Initial Research and Ideas

My current main idea is producing a series of animated shorts around 30-60 seconds long based upon a main loveable character of whom goes on adventures based around different dreams.

So far my ideas for these mini adventures are:

- the feeling of falling

- teeth falling out

- naked in a public place and unable to put clothes on

- flying

I'd also like to undertake some primary research of strange, descriptive and physically impossible dreams that people have had to have the possibility for using these as a basis for another adventure.

So far my main inspirations and research have been into Paddington Bear by Micheal Bond published in 1958, but broadcast in 1975; due to the short charming stories and adventures that Paddington follows and how these derived.

In terms of style I thought about a 2D cut-out style, however I do not feel this would put my skills base, although possibly my creative base. Therefore I am contemplating creating a 3D scene in Maya, of which I am relatively new to but learning fast! Using this software will enable me to create a very realistic piece whilst combining the unnatural elements of the narrative, a contrast that I hope will work well!

Another production that I have an interest in, in terms of style, is Pixar's latest short animation 'Day and Night'. To depict scenes and narrative they use inverted sillouhettes of two characters' showing a very charming and entertaining narrative and animation.

Video - Day And Night - Pixar

This has inspired me to possibly create my work using a spotlight to only reveal certain parts of the scene and narrative to keep the audience 'in the dark'.

I have not decided on my audience as of yet. I'm debating between two large target groups; young children or early teens to early thirties. As I haven't decided on what the main character is going to be and what it's behaviour will be, I feel that once I have developed and created this element the target audience will come naturally.