Sam Smith

@orbitaljunker

Animation MA at UCLan

160 posts

Getting Better

The direction of my MA has changed throughout the course, informed by my own journey through learning about and subsequently managing my depression, my anxiety and my ADHD.

This process of what could be called art therapy, as my ideas and discoveries are mirrored in the evolution of my film, has been profoundly helpful. Unfortunately, I am so used to being engrossed in every detail that I struggle to step back and assess from a distance. In doing so for the purposes of reviewing and writing about my course progression, I have realised that some issues that I thought I had dealt with, such as my depression diagnosis and core perspectives which I have utilised extensively in Debris’ narrative development, have not been put behind me.

I’ve been overcome recently with these resurfacing emotions and thoughts as a consequence of this reflection. But, I’m getting better at recognising my unhealthy behaviours. I’m getting better at dealing with depressive episodes and breaking negative thought cycles. I’m getting better at recovery, at overcoming my mental obstacles, as I was able to do last week, processing in two days what used to take two weeks. I’m getting better at motivating myself to push through indecision and overthinking.

That’s what I hope, at least. That’s what I feel I’m doing. That’s what I want to be doing.

I think I am.

I’m glad I am.

I’m getting better at positivity. I’m getting better at time management. I’m getting better at focusing on one task and seeing it through. I’m getting better at getting better.

I’m getting better.

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE - ImageworksVFX

JAXA & NASA Space Mission - Animation

The Mill collaborated with award winning directing duo Dom&Nic to bring Chemical Brothers’ brand new video ‘Wide Open’ to life.

“Thank you to the Steven Universe community for saying such positive things about this scene, we thought you might like to see the pencil test. These are the shots from "Change Your Mind" that I animated and that Kendra tied down. Thank you Rebecca for letting us be a part of your beautiful show. Thanks to our Drew for scanning it all.”

James Baxter

Debris Script used for audio recording.

This is the revised script used for the dialogue record. Sarah arranged with Terry Chapman, UCLan Senior Lecturer in Acting, to have two Acting students record the dialogue for Debris. Sarah handled the recording and direction to show me the ropes using Logic Pro X.

Tatti Haslam voiced Amy and Lydia McCudden voiced Hana.

They were both spectacular and really elevated the script, bringing the characters to life far better than I could have imagined. I was taken aback at moments, especially when recording Amy’s panicked breakdown, which was so raw and impactful. I’m so glad of Tatti and Lydia’s performances. I feel the need to step up and try to match my drawings up to the amazing work they’ve done.

First conversation expression test with audio.

Both actors gave so much life and emotional weight to the characters of Amy and Hana. I feel the final film will have to do justice to the strength of their performances.

Amy expressions. First conversation with Hana.

I’m practising my expressions for this scene which sets up Amy and Hana’s personalities and conflicted history. Although the finished scene will not be shot this way I want to get Amy’s emotional reactions pinned down as her self doubt begins to creep in.

First Storyboard test using Storyboard Pro.

Practising with the program using my early storyboard shots.

The two-person crew aboard a Russian-made Soyuz rocket made an emergency landing in Kazakhstan today shortly after launch. The crew, which was traveling to the International Space Station, is reportedly safe and in “good condition” after the scary failure was broadcast on the web.

Character work.

Pose practice using Figma Archetype model.

In my desire to improve my character posing I’m using this posable model to help with getting some realistic poses. Also very helpful with foreshortening practice for more dynamic shots I have in mind. I’m intending to use some different lenses for my camera too, maybe a wide angled lens.

Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50. For that to change, the stigma of mental illness must be challenged

If depression was the primary affect of Gen X, anxiety may be the definitive diagnosis for millennials.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talking treatment which focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your feelings and behaviour, and teaches you coping skills for dealing with different problems. It combines cognitive therapy (examining the things you think) and behaviour therapy (examining the things you do).

Sam Smith @orbitaljunker - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag