Imagination of the world I am creating has been a long winded process. Beginning to get them visually represented is helping me flesh out my story and how characters may embody some of the traits of my world. First of all, we have the unnamed (thus far) protagonist. He represents creatives within a world where creativity is being stifled. His actions, and indeed the actions of the rebellious characters are reflective of keeping creativity alive.
Through his actions, I want him to represent the antithesis of how the UK Government has been cutting funding to creative industries and have provided minimal support to Arts and Hospitality during the pandemic. Actions such as the uproar caused by Rishi Sunak's campaign to make creatives consider retraining in other professions have inspired this.
Cookson, G., 2021. Fatima, you be you - Hotfoot Design. [online] Specialist Web Design and Brand Agency in Lancaster, Lancashire | Hotfoot Design. Available at: <https://www.hotfootdesign.co.uk/white-space/fatima-you-be-you/> [Accessed 01 November 2021].
The character will demonstrate this form of protest through street art, which will somehow be a factor in coercing the general public into sharing these ideals. As well as highlighting creativity as a valid practice, I want some actions to reflect the Government's neglect of mental health issues such as failure to recognise it as a current and growing issue.
"The UK government is moving ahead with plans to cut funding for art and design courses by 50% across higher education institutions in England. The Office for Students (Ofs)—the independent regulator of higher education—confirmed that the subsidy for each full-time student on an arts course will be cut from £243 to £121.50 next academic year (2021/22). The move will save around £20m, says the education secretary Gavin Williamson."Harris, G., 2021. UK government approves 50% funding cut for arts and design courses. [online] The Art Newspaper - International art news and events. Available at: <https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2021/07/22/uk-government-approves-50percent-funding-cut-for-arts-and-design-courses> [Accessed 15 December 2021].
Addressing cuts to arts and hospitality works in favour in my film for many reasons. I wish to argue that opposed to the Government placing no importance on this industry
Protagonist Character sheet
Some general shapes, limitations and emotional traits have been established through this character sheet. First of all, the turnaround and action poses have helped me flesh out the character and visualise his movement within the 2D world he lives in. I had to simplify the shapes from his original design with consideration of the time it takes to animate complex shapes. Originally I hoped to use a more streamlined design. My first sketch of this character is below. As my designs are refined as I continue to develop the world and characters, I hope to find a comfortable way to draw the character so frame by frame animation isn't too tedious. This character wasn't originally designed as my protagonist either. He is just a sketch I enjoyed drawing and I considered him for a few different roles in the film.
Reflective of the Pandemic, he, and other characters will have identity concealing garments on, an idea which has carried from the initial presentation. Therefore to maintain him as an expressive, emotive character I have endowed him with expressive eyes and have began to map his spectrum of emotions through his facial expressions. The positioning of the hat will also play a part in this. As demonstrated, his hat flops down in a melancholic way, or spikes up when he has a feisty moment. These are just initial sketches. I am yet to establish a colour palette or any textures so this will need to be done soon.
Pirate DJ concepts
These concepts have driven my ideas about the wider world of characters within the film with a few options. On the top right, we have some mysterious masked characters working lighting and synthesisers. These characters will break the fourth wall at times, glancing over their shoulders at the audience with masked faces. Other than this, they will have their backs turned to the camera.
The other three characters are DJ concepts. I want to represent their love for people and interaction so, despite them being underground and mysterious, they are people who are equal to their following.
I wanted to represent the black community as imperative to musical and creative outlets too. Therefore, modelling some characters off my favourite DJ's was important to me, both for an authentic, inclusive look and to represent truly talented individuals such as Carl Cox and Sherelle.
T.H.E - Music Essentials. 2021. Carl Cox - Music Is Revolution - The Final Chaper - First names confirmed - T.H.E - Music Essentials. [online] Available at: <https://themusicessentials.com/tour/carl-cox-music-is-revolution-the-final-chaper-first-names-confirmed/> [Accessed 15 December 2021].
Barnes, M., 2021. DJ-producer Sherelle: ‘I feed off people’s unexplained anger’. [online] the Guardian. Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jul/07/dj-producer-sherelle-dance-music-beautiful> [Accessed 15 December 2021].
Masked characters will provide an air of mystery as well.
Spotify. 2021. Daft Punk. [online] Available at: <https://open.spotify.com/artist/4tZwfgrHOc3mvqYlEYSvVi> [Accessed 15 December 2021].
As with many modern animations, aspects like gender are being less defined by shapes and silhouettes. This is something I hope to incorporate in the crowds of people I will be animating. I have started with my DJ characters. In the picture below, my character design on the top left represents my first attempt. Directly based off my favourite DJ, Sherelle. She is a DJ/producer with amazing flare and energy. The perfect design for one of my Pirate DJ's. With her career break out being recent and her shooting to fame, she is starting to educate people about black heritage within music and creates platforms to educate about the 'white washing' of the music industry.
She is now using her status to launch a platform called Beautiful with the same ethos: to elevate Black and LGBTQ+ voices and stories that have been neglected, “wanting to make sure that anyone I work with is very aware of the history that has come before them,” she says. The initiative encompasses a record label and music education programme, which will have workshops combining technical skills with dance music history. Sherelle is having discussions with a few key brands to fund the workshops, looking for investors that won’t try to censor her and “get that there is a massive disparity with support for Black artists in electronic music.”
Barnes, M., 2021. DJ-producer Sherelle: ‘I feed off people’s unexplained anger’. [online] the Guardian. Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jul/07/dj-producer-sherelle-dance-music-beautiful> [Accessed 15 December 2021].
With animation, It's important to incorporate character designs which are inclusive. I will try to go about this by not using old fashioned, gender stereotyped shapes or clothes, but rather creating a vibrant atmosphere. Characters will not be defined by gender by their shapes but rather their character will be judged from the colours that are drawn out as the film progresses.
Finally we have the concept for their domain. Originally, I thought that an electricity pylon would be a suitable location for their station, but further inspiration has been taken from the London/urban landscape. I wanted to utilise the striking arches and familiarity of the London Underground as their home. It will emphasise the elicit nature of their activity and serve as a visually pleasing setting for these underground characters.
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