Live Action 3D Puppetfilms
Monday January 16, 2012, 6:50 - 10:00 p.m.


Over the next three weeks the focus will be on PREPRODUCTION!!!

1. STORY AND VISUAL CONCEPTS

Story
- pick a simple, visual story that would be difficult to execute otherwise
- three minutes or less is plenty long enough
Visual Research
- look for images that will inform and enhance the visual approach to your story
- find textures, patterns, motifs, and tactile finishes that speak to your project
Images
- style, palette, feeling, shadows, etc.
- identify the mood and feeling that best serves the story
Character and set design
- be inventive and take some risks!
- utilize the medium!
- why puppets, why not actors? you have control over the look of everything!  

2. INSPIRATION
Inspiration Collection: throughout your process, it is extremely helpful to collect images, ideas, colours, patterns, and any other elements that give you the feeling you are looking for with your project. It will help immensely. You should immediately start compiling at least one of the following, if not all three:
- production journal: a physical scrapbook/notebook
- dream box: a container to hold images and items for inspiration or fabrication
- concept blog: a digital scrapbook for links and uploading digital media  

3. SHOT PLANNING
Visual Storytelling
- consider line, tone, shape, color, camera, etc.
Storyboards: much more important in puppetfilms than regular filmmaking
- they dictate HOW you build your sets, puppets, etc.
- they dictate scale and functionality, character and set gimmicks, etc
- they dictate what kinds of camera tricks, tracks, cranes, etc. you’ll need
** storyboards are essential!!! before you build your puppets/sets, you MUST have your shots figured out. Otherwise you will either waste a lot of fabrication time and build things multiple times, and/or have a frustrating time shooting **
YOUR FIRST ASSIGNMENT, SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT: 
Build A Preproduction Package (Jan. 16 - Feb. 6)

At the very least, this should include:
- script: a very short script - it can be a silent film, remember - keep it under 3 minutes!
- style: what is the LOOK and FEEL of your project? explore/identify
- palette: a nice limited palette -- not too many colours, and all chosen for a reason
- set design: as many designs as you can collect so that building goes smoothly
- character/puppet design: any hits you might have on how to put your puppets together
- storyboards: storyboards are essential!!!
- inspiration collection(s): the more of this stuff you have, the richer your film will be
- anything else: any other visual concepts: mechanics, tests, etc.


Feel free to come down to the Works to focus on your preproduction and brainstorm with other Puppetientists 


(note: Chrystene will be out of town Jan 18-25, but you can get into the studio by co-ordinating with the Filmpool). See you for the FABRICATION SEMINAR, 7-10pm, February 6th, at the Underground PuppetFilm Works!
puppetz rule!