Robot Awakening and Sparks

[Sadler]

A couple of gentle (some might say slow) pieces for a project Awakening, gathering a number of artists across Europe. Trying to integrate 3d models into a cohesive environment is challenging especially when just using Magic as in these videos.

[Terry Payman]

Very impressive work Sadler.
I have only the slightest appreciation of the 3D challenges and the time constraints on your project, but have made a few naive comments below.

Sparks
I really like "Sparks" - very atmospheric. Desolate indeed.
I loved how the smooth track of camera angle revealed more of the scene, my reward for watching from start to finish.

I have a slight reservation about the sparks and smoke. These appeared rather flat and 2D to me, and it seemed incongruous that they all stayed unchanged in front of the camera as it tracked around - as if there was fire moving round just in front of the camera but nowhere else.

I'm wondering if the sparks would gel better if there were several 2D planes of sparks at different angles in the 3D space, approximating a cylinder. The sheet of sparks we see at the beginning would eventually be seen at an angle.

Twilight
Very poignant. I loved the contrast between the static (but very cute) robot and the passage of time and season in the somewhat surreal and alien landscape.

I loved the opening with the music responsive matrix. I also liked the cascade of multicoloured particles - although it seemed slightly odd that they only eminated from the centre of the matrix, and very odd that they disappeared with the reveal at 0:25 and in the subsequent scene. On balance I think I'd prefer never to see them.

I liked the idea of the fauna in the forest, but for me there was far too much of a contrast in style. I felt they should be more animated and fluid in form to match the rest of the forest.

Regardless of the minor niggles I very much enjoyed watching these art pieces. Thanks for sharing!

[Sadler]

Cheers Terry. I agree with all your points really and it was mostly lack of time for some of the points you raise. Your right that layering 2d effects over 3d scenes doesn't work very well and your idea of layers of sparks is a good one. Might have also tried an iterator particle system but just had other projects to prepare for. I would have tried to rig the bots too given time and some motivation. Integration of elements, as you say, isn't perfect even though I put some effort into this.
Appreciate your thoughts.

[Terry Payman]

I think the static bots add to the poignancy- with just their flicker of remaining life.

[TKS]

The first video is my favorite, it's amazing how you create so much tension with so little movement.
Really well done!

[Sadler]

I think the static bots add to the poignancy

Thanks, it would have beneficial to have these points during WIP.

it's amazing how you create so much tension with so little movement

Appreciated! I tend to want to make everything move in my work and I get nervous when there's so little movement.