Michael Chapman - NUA - Animation Dynamics

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Reflective Journal (14/10/16 - 17/11/16) - Research

This week was the final week before hand in. I was feeling nervous about finishing the essay. Thanks to Lyndsy for her “Emergency tutorial” I was able to steer the essay back on track. In the case of research, I decided to try and find some online sources or theory's to see what other people were saying about Harley Quinn, not to copy more of an intrigued browsing. ANd for the most part people online seemed to be saying what I have been saying. I didn’t copy or use it as a source however as it was just mild speculation of fans of the show running wild.. I finally managed to find some analog evidence of Harley Quinn’s relationship with the Joker which I sadly couldn’t fit in the final essay. And now the essay is complete. I think it went well. It has been 3 years since I have attempted to write an essay, and I think I was rusty in some areas but if anything this will serve as a fresh reminder for the next essay to come about how to write these. If I had to write this same essay again, I would try to find more hard copy evidence in books of their relationship or possibly sexualisation to back up my case further.

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Reflective Journal (14/10/16 - 17/11/16) - Character Design

With the deadline edging ever more closer, this week was spent mainly making the adjustments to the animations as well as the character design and model sheets, both I received feedback before this week. I wanted to make this animation stand out, hence why I created a character that from a side on perspective has an interesting shape head. I tried to create a march for my character and for the most part I think I succeeded. There are a couple things I can do next time to improve. For example I think the leg spacing is a bit off, as well as the lines being a bit to choppy. But considering I hadn’t even touched a graphics tablet before this, or let alone did a 2D animation, I think I did very well.  

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Reflective Journal (14/10/16 - 17/11/16) - Dynamics

This week with the deadline inching ever so closer, this was a week spent tidying my projects up. As I’ve said before I had finished them a week earlier. So I needed this week to really make the improvements to make it the best I can make it. These animations include the dynamic squash and stretch, the walk with the emotion as well as the plain walk. All of them have their strengths and weaknesses. One thing I have noticed is that I have a problem keeping line consistency, sometimes they can either be to thick or to thin. Considering I’ve never done 2D animation before coming here, I’m glad I have even something to show. It’s that I’m proud of.

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Harvard Referencing - Research for my Chosen Character

Vogler, C, (2007) Title of webpage Available at: http://craftywriters.club/books/christopher-vogler-the-writers-journey.pdf [online] Date accessed: 13/11/16

Rodriguez, J (2013) Title of webpage Available at: http://www.care2.com/causes/10-reasons-why-women-dont-leave-their-abusers.html [online] Date accessed: 12/11/16

Wilson, M (2010) Title of webpage Available at  http://www.factionoffools.org/history [online] Date accessed: 08/11/16

Pallardy, R (2008) Title of webpage Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Harlequin-theatrical-character [online] Date accessed: 08/11/16

EDUARD , (2010) Title of webpage Available at: http://www.peopleskillsdecoded.com/savior-complex/ [online] Date accessed: 11/11/16

KECK, C (2016) Title of webpage Available at: http://uk.complex.com/pop-culture/2016/08/harley-quinn-oral-history [online] Date accessed: 31/10/16

[michaelchapmandynamics]

The Over-Sexualisation of Harley Quinn - Third Draft

In this essay I am going to be looking at the over sexualisation of Harley Quinn from the Batman Animated Series from 1992 - 1999. I’d actually  talk about the actions that lead me to believe that for a children's show it carries much more heavily themes than once thought. Dr Harleen Quinzel was a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum when she met one of Batman’s arch enemies, the Joker, as a patient. As time went on Harleen fell slowly in love with the Joker, so much so she would do anything for him, which is exactly what she does. She puts on a jester's costume and becomes Harley Quinn. Her introduction to the show was very interesting, as with comic book adaptations, the source material has been around since the 1960’s. Harley was interesting as the writers made a completely new character. She first started off being a generic henchwoman but in time she was not only given more of a story, she became over sexualized. I want to explore why this character turned into who she is now Harley Quinn is a complex character. She is a jester, representing the trickster archetype (Vogler, 2007) but not fully evil. “The Trickster archetype embodies the energies of mischief and desire for change. All the characters in stories who are primarily clowns or comical sidekicks express this archetype”. Her name is a play on the word Harlequin  which was one of the stock characters in the Italian commedia dell’arte, a form of theatre popular in the 16th century. This style of theatre is known for using masks as well as improvisational comedy and physical comedy. The Harlequin was often labelled as “a wily and covetous comic servant” (Pallardy, 2008) which the character Harley Quinn is. She’s a double act to the Joker. Looking at Harley Quinn’s outfit we can see that it looks to be a Jester’s outfit, reinstating the servant/jester role but when we look closer, things aren't as they appear. Her outfit is made of three main colours. red, black and white. These colours were not chosen at random. She is mainly made up of red and black, red is the universal sign for danger, like a warning and black generally means evil or in some cases death. Harley Quinn is a dangerous character. It’s then we come to the white part of her costume, which represents the fact that Harley Quinn was never evil to begin with, it’s only when she was introduced to the Joker she went down this dark and dangerous path. In some episodes of the Batman Animated Series, she is not the evil villain, in fact there’s one episode (Harleys Holiday, 1994) in which she’s trying to be good. So the white symbolizes a purity, although its small size, in relation to the other colours in her costume, suggests that the purity of her character has been taken over by the darker part of her nature. Her body shape is made mostly of triangles. That plays a big part of her character as in the language of semiotics triangles suggest danger. One thing that is also noticeable is her movement. As she is an acrobat, she is agile and fast. Her character is very rarely static, she is often moving around, where as the Joker is very still and calculated. As Harley is a Jester it would make sense that she is agile. Harley Quinn’s movements can be compared to the Harlequin’s movements on stage being a performer from Italian Commedia Dell'arte.

