Unit 66

P1
Individual

Form

The form of animation we’ll be using is a photo-realistic 3D modelled animation with visual effects. The sequence will consist of a combination of live-action footage and 3D model CGI animation to create the scene. Then the visual effects will be added to make it visually appealing and as realistic as possible.

We will be using these techniques in a specific sequence and order, meaning that all but one shot with people acting in live-action will be void of 3D CGI and visual effects. However, all shots in space and shots of the defence system will be entirely 3D CGI and visual effects. These shots will be animated and rendered and edited alongside the live-action footage seamlessly.

This is to attempt to mimic other science fiction tropes as much as possible while still creating a unique sequence.

Animation Type

We will be using 3D animation, showcasing Computer Generated Imagery (CGI), as this is the easiest and most realistic method of animation available. The difference between animating in 3D and hand-drawn styles is mainly the time taken and the realism. Hand-drawn animation means drawing 2D frames one-by-one to create an illusion of animation. This is a very long process that lacks the realism in seeing all parts of the objects at any point in the animation. Live action and stop-motion animation lack the fluidity and smoothness of motion provided by 3D animation. We will use After Effects to create the warp effect that all the spaceships will use.

When we transfer the footage and rendered animations to Adobe After Effects we will use motion tracking tools to create motion blur and stabilise any unwanted camera movements.

Genre/Style

The genre for the sequence is going to be science-fiction. This means we will have to follow the tropes found in science-fiction media (e.g. films, games, TV). However its important to establish why these tropes are tropes, for example why is it expected for spaceships to ‘warp’ to planets or solar systems – because it is the most visually exciting way to see them travel long distances. Also there are certain aspects of science-fiction that are incorrect or unrealistic that must be followed, such as the laser or rocket sounds made by spaceships in space.

 

Narrative/Character Development

The narrative we have created is based on the concept of:

A student hears/senses strange alien signals and can tell that an alien invasion is imminent. Alien spaceships then warp individually to Earth’s atmosphere, then the alien mothership warps into the atmosphere and begins to descend to Earth.

We have decided to develop this further, showing the aliens in space before warping and having people reacting to the alien invasion whilst it’s happening.

The student will develop from a typical student-type character, to a concerned and clairvoyant human-alien hybrid character.

P1 - Group

Call Sheet

P2 - Digital Storyboard

P2 - Individual Storyboard

P2 - Treatment

Genre and narrative Our show is going to be a Science-Fiction show, with elements of action and thriller. A fleet of alien spaceships are seen flying through space. We see a class room full of students working. One of the student begins to act strangely and appears confused, holding his head as though he is experiencing a beating headache. An alien fighter ship warps away from the fleet, towards earth Crowds of people on earth gaze into the sky, see an orbital defence system casting a force field over earth. The fighter ship flies into the earth’s force field, and causes an explosion. This causes the force field to break and malfunction. Alien attack ships warp in behind the now damaged fighter. They begin to menacingly aim towards a large field of grass, people of earth are terrified. Suddenly, out of nowhere, an enormous mothership warps into the atmosphere. It begins to slowly descend just above the Earth. The people of earth begin to scream and panic. The alien student begins to walk towards the ship hesitantly. The mothership begins to descend closer and closer to Earth, casting rays of light.	Benefits of Animation Our animation will be essential to the excitement of the audience. Aliens, orbital defence and force fields are all things that people have never actually seen. Our animation will appear photorealistic to show the audience what these things might look like. This will create excitement as it is something new and mysterious. The explosions and action that are possible with animation will create tension as they will show that the earth, and main character, is in danger. Our animation will be realistic and high quality. This ensures that our show will be visually arresting, and entertaining our audience well.
	Locations The Show will go back and forth between space and earth. Scenes in space will include star fields, warp zones, and the space around Earth. Earth scenes will include the student’s classroom, and college campus and field, in which the alien ships will land.
	Programs We will use Maya to create a spaceship fleet and 3D Space environment. We will animate our ships and have them fly through space using Maya. We will use Adobe Premiere to edit the movie and put all the clips and music together. We will use Adobe After Effects to composite the 3D and live action footage. We will also add warp effects, force field effects and explosions.
Key Characters Alien Student – This character will appear as a normal student. However, they will begin to hear strange sounds, and have an urge to walk outside. Aliens – The aliens will speak in an unknown language, and wear helmets in their ships. This makes them menacing and mysterious.	Unique Selling Points High quality, realistic 3D animation. 3D animated models mixed in with live action footage. Alien ships will look like they are genuinely landing on earth. 3D animation allows for events that aren’t possible to happen.

P3 - Set Design

VOID

Tommy Dockree

EXT. SOMEWHERE IN DISTANT SPACE
Two alien spaceships are suspended in place. The largest
ship begins to audibly send out signals.
INT. CLASSROOM
A class full of students working at their desks, alternating
between typing and talking to one another.

PAN AND ZOOM TO
BEHIND ALIEN STUDENT

One of the student begins to act strangely and appears
confused, holding his head as though he is experiencing a
beating headache.


EXT. SOMEWHERE IN DISTANT SPACE
A small alien scout ship warps with a flash away from the
other ships.
EXT. CAMPUS GROUND
Crowds of people can be seen gazing into the sky seeing what
appears to be a smaller second-moon.

CUT TO:

EXT. ORBITAL DEFENCE SYSTEM
An orbital defence system begins to charge it's large scale
laser, which then proceeds to cast a forcefield over most of
Earth.

CUT TO:

EXT. ATMOSPHERE AROUND EARTH
The alien scout drifts into the forcefield, but is bounced
away due to the collision. Unexpectedly causing the
forcefield to break and malfunction.


Alien attack ships warp in behind the now damaged scout.
They begin to menacingly aim towards a large field of grass.

CUT TO:

EXT. CAMPUS GROUND
People begin to cower and hide.

CUT TO:

EXT. LARGE GRASS FIELD NEAR CAMPUS
Suddenly, out of seemingly nowhere, an enormous mothership
warps into the atmosphere with a large flash. It begins to
slowly descend just above the Earth.

PAN TO:

2.

EXT. CAMPUS GROUND
People are now running frantically due to absolute fear and
a complete disbelief in the disparity of the moment.
Alien student begins to walk towards the ship, trying to
stop himself as much as he can with every step.
PAN TO:


EXT. LARGE GRASS FIELD NEAR CAMPUS
The mothership begins to descend closer and closer to Earth,
casting rays of light.

FADE TO BLACK






P4 Final Composition without live action scenes - 2 minutes
Final Composition