A bad day becoming good...

The split screen film seems to be an idea that works alot better than the original Kane premise. But again, the film would have to show the relationship between the villain and hero somehow, and Im struggling to think of an ending for it that works.

Therefore, I still want to use the same premise, the split screen showing two characters as they go about their routines and how their days go differently, but the idea came to me to keep it alot simpler, and to focus simply on one character having a good day, the other having a bad day.

This will hopefully allow for comedy elements, and I want it to be a film that is very similar in timing and actio  to classic caroons, like loony toons, or Spongebob Squarepants. I want it to be exaggerated comedy, pushing the reactions and actions of the characters. In order to get so much action and fast paced movement that comes across to audiences clearly, I want the characters to stay simplified, made of simple shapes.

A new day, A new idea

When the story was put together in an animatic, it wasn't working as well as hoped. It had too many details that audiences didnt pick up on, too many story elements that couldnt be put across in the short time period, so the story as a whole didnt make sense to viewers. When elements were then cut out or cut down it became worse and became a story that was nothing like how it was when first developed.

It seemed like there was no way of properly telling the story in the time frame of a minute and a half. Therefore, I had to come to the decision of changing the idea...

I still want to use the same characters, because it seems a shame to loose the designs I already have developed, but take the film in a way that will fit the time period more. After watching other short films, one in particular created by Aardman- 'Wat's Pig'- caught my attention. Its way of telling the story, through a split screen of two characters living their lives at the same time, inspired me to try the same effect for myself. So I want to show the hero and kane living at the same time, showing their morning routines and how they differ for the two characters- the villain in a grotty house for example, with the hero in a shiny, clean, modern place, or the villain opening his curtains and scaring local children, while the hero opens his curtains to have birds singing and groups of adoring fans outside. There could be various scenarios played out showing the difference between the two, ending possibly in them realising they live opposite each other, and prepare to battle, but arent on duty for another 10 minutes, so kane goes round to forcefields for a cup of tea first.

I hope this idea would be liked and enjoyed by audiences, going back to a more comedic story, with a way of telling it that will hopefully make it stand out.

Kane: the Enemy

Every good villain needs an equally good hero. Looking at classic super hero designs, I wanted the hero to fit with those classic characters, in the suit, with a specific power. I also want the character to seem oposite in shape and design to Kane, fitting with him, but clearly being his nemesis.

Trying the opposite shapes however didnt seem to work well, he didnt have the look of a hero, more a burglar.

Here he goes to the more traditional, muscly super hero look, with a tight suit and mask. His super power is lightning vision as is named Force Field. I feel the style matches him with that of Kane. His deisng isnt too overpowering to take over from Kane, as he is the main character, but will work in showing the character- he will mainly be shown in montage stills throughout the film anyway.

Kane: the life

The character of Kane is a super villain, but not one that is too harsh, too evil or frightening, more of a comedic character. He also doesnt have any powers, he is more a leader of the villains, so he will be more formal, living in a mansion, appearing to do nothing and enjoying his extravagant lifestyle.

He went through various stlyes and looks to get to a character that I was happy with the look of...

I do like these designs, they have a very Simpsons-esque quality that I love, and I feel suits the character, but they are very detailed and would be very difficult to animate

The designs needed to be simplified, and made with simpler shapes, so the character became more stylistic...

These designs are alot simpler and still get his evil sense across, whilst keeping the comedy essence aswell. I really like the way the second one looks and feel he could work nicely in the film.

The character in the film is an older version of himself, so I'll have to see what he looks like when aged and see if he still works.

Kane: The birth

Now, its the major project... a 1 and a half minute film. so many possibilites, so many stories that could be told. So the first thing to do is narrow them down...

I want to do something that uses superheroes- but from the villains point of view. A super villain, who is now old, retired, close to death and returns to his old lair- now crumbling and a mere ghost of what it once was. upon returning, he looks back through old scrapbooks of his career, his life with his enemy, the super hero, and looks back in regret, thinking about where exactly all of his actions got him in life. He is revisiting all his old haunts, looking back on his life- one area- a wizard portal area, is where he sees a vague glimpse of his super hero enemy, and he has left Kane a note, saying go back to his lair, and look on his message chair- where the super hero has left him a note only kane can get to, and it simply says, I forgive you... Kane is then able to die a happy man, the regrets lift from his shoulders, a smile spreads across his face, and he passes away, a happy man.

Im happy with the idea, and although its a little darker than I usually deal with, I feel its a strong story and hope that people will engage with it, and want to see more of it.

The End of Morris Kane

Now its back to the major project- the only thing left to do now, is actually animate the character...simple

A few tweaks were made first...

...before the final piece was created...

But overall Im happy with the piece. There are alterations that could have been made, but overall i think it came together well

Unfortunatly though, it turned out very dark again when filming it in flipbook, which is a shame as its very hard to see

To be honest, I didnt really enjoy this animation- it became more of a chore than an enjoyable experience, and Imight consider moving to the design side of the course for future projects