Borrow from the Best!

When you start to layout an animation scene and not sure how to do it, this is a good time to see how other people have solve this problem. I have been working on this short called "WatchCat" and there are a few sequences were we have a fight between the hero and the bad guys. 

Believe it or not, I'm not a Martial Artist expert, so to animate a flying kick I need to find an expert in the form of visual reference. Bruce Lee was probably the best reference when it comes to doing this action and makes it look cool at the same time.

Stop reinventing the wheel!

I did a little research to see how a good fight sequence is cut together. At first, my scene was too much little a dance and lacked any kicks or punches in the editing. Luckily, there are a lot of people fighting each other in films and so here was the result of my research.

Chen vs Susuki - Chinese Connection Scene study from Toondini on Vimeo.

Here's the animation based off the reference footage the scene is still in production, but the timing is looking better.

http://watchcatfiles.blogspot.com/2016/08/borrow-from-best.html

So whenever you find yourself fighting to figure out how to put a scene together or make an action work, borrow from the best reference images and videos you can find.

NOIR: Behing the Veil

50 years ago, the TV version of Batman first debuted in color on TV screens across the nation. Watchcat was inspired by this as a kitten.

I know, I know what you're thinking... "What is happening with WatchCat? Where is the next part of the story?" "I'm a very confused and I must know, my whole world is being turned upside down, again."

Well don't worry, final scenes are getting done on Episode 2 and I am happy to report that we only have only 16 scenes to go until the short is finally completed. You also might be a little confuse why we keep promoting NOIR and less time talking about WatchCat. Well its simple, our friends are making NOIR and we are trying to help them get as much $upport as possible. You can help support their Indiegogo campaign to help make this feature dedicated to Film Noir, Mystery and Monsters. 

Here are two interviews of the stars of NOIR, Thessa M'loe and Andrew James Jones talking about their experience in making this film. There are even a few clips you haven't seen yet.

NOIR: Behind The Veil - with Thessa M'loe from Lee Anthony Smith on Vimeo.

NOIR: BEHIND THE VEIL - WITH ANDREW JAMES JONES from Lee Anthony Smith on Vimeo.

So put down that Pokemon GO, and help some real people fund a feature to end their funding campaign on a high note! There is less than a week to go to help, so if you want to help fellow filmmakers and support a great independent feature film, please let them know. And tell em, WatchCat sent you...

NOIR -The Indiegogo Pitch from Lee Anthony Smith on Vimeo.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/noir--5#/

5000+ Blog Views

5000 VIEWS!

To celebrate our WatchCat Files blog's 5,000 all time views, Greg Bradley and I attempted a live streaming "Blogcast" to say thank you to our viewers. Below is the first blogcast recorded on Tex Avery's birthday 2/26. 

Check out the WatchCat Films YouTube channel  for the next WatchCat Blogcast featuring
"NOIR", a new independent feature from Greg Bradley and Lee Anthony Smith.

 

Since reading this, we are now up to 5476 views.
THANK YOU!