8:30 AM - The alarm clock blares, but hitting snooze is always so tempting. With a sigh, I drag myself out of bed, knowing I need to check the train schedule. I figured I’d leave for an earlier train than I’d initially planned in case there were any further delays, so I headed for the station at 9:10 am, after saying a quick goodbye to the dog of course. Once I get ready to leave I head out the door, waving goodbye.
11:00 AM - Today we have an International animation speakers event. Two key people from the industry are coming to speak to our class these people have worked at Sony Animation, Dreamworks, Blue Sky, Illumination and more. The first talk is led by Adam Cootes, a director at Annapurna. He dives deep into the world of storyboarding, and it's fascinating! Who knew that such small changes in a storyboard could completely alter the story? Adam shows us various examples and explains how using different techniques can elevate your storyboards. A big part of his focus is on body language and the positioning of characters within a scene. He explains how these elements can relay much information about a character and their relationship with others. He even shows us how the same scene, with the same images, can be manipulated to change the narrative and focus of the audience completely. Overall, Adam's presentation is engaging and informative. I feel like I've learned so much about how seemingly minor changes within a storyboard can completely change the direction of a scene. I'm excited to be able to utilise these techniques in my work.
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12:15 PM - After the fascinating talk on storyboarding, my stomach starts to rumble. Luckily, I brought some snacks and headed to the cafeteria with some friends. A break is always a good chance to relax and socialise before diving back into a full day of events.
13:30 PM - The break is over, and James Williams takes the stage. He dives into the world of animation layout, using Spider-Verse as his example. We see how 2D storyboards evolve into 3D scenes, and the challenges this creates (think character placement and camera angles). James shows how the layout team tackles these challenges, crafting effective compositions that guide the viewer's eye. It's inspiring to see the different departments work together. James even highlights instances where the layout team takes the lead, creating scenes before the storyboards are finalised. By the end, my head is full of knowledge and I'm excited to put it to use!
15:00 PM - Both Adam and James, the speaker for the second talk, have shared a wealth of knowledge and experience. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to learn from them. Once finished, I pack up my things and head back to the station.
17:00 PM - Once I arrive back home, after a quick hello to my mom, I head to the kitchen and grab a snack. I start to crave some fresh air so I decide to take my furry friend to a nearby park. The trees are budding, and there's a joyful chirpiness in the air. We keep an eye out for any ducklings that may have recently arrived, making sure to bring some seed along to share. My dog is happy to be exploring the park, sniffing every interesting scent and chasing after squirrels. The walk is a great way to de-stress after a busy day and enjoy some quality time with family and our furry friends.
19:00 PM - Back home after the walk, I feel refreshed and ready to tackle some more schoolwork. I set up my laptop at the kitchen table and got down to business. There's a lot to process from today's talks, and I want to make sure I capture all the important information. The hours melt away as I delve into my notes, occasionally taking breaks for dinner and checking in with friends online.
9:00 PM - Finally I get in bed and begin to nod off into a beautiful time of sleep excited about the possibilities of adventure along my way.