Harley Quinn made her debut in an episode in which she played a minor role. In this episode (Joker’s Favour, 1992) Harley was merely a henchwoman, it’s not even explained to the audience who this character is. She seems to be evil as she’s standing next to the Joker and helping him with his evil plans but we find out nothing from this first episode. It’s only as the series continues, that Harley gets more back story. Although this is a children’s show, Harley is seen skipping in a nighty, wearing small and tight shorts, and wearing a stripper’s police uniform to gain entrance to a police ceremony. Arguably the worst case of over sexualisation has to be in the episode “Beware the Creeper” (1998) When Harley is in a warehouse as the Joker walks in, a spot light turns on over a big cream pie and slowly emerging out of a cream pie whilst singing “Happy Anniversary” is Harley. What’s interesting to note is there is some historical context in this scene as Harley either parodies or tries to copy Marilyn Monroe singing Happy Birthday to JFK on his birthday.

In an episode called “Mad Love” (1999) it’s clear that Harley Quinn is in an abusive relationship with the Joker, as in this episode he grabs her, slaps her and even pushes her out of the window. It’s clear that Harley is in love with the Joker, but the Joker doesn’t love her, and simply uses her to get what he wants. So why doesn’t she leave? There could be number of reasons why she might be staying with him. She might be afraid of provoking additional violence, she might be afraid of being alone, but the one most plausible idea is she might feel guilty for causing the abuse. (Rodriguez, 2013). This is reflected in the same episode “Mad Love”, when she’s pushed out the window and blames herself for not getting the joke that the Joker told her previously. As the creator of Harley Quinn has said (date of this?), “All she wants is to get rid of Batman so that she can have the Joker’s full attention. Her eyes are open a bit but towards the end, but denial creeps back in.”

It could be argued that she has a ‘saviour complex’ where she thinks she can fix the joker or perhaps make him fall in love with her. I think this is why Harley attempts to be over-sexualised. She wants to make the Joker love her but he can’t as he never does love anyone or anything. I think this is why she wore the jester's outfit, why she changed her name, why she saved him so many times. Harley just wants the Joker to love her. And whilst some versions of Harley Quinn achieve that goal through the many retellings and reboots, in this version she doesn’t get her wish.

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Finished walk cycle - 17/11/16

Today, I finally completed my character walk cycle. Before whilst was near completion, this was finally complete with the legs not switching over. i’m very happy how this has turned out, considering 8 weeks ago I had never picked up a drawing tablet let alone make a 2D animation. I can’t compare it to other people’s in the class as that would be unfair. Al I can say is I’m proud of it. If I had to do it again I would try and keep the line consistency as sometimes the lines appear really thick and then really thin. It’s trying to find that middle ground that’s the tough part.

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Walk Cycle 3 - 17/11/16

Today I finished my normal walk cycle meaning it’s the last bit of animation I needed to complete

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Chosen Character Resarch - Harley Quinn - Batman Animated Book

I decided to do some research by delving into the library to find books about Batman The animated series. I managed to find this book about Batman the Animated Series that had a small section about Harley Quinn from tvoice actors for the Joker and for Harley Quinn. The extracts below are from the following book. 

