We will be exploring two different ways to achieve a morph animation. In both cases the goal is not only to get from the first to last target in so many increments, it is also to get there with character and energy in your motion. Use your breakdown to establish arcs. Squash and stretch can add visual interest to your motion. Anticipation, holds and eases can add character to you timing.
1. CLAY MORPH - REPLACEMENT
12-14 clay replacement states, shot at 12fps in one's.
Start by sculpting your target objects. Remember to keep it simple.
Pro tips:
- Maintaining volume can make the difference between smooth motion and erratic animation. One way to maintain volume is to start with 12-14 identical balls of clay.
- Make a small mark on your stage so as not to loose your center.
Instructions:
- Work out some options in your sketch book first. You may even want to test you ideas with a flipbook.
- Sculpt your keys first (morph targets) for your beginning and end states.
- Sculpt Breakdowns. These define your arcs. This is where you make your morph interesting.
- Shoot test 1: Keys and Breakdown states
- Sculpt eases and inbetweens to establish final timing.
- Shoot test 2: Final Replacement states.
- Final Shoot: Now that you have your animated states, take some time with lighting and plan out your final shoot.
- Export MP4 Movie and Archive Dragonframe Project
Specs:
- Final piece should be between 5 and 6 seconds
- Add sound FX in Premiere
- 1920 x 1080 h264 12 fps
Name: simpsonB_replacementMorph.mp4
2. CLAY MORPH - IN CAMERA
Animated morph in 12 steps. Shot in 1's at 12 fps while animating clay directly under the camera.
Pro tips:
- Warm clay is so much easier to animate.
- Keep wipes on hand to keep your hands and your shoot surface clean.
Instructions:
- Work out some options in your sketch book first. You may even want to test you ideas with a flipbook.
- Practice Sculpting your keys (beginning, middle & end)
- Set up your shoot space, lighting, & exposure. Test your focal parameters by shooting test frames.
- Practice animating in small increments directly under the camera. Test any rigs.
- Final Shoot. Take your time and animate straight through from beginning to end.
- Export MP4 Movie and Archive Dragonframe Project
Specs:
- Final piece should be between 5 and 6 seconds
- Add sound FX in Premiere
- 1920 x 1080 h264 12 fps
Name: simpsonB_clayMorph.mp4