2D Animation: Blythe Tranformation (New key frames)

I have decided to change my animation. I thought the old one didn't have a very good anticipation or squash and stretch. So I tried to do it here, also I've placed it better, so it doesn't move during the transformation.

Here is the new key frames. This includes the last "chomp" scene. Which, as the same as the other one, will only be added if there is enough time.

In between for my rough copy. (Demon shadows not included)

The demons here. I feel like they might be moving a bit fast, but then again it could make it more intense and dramatic. It will slow down a bit during the actual transformation, as to give time so the viewer can see her hand change. 

Narrative studies: MingXia Storyboard (Development part 4)

Another part of the storyboard, the middle is missing because I used the storyboard for the last script, as it is pretty much the same, I just left out a couple of boxes.



I'm having a little trouble on picture 23. I'm unsure of angle, and how to make the claw look with making it clear that it knocked MingXia into a rock. I'm afraid it'll look a lot like this scene. 

But that might not be such a bad thing, it'd just make the fist scene like.. foreshadowing. But then it cuts to The beast standing over Mingxia and her rock as she is crouched over or lying down, seemingly defeated till Jaakko distracts him (by throwing the spear into his eye). So maybe make Mingxia visible while getting thrown into the rock. 

I think I will just go for a wide shot where it clearly shows the beasts hand, and the smashing into a rock. Maybe a camera shot would be suitable. And a lot of wind spinning things, like in the anime references I was looking at. It would make it dramatic and forceful.












































For the end scene, where the sword is swinging at the camera, I want a scratchy, rough look, one where the sword is only just barely recognizable. It supposed to give a fast, quick dramatic effect. This effect is usually used in the end of episodes in anime or even just dramatic scene.
Hunter X Hunter is a good example. Though it's a bit too intense for what I'm trying to go for. And this is just for the character themselves, not objects or weapons. The 2nd picture would be a good start, and wold give the fast effect.




First Picture: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/0f/eb/e9/0febe993204bd1401e8f42babfa7bc7e.jpg
Second Picture: http://wrongeverytime.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/horriblesubs-hunter-x-hunter-116-720p-mkv_snapshot_14-52_2014-02-12_22-16-37.jpg
Third Picture: https://d.wattpad.com/story_parts/80564535/images/13a4e4f263a0248a.jpg
Fourth Picture: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/36/4c/31/364c3163c6d48de187ac36f0b6b536d0.jpg



This was the first idea, but without using my references. Wasn't as intense as I liked. As Mingxia is putting all her heart and strength into the swing. I want something with a bit more pomp and power.




My second attempt. Not as intense as the Hunter X Hunter examples, but I didn't want it that intense anyway. So I feel like this is fine for just a storyboard picture.

2D Animation: Blythe Transformation (Development Part 2)

Development part 2:

I thought that Blythe needed more time in the beginning and that the shadows enveloped her too soon, which I think would leave the viewer confused at first. That's why I wanted more time, so the viewer can adjust to the character and everything first before she transforms. This time could be used for Blythe to look around and follow the shadows before they cover her. 

The yellow is a little extra I added. I tried going for a small 'squash and stretch' thing. Something to make her go from timid to frightened. 

I'm not so keen on the hand that drops. I think I might just have shadows cover it, and Blythe will just place it down behind the shadowy veil. The beast might show too early too, so I'll have to stretch out the shadow process. But I don't want to stretch it out too much, a scene just full of spinning shadows don't seem that exciting. So I'll probably have to extend her hand transformation too.

Narrative Studies: Mingxia Storyboard (Development 3)

Storyboards: Transformation

I was a bit unsure how to go about the transformation. I didn't know if I should keep the glowing hair, or even to put in the patterns. I decided to go for it, because her glow is a bit part of her transformation, to give her the 'holy' look.
I wondered whether I should give the patterns color or keep it white and glowing like everything else. I wanted to add color because I took out the orange lantern scene from the old script. After asking for some feedback from a couple of classmates, they asked me if the gold color was necessary enough to put in the storyboard. At that moment, I thought that maybe it wasn't. Maybe I just wanted some color. Other classmate added that the gold could have a link to some gold on the sword, to make it clear that she can only transform because of that sword. I thought that would be a great idea, as it would also put more emphasis on the sword itself









In my new script, Jaakko has no lines. I'm going to be altering it a little so when he's helping Mingxia up, he'll say something along the lines of
 "Please be careful /don't do this/ take it easy/maybe we should re think this"












And instead of Mingxia speaking straight to the beast, I'll do it so she talks to Jaakko instead. So She'll say things like "He took Jianquo, I'll destroy him." Instead of speaking directly. Maybe I should have another box where she turns to him and says something a bit out of character for her. Like something nice or protective. Something that also shows a bit of her true emotions or feelings.
I think I'll see how much space I have left, then I'll add it, as I think it is important.

