MAJOR PROJECT / PROJECTS
26/04/2024 - 26/07/2024 / Week 1- Week 14
Chew Zhi Ern / 0358995
Minor Project / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Minor Project / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Projects
Experience:
INSTRUCTIONS
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LECTURES
Week 1: Introduction to the Module
In the first week of the Major Project module, we were briefed on the overall objectives and guidelines. We were given the option to complete the project individually or as part of a group, with the understanding that there would be some limitations regarding the combination of different specializations and the number of people allowed if we chose the group route. After the briefing, Ms. Anis shared examples of past works from seniors, providing us with inspiration and insight into what had been accomplished in previous years. Following this, we began brainstorming ideas for our projects, engaging in discussions to select a concept that would align with our interests and the module’s requirements.
Week 2: Consultation on Ideas
PROJECTS
PROJECT 1: PROPOSAL
CONSULTATION FEEDBACK / REFLECTIONS
Week 1:
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Week 2:
Ms. Anis
For digital animation students, while it is important to establish a clear plot structure (opening, climax, and ending), given that this project is limited to a 3 minutes duration, it is crucial to keep the narrative concise, focused, and straightforward.
Regarding my story, Ms. Anis commented that the concept is simple, straightforward, and manageable. The background setting is simple as well.
When I asked for advice on how to make it more interesting, Ms. Anis suggested the following improvements:
- Reunion scene enhancement:
- The moment when Gummy and Buddy reunite can be made more emotional and magical to deepen the audience's emotional connection.
- Change the ending subtly:
- Instead of telling the audience directly, it can be implied that Gummy already knows where the collar is, suggesting that he has been using the collar to "visit" Buddy.
- At the end, when Gummy reaches the collar again, he could bury or hide it somewhere important without explicitly explaining it to the audience.
- Stronger emotional climax:
- To show that "time is up" for Gummy and Buddy’s reunion.
- Add a sound cue like a crow chirping (a sign that the dream world is ending).
- Buddy pushes the collar gently to Gummy, indicating it’s time to say goodbye.
- Gummy shows a subtle reaction like "hmmm" (a little sad and unwilling to part).
- No need to directly show Buddy disappearing.
- Instead, after Buddy pushes the collar to Gummy, focus on Gummy’s feet and the collar, then transition from the dream back to reality.
- Looping Story Structure:
- In the ending, show Gummy digging up the buried collar, linking back to the opening scene (where Gummy initially chisels the ground).
- This will make the story feel continuous and cyclical, hinting that Gummy still cherishes the memories and may continue to revisit them.
Mr. Kamal
The current setup effectively introduces Gummy’s longing and sense of loss for his old friend, Buddy. However, the middle part lacks clarity in conflict and emotional progression. There's a missing link that explains why Gummy touches the collar and why Buddy chooses to push it back, bringing Gummy back to reality.
To improve the narrative flow, I need to:
- Establish the relationship between Buddy and Gummy earlier on to deepen emotional resonance.
- Clarify Gummy’s motivation for entering the dream or memory—perhaps triggered by touching the collar.
- Give Buddy a clear reason to send Gummy back—possibly showing that Gummy needs to move on or that Buddy wants him to find peace.
- Provide hints about Buddy’s passing—even a subtle visual cue or symbolic moment could help the audience understand the backstory without heavy exposition.
Right now, the story feels like "dream > play > wake up." Strengthening the middle part will give the story more depth and emotional weight.
Week 3:
Mr. Kamal shared valuable feedback on my story structure and narrative logic. While the setup is clear, but the middle and motivation behind Gummy's actions need more depth and purpose.
Key Feedback Points:
- World Transition & Motivation:
- It’s clear Gummy enters a new world, but his reason for doing so feels accidental and lacks a strong purpose. Instead of him stumbling into the world, Mr. Kamal suggested adding a clear motivation—for example, Gummy wants to bring Buddy back after finding a magical collar. This gives emotional weight to his decision and strengthens the plot.
- Collar Mechanism:
- The collar could act as a trigger or portal, activated by a button. When Gummy touches or presses it, the world around him transforms—signaling entry into the dream or fantasy world. There could also be another button for the return journey. However, the return doesn't work initially, which creates tension. This eventually leads to Buddy’s appearance.
- Crow Sound as a Time Indicator:
- The crow sound can serve as a subtle real-world reminder, existing only in the original world. In the new world, the crow’s echo diminishes. As time runs out, the sound re-emerges, signaling urgency and prompting Gummy to act. It can represent a time limit in the magical world, enhancing the story's pacing and stakes.
- Emotional Conflict & Climax:
- The emotional panic Gummy experiences in the new world should be more clearly visualized—him running around, jumping, and desperately searching for a way out. This shows his inner turmoil and need for resolution.
- Buddy’s Purpose & Relationship:
- The relationship between Buddy and Gummy needs to be established earlier, so Buddy’s appearance carries meaning. Currently, the audience doesn’t understand Buddy’s purpose. Adding flashbacks or visual cues can help build their emotional connection and explain Gummy’s grief.
- Stronger Motivation:
- Instead of a random accident, Gummy should intentionally enter the magical world—possibly with a time limit (e.g., 30 minutes)—to accomplish a mission, such as bringing Buddy back or saying goodbye. This creates a clear goal and makes the conflict more engaging.
Week 5:
Mr. Kamal suggested further visual clarity and emotional impact for the storytelling, especially around the collar and time transition. Instead of just having Gummy touch the collar to enter back the real world, he recommended adding a visible on-screen timer to show the remaining time while in the fantasy world. This would help the audience better understand the countdown mechanism and relate it to the emotional urgency of the story.
To strengthen the use of the crow sound as a symbol of reality, Mr. Kamal advised incorporating the crow’s caw in the opening scene. This way, when the sound returns later in the story, it becomes a clear signal of reality seeping back into the fantasy world. It helps establish a connection between the two worlds.
He also noted that currently, there’s no strong visual indicator that when the collar is activated. To solve this, he proposed using color indicators on the collar — for example, the collar could glow green when active, then slowly shift to red to show time is running out or power is depleting, much like a battery warning. Initially, the collar may show red, and nothing happens when Gummy touched it. Later, once it recharges and turns green, they press again, and the world begins to transform.
For the ending, he encouraged building more emotional weight. As the timer winds down, the film could use quick cuts or a rapid countdown to create a sense of urgency and sadness, helping Gummy (and the audience) realize that Buddy isn’t real. Mr. Kamal also suggested that the collar design visuals be further developed to clearly communicate its magical function and visual transitions.
REFLECTIONS
Observations:
Findings:
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