Previsualization in iClone 5
To attempt to better visualise my project I took some models from the SketchUp 3D Warehouse, and after manipulating them in SketchUp, brought them through RealIllusion’s 3DXchange software into iClone for animating a short sequence.
I chose to focus on the opening, as this is where I really want to draw out the tension, using complex framing and camera movements.
On closer inspection of the software, I could not find a pre-loaded character who looked young enough to stand in for how I imagine 6 year old Michael, and instead decided upon using correctly proportioned animatic wooden dummies.
This gave me the leeway to focus on the important aspects of the previsualisation: the framing and timings, instead of getting hung up on the particulars of the character’s appearances, which could dramatically change in the casting process anyway if this project were to be put forward.
In all I am quite proud of a few of the shots: some with very cool camera movements (challenging, but in all achievable on a real shoot), and also a shot in which the Ice Cream man opens the hatch on the van - as this way incredibly difficult to construct and choreograph in the software.
