Short Film: Update #34 back on it

Hello! How are you? It’s now June, so happy summer!! You may have guessed, but I was on holiday last week hence no post. Down in sunny south Wales, via Worcester.

Also got some decent skate clips in the interim- improving on my boardslides and landed my first Varial Kickflip on a flatbank. Definitely going to start filming myself more, as I think it’s imperative for progression, as you can easily see what you’re doing wrong/ how your form is. Basically looking at my tricks from an outside perspective. It also makes stuff less scary, as it takes you out of your head, too. Couple of pics down below:

But, me talking about my jolly’s is likely not the reason you’re reading this- am I right? It’s that all important film progress you’re after. I think. Though I can (and will) happily chat skateboarding all day if given the go ahead…

So how is my film going? Since returning from my week off, I’ve come back full force on this project. I finished a few more things off my to do list, plus did a load of admin-y type bits, such as booking the location to film the shot with the extras and writing up my sound design notes. I also did a slight restructure of the edit, which improved the pacing/ tightness. Sometimes it’s hard to cut the stuff you’ve spent a lot of time animating, but if it’s no longer right for the film, then it needs to go. I can always post the unused clips on my socials and on here, so it’s not like they’ll go to waste as they’ll still get seen if I want them to be. Down below is a grab from one of these outtakes. It is technically still being used in the film, but this was a duplicate shot earlier on in the narrative, but ended up cutting as it wasn’t necessary to have it in twice.

I also started animating one of the three big remaining shots, plus created some clouds for one of the scenes in After Effects from this tutorial. I must say it’s been really nice to be doing some more rotoscoping again, as it’s been a while. It is something I find extremely relaxing and rewarding, plus also means I get to catch up on all my podcasts and music I’ve been wanting to listen to, because when I’m doing the editing or anything like that, I much prefer to work in silence with little distraction.

The film is feeling the most complete it has done at this point and I’m so pleased with how it is turning out, in both narrative and style. The end finally feels like it’s in sight and that is mega exciting! All the hard work I’ve put in definitely is paying off. Right, that’s it from me, time to do some more animation! Oh, by the way almost forgot: I’m hanging out at Sheffield Doc Fest next week, so if you see me, come say hello!