“Bruce, Eric Alan and I agreed that while we never wanted to delve to deeply into the rotting offal that passes as the jokers soul, we did want to broaden his character a bit. One way we humanized the least human of Batman enemies was to put him in a relationship with a woman who, for what ever reasons, adores him.” - Mark Hamill (Joker)

"Expressing emotion in any way that's real and meaningful is alien to the Joker, but he's  learning those parts of himself, however unconsciously, through Harley. On a physical level they're dynamite together. A lot of relationships are defined by that. Two people may be really horrible for each other, but physically they push each others buttons so clearly  they can't get enough of that person"  - Arleen Sorkin (Harley Quinn)

"Everyone else sees the Joker laugh, only Harley has ever seen him cry. It's the only reason she stays with him" -  Arleen Sorkin (Harley Quinn)

The picture below is the early concept designs for Harley Quinn. As you can see there is a distinctive 50′s/60′s design to her that seems to have been lost going from this to her Jesters outfit..

Batman Animated by Paul Dini and Chip Kidd, October 1998

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Character Design - Cashew

Over the various weeks I have had character design, I have created a evil warlord named Lucifer, a evil robot bunny, and a friendly but lonely man named Cashew. But why did I pick Cashew? I always say characters all come from a place of truth. And whilst Cashew’s story is tragic, it comes from a place of truth, my truth. Whilst I did exaggerate some aspects about Cashew’s life like joining the space marines to make his parents happy, Cashew has depression and so do I. I feel like in this made my love for the character stronger as I know what he is probably feeling right now. I would like to re-animate him one day, perhaps when I have had more experience in 2D art. This is why I gave him a head like a Cashew nut. In his back story as I have explained, he was bullied at a young age because of his looks, because he looks different. Yet again this is from a place of truth as I was bullied as well. I wanted a character who was outside peoples expectations, to maybe look like a monster in some cases but to have a heart of gold. I feel like he is identifiable because of his head and makes him a recognizable character, as apart from his head, he is completely normal. 

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Reflective Journal (07/10/16 - 11/11/16) - Research

This week and me re-watching the Batman Animated Series episodes that featured Harley in a prominent role, just re-making notes and picking up elements I might have missed the first time. It’s thanks to this that I finally managed to finish my first draft of the essay. Whilst I realize it took so long, it’s because I was trying to find the right words after not writing an essay for so long. I have now sent the essay to Lynsey and I am waiting to hear back from her.

[michaelchapmandynamics]

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Reflective Journal (07/10/16 - 11/11/16) - Character design

This week was a big change as I finally completed my character walk cycle. After Helen and Robin gave me some feedback, I know I need to edit this. so whilst I have something there still is a lot of work to be done.

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Reflective Journal (31/10/16 - 04/11/16) - Resarch

On the Tuesday, I had a one to one with Lyndsy to discuss how the essay was going, and apart from watching a few episodes and making notes, it all felt rather daunting. So Lyndsy help and suggested me to look up some historical examples, such as italian commedia dell'arte. I am also going to look up my own historical context as I do believe there is a link between Harley Quinn and Marilyn Monroe. well as current information which I have done but still don’t fully understand, I will explain in further detail later on. After this one to one, I continued work on my character design sheet, at that point I hadn’t finished but was on track to finish.

[michaelchapmandynamics]

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Reflective Journal (31/10/16 - 04/11/16) - Character design/Dynamics

On the Monday, we had one main lesson which was our Photoshop introduction. Sam took u through the many aspects of Photoshop which I found incredibility useful because apart from quick Photoshop edits, I hadn’t drawn on them before. Sam taught us about layers as well as drawing on these layers. We imported a picture of Totoro and colored it in our own inspired colours to show our learning. As it was Halloween, I coloured him in in slightly spooky colours.On the Monday, we had one main lesson which was our Photoshop introduction. Sam took u through the many aspects of Photoshop which I found incredibility useful because apart from quick Photoshop edits, I hadn’t drawn on them before. Sam taught us about layers as well as drawing on these layers. We imported a picture of Totoro and colored it in our own inspired colours to show our learning. As it was Halloween, I coloured him in in slightly spooky colours.

As well on the Thursday we had a tutorial with Robyn and Helen, as we got set a task to do away from home, I misunderstood the task and drew my character doing a range of dynamic walks. But I was able to turn a negative into a positive as I assessd which one would make a better walk cycle for my character. It was after that tutorial which I went to the Media Lab to do some work on my character design sheet, I made these drawings into a quick animation as you can see below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjBKWDot-J4&feature=youtu.be

Friday’s lesson, I spent majority of the day in there, and because of this I got 2 nessesertiys achieved. One was finishing of my character design sheet and the other was finishing my dynamic animation which you can see on the blog below. I’m glad to get a couple of things done and out the way but with so much else left to do it feels like I made very little headway, which you can see above.

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Reflective Journal (24/10/16 - 28/10/16) - Resarch

On the Tuesday we had what appears to be our final essay briefing on our characters which I’ve now started taking notes on, I’m slowly building up a case study.

