On the last two weeks of the first term, I have had an opportunity to experience work placement simulation- possibility to work and help to the second-year student by cooperating on their graduation project.
In this essay, I will reflect on my expectations, plans and experiences, and what I have obtained during this brief period by working with a more experienced student.
In the animation industry, the skills like drawing and sketching, the knowledge of necessary computer software, imagination, and creativity and of course animation principals, are highly significant. However, the well relevant is an ability to meet deadlines, be able to adjust to the main style of the project and be part of the team and capable of paying attention to details. So, the purpose of this short practice is to start to understand and use all these fundamentals.
I was paired with Katarzyna Mencfel-Wenglarczyk. We first met at the beginning of the year. She showed some of her exercises from the first unit. We discussed a lot around animations, films, our exercises, and student life. Moreover, the impression of the high quality of her work inspired me to push the boundaries of personal assignments. As a result of that meeting, it was our joint decision to work together during this simulating work placement weeks.
During the first week, at our introductory meeting, Kat presents her graduation film. A touching and moving story about the refugees, missing families, homesickness, about their long way through the obstacles and challenges to meet beloved ones. Also, about deep friendship that is right here besides to help during the hardest moments in life.
She showed an amount of work that was done so far. Katarzyna explained the story, showed an animatic, backgrounds; we discussed character design and her influences for the main character.
After that, she asked about on what part of the production pipeline I would prefer to work. Either on backgrounds, animation, or character design. Honestly admitted that backgrounds are not the strongest suit, there was agreement on character design and animation. Since I had many characters design practices before, the decision was- to focus on animations.
The short that was given is a flying bird sequence with intricate camera movements and the gentle feeling of depth. It is a challenging animation that will involve much research and studying actual birds’ movements. As it is our first collaboration, Kat would like to see the abilities and trust to do not only inbetweening this short animation but do it the whole on my own.
Additionally, I asked about sounds and music for her project, since sometimes it is an inherent part of the film. Furthermore, as an animator, your work is to make movements based on music provided. On this, she explained that she wants her story itself to be a major influence for the composer to produce the central musical theme for the animation.
Throughout the second week, we communicate mostly by messenger, although also met to discuss my progress, and exchange news. I showed her the results of the necessary research for one of the sequences. She describes what film already have some changes. Moreover, this is that I found it very crucial to know- the story could change several times on the previs stage. Even more, as a part of production should be flexible and be able to adjust your work by accordance with a new story. I like how clear and coherent Katarzyna explains her visions over the project, ideas about parts of the sequence, and how she delivers tasks.
As a student herself, she also understands the needs of my assessments. Accordingly, we agreed about deadlines and will continue working together during Spring break.
Taking everything into consideration that kind of collaborations helps actively recognize the importance of work experience and what a person can receive from this opportunity, especially before a real chance to set on the worktable in a live studio and work on an existing film project. As future professional plans revolve around the animation studio, it is essential to gain these kinds of core aptitudes that would prove a professional approach and knowledge in the workplace on an actual animation movie.