#10B: Storyboards and Research

Working Title: Catch.

Concept: An unexpected turn of events can be a pleasant solution to a not so pleasant problem.

Research/Inspiration: I want the environment to be tall, rocky, and mountainous.

Ideally, it will be cold with extremely jagged rock edges. The color palette of the environment will be primarily whites, light and dark blues, and muted purples.

For the character species (Arrow Heads). Arrow Heads are a subspecies of dragon. They are small, roughly 1-2 feet in length and posses a snake like body with a pointed head that bares no facial features.   In the real world, their bodies would ideally work like snakes.

#10A: Short Film Proposal

For my short film, I drafted up a species for my primary character(s). The Arrow Heads are a subspecies of dragon habituating a mountainous region . They are low in population, therefore extremely territorial. The story may focus around a pair of Arrow Heads defending their egg from natural threats (like falling off a cliff, or getting frozen, etc) or might revolve around one waiting for the other parent to return.

The problems I've so far encountered with this design is the concern of relatively organic modeling and organic rigging. These beings ideally will move in a snake like fashion when gliding through the air. The wings may also be a concern, as they sprout from the neck and don't necessary contribute to flight, but rather stabilization of the Arrow Head's body while in the air.  

I know I want to play with the dynamic of their low population, thus may be a story involving a pair of them as parents. The central desire and actions, however, are currently missing.

#9: Character Model With Texture

Marcus has a sleek, robotic quality so metal textures were added to enhance this affect.

#8: Character Model and Story Idea

 This is Marcus. He is a service drone for Emperor Dolvacus, a alien who rules several galaxies. Marcus often feels pressure from competition of other servant drones, and is considerably clumsy. Despite his faults, Marcus seeks to be Dolvacus's favorite. For this animation, Marcus will be seen carrying a tray of his Emperor's favorite food. He trips, and the objects spring into the air. Marcus scrambles to catch them back on the tray.  He succeeds until the Emperor's goblet crashes to the ground and spills its contents. The other servant drones make fun of him, but when the Emperor himself presents Marcus with a ribbon for his hard work, they quickly realize that he is indeed the Emperor's favorite. Delighted with himself, Marcus now understands that he was pressuring himself too much, and assumed the Emperor's standards were beyond reach. It is a simple lesson in realization, self worth, and understanding.

#7: Refined Character Design

This is Marcus, a little drone created for the sole purpose to serve. He is currently competing with other servant drones for the Emperor's favorite. He is extremely clumsy, despite appearance. Dropping trays and plates are a common occurrence for little Marcus, which often lands him to be the butt of cruel jokes among other servant drones. He is determined, however, to impress his Emperor, and to become his favorite. 

Scene summary: 

Marcus enters the room with a serving tray. His clumsiness causes him to trip or wobble. This accidentally tosses the food items into the air, and Marcus scrambles to catch them on his tray. 

Additional notes: Marcus has no facial expression, HOWEVER. The blades on the sides of his head will act as a means of emotional response. Like a bird, Marcus will flare or retract them depending on his mood.