Dialogue shot (polishing)

Polishing is hard..I have new respect for cleaners...hehe,,,So here's my shot being polished...

Dialogue shot

The first dialogue shot in AM. Posting blocking and re-blocking of the shot. There is a (mis)conception that animation should always be funny. However, my mentor suggested I go with the serious sad clip of the three shortlisted because in these kind of shots subtlety in acting is a big thing and doing it I realised how fun subtle actions can be. Sure it requires more attention to details but it is these small things which lends finesse to your expressed emotions.

First work!

My first freelance job(hell my first animation job!)..I had 4 weeks to animate this...unfortunately one shot was changed and wasn't used. I learned so much being the only animator. I have to thank AM and all my mentors who've taught me...AM really is the best! I didn't have much time to polish on shots..I sooo wish I did...but yeah this has me really excited! ^_^
Also I'm really grateful to my client Farooq Abdul Aziz who gave me this work inspite of me being a fresher! It's for his site http://dkkani.com/

Acting shot 1(Splined)

So after much struggle(both with shot and emotionally and few bad migraines) I managed my spline pass! Phew!

Class 1 and Shot 1 Blocked

So this class had an interesting start with us getting to choose our mentors.
I chose to be in Royce Wesley's class and boy what an experience! When he spoke of his work..his rich experience in animation was very inspiring/
We were welcomed with an animation clip for the past 3 lectures and the method of lecturing is very different and awsome!
However Royce is a very strict mentor and I feel that is really good. It keeps one grounded and helps clearly focus on what works and what doesn't. Acting for animation is starting on a new aspect on a completely different level and his tips clearly outlined the necessities.
After short-circuiting with a whole bunch of ideas--a suggestion for idea change--and a quick drill/grill for the soldier to stay focused, this is what I blocked:

Update: AM Class 3 Progress Reel

Ok so my procrastinating habit ever increases. But I'm happy to post my Class 2 progress Reel.
Class 3 was very challenging. Body mechanics is something which there is no end to learning. I was glad to have Ethan Hurd as mentor! He was wonderful and supporting. Encouraging new ideas and giving suggestions for betterment. My Reel:

Assignment: Week 1 and 2

While Class 2 had picklist for options, Class 3 presented a whole new diaspora allowing us to compose our own shot. We're presented with the option of either following the AnimJam method where one can do 2 or 3 shots expressing a continuous action; or do 2-3 individual shots.
I ended conceiving an idea midway of both methods. If all works out and I do end up doing 3 shots, my shots will be compiled as said above else it would result in being in the AnimJam way. It depends on our skill  level, completion of assignment and Mentor's choice in the end.
For now, my first shot comprises of Stewie walking up to his garage with a ladder in order to paint some newly replaced garage-roof planks.

Week 1: Planning

Week 2: Blocking

Class 3

So my Class 3 began 2 weeks back. My new mentor's Ethan Hurd who's a supervising animator at the DisneyToon studios (how cool is that!).
Ethan's approach is a  mixture of  that of what Adam's and Alison's was, favoring more of Adam's. It's great how one adapts to news ways of learning. I liked his open mindedness in all the possibilities pertaining to a shot. Really excited to see how this term goes. ^^

Progress Reel: Class 1 & 2

Here's my Progress Reel:


Class 2 Progress Reel from Radhika Gooptu on Vimeo.

Update: AM Class 1 & Class 2

Well after a lot of procrastination( which also happens to be my middle name), I'm finally updating my blog.
It has been roller coaster ride these past 6 months; don't know how it passed. Life in AM is one full of twist and turns in short nothing short of an adventure and still continuing.
Class 1 brought me to basics and i was like a baby learning to walk all over again.
My mentor Adm Green who works at Disney was nothing less than fantastic, truly imbibing us, me with the principles in such a way that it has been ingrained in my mind like no other. Using examples of shots he worked on, his approach was one of true visual communication. Thus, my love for "Overlaps"..okay I tend to overuse it a bit.
Class 2 started, bringing with it new challenges. There were times which tested my patience and emotions. Here's where my mentor Alison Sanders having worked in studios like Tippett majorly hauled me though.
Alison's approach was more like that of a supervisor. Though completely different to Adam's, but even there I learned different mentoring approach which helped me analyse through my own shortcomings and her adequate tips guiding me through overcoming them.
In the end I managed 2 classes and finally compiled my work, yayy!
Now I'm in Class 3, now that's another new story.