Who the Fuck is Bela Lugosi?

Who indeed...

Tonight I had the pleasure to see "30 Days of Night" with Marta and Josh. Lets just say that its not a cinematic masterpiece. The vampires had a bad case of "lets see what happens when we take liberties with the Photoshop Liquify Tool". Meh!

At one point in the movie, one of the human characters cracks a joke which mentions Bela Lugosi. Naturally, Marta, Josh and I start to cackle like a bunch of hyenas. Out of the entire theater we were the only ones laughing. "Perhaps it wasn't that funny," I thought to myself. Before those words had a chance to dissipate from my mind, I heard the following conversation from the folks sitting behind us:

"Who the FUCK is Bela Lugosi?"

"I dunno what the Fuck that is."


I couldn't believe my ears... How can you call yourself a vampire fan and not know who Bela is. AHHH! If this isn't a cry for medial literacy, I don't know what is.

I feel like there should be an "International Get to Know Your Obscure, Once Famous, Silver Screen Stars and Starlets Day",

And now some pictures of the handsom Bela Lugosi...

My Goals Don't Mean a Thing

So, my goal for next crit is 700 frames at the very least. At the same time I have to figure out how to put everything together on Final Cut to make it look a little better.

I think I now have a better grasp of what I can and cannot (should not) do on sand. Also, I have to really work on the lighting situation.

Here's to hoping...

GAHHHH!!!! DUHHHHHHH!!!!

GAHHH!!!!

More money has been spent on the clay animation. MORE MONEY!!

I have run into one problem after another with this damn thing but by hook or by crook I am going to have at least 250 framses ready and done with by Tuesday.

I am still trying to figure out what the hey happened to the week off we were supposed to have. I was really counting on it to catch up on work but I found myself preparing for one presentation, a mid-term exam, some back logged commisioned work and other non-claymation related CRAP!

So, its time to dive into work, finish up and get ready for the insanity.

Something New

I am pretty impressed with this 17 year old.

http://www.joeyl.com/#

I Cannot Tell a Lie

So I have something to admit. I am about 2 weeks behind on my clay animation and I cannot seem to get started. I was hoping this week off was going to be a good starting point but I find myself increasingly scattered in the wind (que Kansas).

I am hoping that by Thursday, at the latest I will have the first 500 frames done.

Here's to ambition!

My Universe

Behold, I have created a universe out of straw, grass and metal parts.

The set is mostly complete minus the magic tree and more sand... lots more sand. I will post pics of the finished product soon... or you could always come in and see it for yourself, but please don't bump the table because its not sturdy yet (bad design on my part).

Now, anyone know anything about which plants balance water Nitrite and Nitrate levels?

In Case You Missed It

Here is my evil creation. He taught me a lot about weight proportions and what not to do with scotch tape and clay.

Unfortunately his armature doesn't move. Basically he is a glorified paper weight.

Enjoy!

Don't Mind the Smell

My table for my claymation is assembled. Its a bit wobbly but nothing that cannot be fixed. Dimensions are 45inches high and a 4'x4' surface area. The hardest thing to find for it (and turning out to be most expensive) are sheets of styrofoam.

I have also found a solution to my armature construction issue. The key turns out to be wooden dowels. HAHA! Take that brass tubing. So the clay characters are coming along slowly. I expect to have the whole set complete for mid-semester crits. I also think that a few characters will be ready for showing as well. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Oh, the smell is a result of my use of potpouri for some of the set design. Its a bit overwhelming, especially for such a small room and I hope the smell will diminish before people take a tour at mid-semester. For now though, don't be surprised to smell the distinctive aroma of clean linen as you pass by the media center.

Good luck to all and see you at mid crits!

Dear Kris,

Please forward this to Mike of the first years.... (i don't know his last name... he has glasses) ... I think this has something to do with what he is doing for film/video class...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSodM4pLGIs


Its a great short called Manipulation