Narrative Studies: Mingxia Storyboard (Development 2)

Script Idea 2

For this script's concept storyboards, I tried a slightly different layout, one that Studio Ghibili uses. I found this to work easier for me, just because it gives me more room to come up with more ideas/ angles and concepts along side it instead of trying to squeeze them in the gaps. 

It's mainly the beginning that I am changing completely, for the rest I'm trying to stick to the original script, with a couple of tweaks.

Narrative Studies: Mingxia Storyboard (Development)

Script idea number 2!

I'm considering a last minute change to my storyboard. After properly formatting my first Script of the ordeal, I have found that it may be a bit long. I have only just gotten under the max amount for storyboard panels for it.
 
 Also the short 60 second scene is the whole fight between the Monster and Mingxia. It's supposed to be one of the boss battles, not the top one, but still crucial. It shouldn't be told in 60 seconds, like I tried. I thought that I would have to use the whole fight scene to get my point across.
 
Though after some discussion in a group of classmates, they agreed it would be difficult to fit all that information in under such short time. I did appreciate their feedback, it was helpful, but I didn't pay heed to it straightaway, hoping that I would find a way to fit the whole fight in.
I'm a bit worried because I've changed it so late, especially after doing a lot of work on the first idea. But it was only after doing this work that I discovered that I could go about it differently, without going far from my first concept.


(shots 7-12)






I thought they looked pretty good and I did so much, now I might not even have a lantern :(


 
After further thought while formatting my first script concept, I discovered I should've listened straightaway. A classmate offered that I could do a mainly dialogue scene. I considered it, but Mingxia is more of a 'actions speak louder than words' type of character. Someone who shows her feelings through fighting. But I agreed that dialogue would be easier and it could be a maturing and learning point for Mingxia. A point where she can admit her feelings, instead of just hiding them.

So I decided that I'd still have a fight scene, but it will be near the end of her fight with Jaw-long instead. That way I can cut out the introductory parts where they find out who the monster is, and they go straight into it. I can cut out a lot of unnecessary dialogue by hinting that it has already been discussed, so I can use just the main important parts.

Here's my second attempt:

EXT. ROCKS IN A ROCKY ROUGH SEA - STORM - JAW-LONG’S ISLAND

A big storm makes the waves and sea that surrounds JAW-LONG’S Island very rough and dangerous. The sea is filled with tall jagged rocks,which JAAKKO and MINGXIA are using for cover from the Sea Monster that JAW-LONG commands.

MINGXIA is knocked away by the sea monster and roughly lands on a rock, JAAKKO quickly steps in front and knocks away the monsters claws from making impact. The monster/JAW-LONG stands tall over them, hot glowing steam pouring from his mouth.

MONSTER/JAW-LONG

I have told you! I, the Great Jaw-long, will not let you pass!

Mingxia struggles to stand up, despite Jaakko’s efforts to keep her from lunging out.

MINGXIA

I know that you have taken Sianlor’s guardian...

Mingxia grabs her sheathed sword. Jaakko looks concerned but makes no effort to stop her. She unsheathes it and transforms.

MINGXIA

I didn’t want to have to do this. Time to get serious now. Since you refuse to return him, I will destroy you.

Mingxia lunges at him. He swings his tail at her, she dodges, propelling off another rock, and missing his claws.

MINGXIA

(clearly getting distraught)I promised to protect him! And you took him!

MONSTER/JAW-LONG

Why are you doing this?? I am saving Sianlor!You don't know who he is or what he is doing.

The beast knocks her away into a rock with his tail, winding her.He standS tall over her body, his mouth lighting up. Suddenly Jaakko’s spear impales the monsters eye, making him roar and thrash. Mingxia jumps up, sword above her head, ready to swing.

