21016745's blog

Month: December 2024

Categories
Material Texture

Material Texture

work on 18 November to 5 December

I used substance painter to create the material Texture for the character. The overall skin tone of the character is based on the zombie in traditional Chinese ghosts and monsters. The character is set as a long dead person turned into a ghost, so when making the material, the skin tone is inclined to be bluish grey, which is more like the colour of a dead person. In terms of costume material, we referred to some costume features, and then according to the character setting, the costume material was made into linen texture to highlight the lowly status of the character. Details such as texture and embroidery on the costume can add layers and realism to the costume and enhance the visual storytelling. And I used dark red as the main colour of the clothes to highlight the anger of the character after he turned into a ghost. At the same time, it also increases the horror atmosphere of the whole picture.

Categories
Material Texture

Material Texture

work on 18th November to 2nd December

Scene

I used substance painter to create the material Texture for the scene. The background of the scene is a weathered ancient Chinese theatre. Considering that most of the ancient theatres on display are wooden structures, wood was deliberately chosen as the main material. In this dilapidated, ancient scene, one will see various weathered materials such as rusted metal, cracked concrete and aged wood, all of which are covered with layers of dirt, dust and stains, giving the impression of being old and weathered. In order to authentically convey the antiquity of the scene, I carefully incorporated a decayed textured surface on top of the wood materials. Unfortunately, it was difficult to achieve a more pronounced sense of decay, which I will try hard to modify later. In addition, wood and compatible materials were used for other miscellaneous objects in the scene to ensure that they exuded a weathered texture that matched the dilapidated, old environment. Additionally, to enhance the eerie atmosphere of the scene, I strategically chose red as the primary color for the stage curtain.

Categories
Modelling

Character

work on 28 October to 11 November

There were several different character designs done during the pre-design of the characters.

However, considering the images in Chinese theatre and the fact that using the image of a female ghost is more able to accentuate the sense of horror. As well as the use of only half of the body to highlight the fact that the ghost experienced great pain in its lifetime, and eventually the wrongful spirit forms the ghost. The overall costume refers to the costume image of the flower girl in the theatre, because in ancient times many of the flower girl roles were played by women. The design of the costume is a bit shabby, and the body grows branches and flowers in order to emphasise that after a long period of time, the ghost has not dissipated, highlighting that she has a great deal of grievances, and that she has gone through a great deal of pain in her lifetime, or that she is still obsessed with her ghost and is unwilling to dissipate.

Character modelling, I made it using ZBrush and Maya. I combined some costume elements that would be found in theatre, as well as the horror elements of a female ghost to make it. I ended up enhancing the horror of the story even more by using the image of a hanged female ghost.

Categories
Modelling

Character

work on 28 October to 11 November

Reference：

Categories
Modelling

Environment

work on 8-28 October

When modelling the scene, I started by converting an existing intact Chinese theatre scene into Zbrush and Maya, and modifying it into a dilapidated old theatre scene. By referencing images of worn out scenes, I incorporated dilapidated elements such as crumbling walls, broken windows and curtains, collapsed roofs, and scattered debris to show how worn out the scene is and how it has gone through a long period of time. I also added dilapidated props and furniture, such as broken tables and chairs, to add detail. Compositionally, I chose an asymmetrical layout to mimic the irregularities of natural decay, making the scene feel more realistic and engaging. The uneven arrangement of objects and structures adds depth and dimension, while also evoking a range of emotions from nostalgia to unease, enhancing the eerie feeling of the scene as a whole.

Reference

Model Figures：

primordial complete model

modified version model

Categories
Modelling

Environment

work on 8-28 October

Reference：

Categories
Pre-production

The function of using a first-person perspective

work On 6 October

The first-person perspective is a very effective tool in horror animation, film and games. It enhances immersion, intensifies fear and suspense, deepens personal connections, increases realism, and provides unique narrative opportunities. Putting the audience directly in the protagonist’s shoes creates a more intimate and terrifying experience, making the horror elements more real. experience, making the horror elements more immediate and impactful.

For example, the 2013 survival horror game Desperado uses a first-person perspective to immerse the player in the chilling atmosphere of an abandoned mental hospital, intensifying the horror of every sound and movement. In the eerie Due to the limited field of view provided by the camera viewfinder, the use of only one camera with night vision in the eerie asylum adds to the sense of immersion and fear, creating a constant sense of tension. This limitation adds to the suspense as threats may appear out of the player’s direct line of sight.

Outlast (2013)

Another example is “Paranormal Activity” (2007), the film uses first-person surveillance footage and hand-held cameras to make the supernatural events seem more believable, thus reinforcing the sense of horror. Our animation focuses on supernatural and paranormal events in Chinese horror films. Utilizing a first-person perspective evokes a more natural response from the viewer to the horror elements, reducing the human element and enhancing the realism of the overall experience.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

Reference video：

https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1bE411V7yv/?spm_id_from=333.999.0.0&vd_source=b964a51b65354ee2e3b290b8f9143864

Categories
Pre-production

Horror elements combined with Chinese theatre

work On 6 October

The fusion of Chinese theater and horror elements is brought to life in several compelling ways. Firstly, traditional Chinese opera costumes and intricate make-up are utilized to craft visually captivating and extraordinary characters. Exaggerated facial expressions and vibrant colors intensify the sense of horror, giving the characters a more ghostly and menacing appearance. Secondly, the use of lighting and stage effects effectively creates a chilling atmosphere by blending traditional Chinese theater lighting techniques with modern special effects. Shadows, flickering lights, and fog are employed to evoke a sense of fear. Lastly, traditional Chinese instruments are blended in music and sound to produce an unforgettable soundtrack. The sudden, jarring notes and haunting melodies build suspense and tension, enhancing the overall experience.

Directly inspired by various Chinese horror legends, the depiction of hanging puppets in the short animation serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the supernatural resurrection of lingering past traumas and repressed emotions, both of which are fundamental themes of horror and the uncanny. By skillfully blending these elements, the aim is to provide a chilling and immersive experience that resonates with the deep cultural background of Chinese theatre.

Through this fusion, I have tried to capture the unique essence of Oriental horror, using the dramatic and symbolic potential of Chinese theatre to enhance the storytelling.

Categories
Pre-production

Pre-production

Work on 7 October

pre-productionDownload
Categories
Pre-production

Pre-production

work for 5 October

The theme of this short animation is a scary urban legend. This short animation aims to convey a sense of Chinese horror and eeriness through the setting and characters.

Synopsis：

This is a short animation aimed at teenagers. The story unfolds from the audience’s first-person point of view, transporting them to an eerie Chinese theatre where they witness the resurrection of a theatrical puppet. As the audience travels through the dark and ominous theatre, they are surrounded by an unsettling atmosphere. A puppet resembling a traditional Peking Opera actor hangs from the stage, creating a scene of unease and fear.