Director’s Treatment
Integration is very important. Both elements should be used wisely and with a sense of balance to enhance the story and not overwhelm it. Analog and Digital: The integration of the old and new technology.
Super Vanguard 5 is an animated 2D+3D Full length feature specifically conceptualized fora young audience. It's basic storyline is comprised of three (3) distinct elements - a journey of self discovery, friendship and unity. It is action, adventure and comedy rolled into one but with a dash of Kiwiness in it. In short, We at Toonstuff animation would like to come up with an animated film which is a bit different from the rest in a sense, as the whole story evolves around things affecting everyday Kiwi kids which I find very interesting and unique in a way. To showcase that uniqueness in the film alone generates a lot of excitement for us and we're in to challenge ourselves to come up with a high degree of standard regarding the film quality.
That is the main reason why we have to produce and come up with innovative ideas for the movie. Ideas not only to keep the viewers entertained but also get them engaged and have a sense of feeling connected with the characters in the feature.
The main look and feel of the show will be very much like that of a high quality animated feature such as the movie, " The Iron Giant " for adventure, touching scenes from " Up" and action packed stuff from an anime film, " Tekkonkintreet " ( directed by Michael Arias with the Studio 4' degrees animation team - currently working on a Marvel Classic ).
The script is written to meet a 90 minute ( approx.) duration. It entails a blend of unique family comedy mixed with upbeat, fun filled high action and fast-paced entertainment. The opening sequence showcases the vibrant city of Auckland. Starting scene is from Mission Bay and have the camera skim across the ocean showing a glimpse of the majestic Rangitoto Island, then continually zoom above the waterline towards the Princess Wharf. From there we pan-up revealing the beautiful Skyline with the Skytower in the background. From this sequence, the main characters are introduced. Set in the 21st century, the kids act and behave like any typical youth of their age. They are up to date with the present trends and are enjoying each other's company though they are of different ethnic backgrounds. Growing up together in the same community, they bonded quite easily.
Then one evening a chance encounter with some mysterious beings from another galaxy gave them an object that possess great power- the power to transform. From then on, things were never the same again.
The 2D + 3D Element
The combination of 2D character animation and 3D props and environment results to a high quality animated show. Whether a series or a feature, it will deliver the entertainment and the economic factors as well.
2D or not 2D
The 2D element is the integral part of the series- Hand drawn key drawings are the order of the day. They always bring in a different feel to any animated series or feature. That is the magic of the human hand, powerful enough to convey expressions and emotions through pencil and paper. Illustrated below are some of the processes involved in the making of the series.
A scene with Xyroth- A hand drawn key drawing with a red pencil highlight to indicate body shadow.
The same key drawing colored.
Another sample of the animation process. (a) 2D + 3D lay-out – with CGI
tree for registration guide.
Characters from scene animated and colored.
CGI background with animated stream. Compositing the 2d animation and 3D background
plus water effects are merged and dialog added to complete the scene.
A sample of the SV5 storyboard.
Storyboard
It is important in every pre-production to include a detailed storyboard, indicating all information regarding each scene. It doesn't require super cool drawing as long as everyone concerned in production understands the total picture. As the saying goes, " If you can't draw it on paper, we can't show it on screen." ( well, something to that effect I guess.)
The 3D element: Environments and Props section
The following images below shows some of the processes involved in CGI production for the series.
A street scene is plotted 3D.
Street lamp cables are created and positioned across the main road.
Street lamp cables are created and positioned across the main road.
Hand painted backgrounds (2D) are created to be used as textures.
The 2D textures are then placed on the image plane. This process is known as texture mapping
A rendered 3D image of the scene.
3D Props:
All environments, props, effects and some of the characters are to be rendered.
An artist concept of an alien mother ship.
3D version of the concept without the 2D textures in place