MINGXIA

He’s my friend.

Sword makes contact. 

I feel like this scene is necessary because I'm not planning the up-and-personal fight with Jaw-long himself to be that dramatic. Although Jaw-Long is strong, he mainly fights with his control of monsters and beasts. So he will be fairly overpowered when Mingxia fights him. Her main scene there will be finding out the truth about Jianquo in that part. So here is the first time she actually encounters him, a tough fight so you have a dangerous feel about Jaw-Long before you meet him. Though it's not face to face, it's a scene where she begins to show her own personal reasons for wanting to save Jianquo, not just for the sake of the City.  

Narrative Studies: Mingxia Storyboard (draft)

Draft, rough drawn version of what I'm planning for my storyboard.

I used my rough script concept for the storyboard. It doesn't been properly formatted or even spell or grammar checked. It's just so I can get the main accent for my storyboard.



                                                                                ***

"Starts off with Minxia and Jaakko in a row boat, rowing away from the ship on rough waters. Sharp jagged rocks everywhere, they're getting rocked about. Close up on them in the rowboat, Jaakko struggling to steer and Mingxia tightly holding her sword, hand on the hilt.

Suddenly boat starts to sway violently. Wide far shot of a water explosion in front of them. This reveals a giant sea Monster.

A voice booms “who goes there?”

Minxia shouts back: “Mingxia! I have come to bring back Jianquo! Let me pass and I may spare your life!”

The beast/Jianquo laughs.

Jaakko calls out “Are you Jaw-Long?”

“Yes. I am merely controlling this beast. Leave now, you don’t know what you are doing”

Minxia Unshealthes her sword and transforms. “I know that you have taken Sianlor’s guardian, so I will destroy you!” She says while lunging at him.

The beast swings his tail at her. “You don’t know what he is doing. Leave, or I will kill you if i Have to!”

She dodges the tail and lands on a rock. The tail crashes down on the rowboat, and Jaakko leaps out the way onto a nearby rock. Mingxia charges again.

Beast swings claws at her. “I took him becasue I’m trying to save Sianlor!”

Mingxia Dodges claws and uses it’ arms for bigger jump. The beast open its jaw towards her. A arrow/spear hits its face turning the hot water blast away from her.

“He’s a guardian! You’re destroying Sianlor!” Mingxia screams, sword aimed for his head.

Another arm whacks her away before Impact. She lands upright on a rock.

The beast stands tall over Mingxia. “He’s not who you think he is”

its jaw opens again, steam pouring out. Suddenly Jaakko’s spear lands in it’s eye. It roars, and Mingxia leaps at him again. “He’s my father/friend!”

Sword makes contact. "  

***

There are a few things I'm planning to probably change. Like some of the dialogue, as some bits could probably be said better, or they might even be unnecessary. I'll probably change it after I've drawn it out, then I'll be able to see what matches what.










For Some monster ideas, I thought about a mix of ancient Greek and Chinese Monsters. I wanted something giant and threatening.



























Ancient Greek and Chinese dragons. In Greek mythology a lot of the monsters have a lots of heads to parts of other animals. I thought that if I did something like this, It would look too Greek-y.
But it's a good reference for your average dragon look. Chinese dragons are a a lot longer and thinner, and they also have powers. I think they're more suitable, because you can have water dragons and because the scene is going to be set in water.




















Another Idea was that I was planning, was having more of a mammal look .  A mixture of the next few pictures. A giant lion-like beast with wings. But I thought that wouldn't really work, because of the whole sea-scene. Though if I did do it, it would be heavily based on the second to last picture. But I wanted a monster more fast and agile looking.





  http://mythologygreece.weebly.com/uploads/3/8/7/5/3875398/9465836.jpg?299
http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/SSPOD/SuperStock_463-7059.jpg
http://orig05.deviantart.net/8565/f/2012/056/4/5/chinese_monster____qiongqi_by_wingwolf_wingd-d4r06kr.jpg
http://www.ancient-origins.net/sites/default/files/thelegendarynian.jpg
http://www.draconian.com/dragons/Images/Chinese%20Dragons/Chinese-Dragon-Green-17-large.jpg






Page 1:  Draft Mingxia Ordeal Scene