This lecture started of with a question. If I had to choose a single word to describe the way my character moves,  what might it be? Since doing some research and stockpiling the episodes I have to watch to understand my character, of the top of my head I would say joyful but I’m sure by the end of this essay that answer might change. This was what appears to be the final lecture that we will have for the run up to our hand in. I have to remember to factor in weight + Timing as the movement is crucial.

Another thing was suggested is that you really look at the character, look at their movements, expression, language, gestures, eye contact and the tone of voice. We also got a very brief overview of how we structure the essay, I found that quite helpful as spending 2 years out of education, I needed that little reminder such as a clear introduction, paragraph 2 should focus on what exactly is this type of media and who it’s aimed to. Paragraph ¾ need to focus on compare and contrast, and talk about visuals and movement. Over this week I’m going to draw up a rough plan of my essay and hope to have the rough plan to show Lyndsy by Monday.

[michaelchapmandynamics]

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Reflective Journal (24/10/16 - 28/10/16) - Dynamics

As per the continuation of our workshop, we had a lesson with Robin which went into a plain walk cycle. Armed with the drawing pad, In this lesson we went over a number of things. The first being how we had new frames as well as a background layer.

In this 3 hour lesson I made 2 walk cycles, the first one was just a generic, plain and boring walk cycle on the spot. and the other was a more of a styled walk cycle with a character on a tightrope walking whilst balancing.

As workshops go it was made all the more fun that we could animate anyone in any position we see fit, I’m undecided if I am doing my walk cycle on TVPaint of by drawing. The fact we are given the option is wonderful. It’s something I’m going to be thinking carefully about over the next few days as ideally I want to start my animation next week with my chosen character Cashew.

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Reflective Journal (24/10/16 - 28/10/16) - Character Design

I finally chose my character, he has a very distinctive head and a curved body. His name is “Cashew” I chose the design as all my other designs had been very sharp, somewhat evil looking. I wanted a character that could look odd or maybe in some cases freaky but has the heart of gold. This is the character I will be sticking with but needs a lot of working on, as right now the only defining trait he has is his head shape. We modeled them out of Plasticine. This is the character I will be sticking with. I I’m not sold on his outfit so I will change that in the coming days,

[michaelchapmandynamics]

Reflective Journal - (17/10/16 - 21/10/16) - Resarch

Tuesday we had more character design as a lecture, The Tuesday was spent looking over character designs as a whole suck as posture, the colour even the way they are designed. This strengthened my case study for Harley Quinn as her character was practically made for this type of evaluation.

In this lecture we mainly focused on the how we evaluate our character, as we need to demonstrate critical thinking skills and show we can analyse a character. We were told we can focus on any episode or scene we want to regarding posture, the way they stand, any aesthetic choices and so on. We were also told a valuable bit of information that we need to know about the character inside out as Lynsey recommended that we find out about the creators as well. She recommended we watch interviews, by the people who made it, voice actors as well as find out when it was made, why that style, why 2D or 3D. I will be looking into this over the next coming days as I have a character in mind. I will also be looking in the Library to see if there is any analog accounts of my possible character, Harley Quinn.

Lynsey Also suggested we do a 2 page summery. Page 1 would contain everything I know about the character as well as page 2 contain everything I can think of that I will need to find out and possibly methods of doing so. I can’t say it’s a method I have ever used before so I’m quite hesitant and wonder if this will actually help me, but I will give it a go.

When using online sources, I have to look out for the following things. If the sources are cited, date of publication, author or host of the website and to NOT USE WIKI, as that can be edited by anyone. When starting to write my essay, I should avoid the cliché statements like “I think” or “I feel” as secondary school use them. I should word my arguments like “It could be suggested” which is perfectly reasonable.

But the most important thing to include:

1 - The Character design and the animation style

2 - The characters walk cycle

3 - Behavioral patterns in the character.

4 - The colour palette of said character.

As well as other details but these 4 are the main ones to include. I also need to look at the mise en scène of each scene I look. Which I’m glad we where reminded because I took a 2 year gap between college and uni, I had completely forgotten want mise en scène even meant. However I can only refer to  mise en scène if it’s appropriate in establishing and revealing the personality of said character.

In the final part of the lecture, we were introduced to 9 archetypes, and they were: Hero, Shadow, Shapeshifter, Mentor, Threashold Guardian, Herald, Allies, Trickster and Shadow. All these are different character and hold different traits. When writing my essay about this character I will have to have a think about where my character falls into

And that was the essay, it was quite a hefty one as we were given more information as well as questions then the previous 2 lectures combined. I now have a more of a firm understand about how I will attempt to write this essay.