Facial Pose
Story Structure
In this week, I studied story structure in lecture. In particular, I realised that there is a tip for making good story by using these images. The good story has a flow.
Previs – Hunter to Prey
Object & Change of Mind(Planning)
I imagined a story in which the protagonist tries to open a heavy door using various methods of pushing it, but it doesn’t move. Then, the protagonist calms down and carefully looks around the door. He finds a button on the floor. When he pushes the button, the door opens, and he feels tired.
In this week, I did a lot of works such as story pitch, cinematography analysis, and previs hunter to prey.
Fist of all, I made a story board with my Partner (Avi). We have to use the specific word, (Therefore, and then) . Also, I have to consious about story structure.
In this assignment, we worked in pairs to create a story. We were asked to focus on the three-act structure in order to give the story depth and emotional ups and downs. We also had to include a ladder and a window as key elements, and use the words “therefore” and “and then” to clearly show the cause-and-effect flow of the story.
Our group created a story about a bird character as the protagonist. During class, the bird makes a plan to escape through the window using a ladder, and then attempts to carry it out. However, the teacher discovers the plan. Therefore, as a punishment, the bird ends up having to complete a large amount of extra homework, which leaves the character in an even worse situation than before.
Cinematography Analysis
Previs-Hunter to Prey
In this assignment, I worked in a pair with Silvia. First, we discussed what kind of story we wanted to create and wrote down as many ideas as we could while talking together using pen and paper. After that, we each created our own storyboards individually. We then compared both storyboards and selected the strongest compositions from each shot to create the final version.
For the previs, the work was divided into two parts: the first half and the second half. I was responsible for creating the previs for the first half of the story.
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Week 1: Cinematography Ⅱ
In this week, I analyzed cinematography structure, in particular, I got a new insights such as LAYOUT, COMPOSITION
& CAMERA LANGUAGE.
When I set a camera, I have to think about “what do I want to say and express?”.
Also, there is 4 key points for cinematography.
FOCUS
What is important to look at at this moment
FOCAL LENGTH
How much field you want
to include in your frame.
GEOMETRY IN FRAME
The architecture of the frame.
CAMERA MOVEMENT
Commonly used camera effects
Analysis of Incredible Family
We also practiced writing storyboards while analysing The Incredibles. Through this exercise, I became more aware of camera angles, composition, and the timing of cuts. In particular, I found it challenging to balance the quality of the storyboard drawings, and I practiced while constantly thinking about how much detail should be included.
This week is the same contents as last week. And I try to find new topic and genre for thesis.
After talking with my professor, I have a clearer vision for my research. I decided to combine my original ideas with my professional strengths.
Focusing on My Background
As someone with experience in both 2D hand-drawn animation and 3D CG, I want my research to reflect this unique background. Instead of a general study, I will focus on the technical and artistic side of animation.
Choosing a Specific Masterpiece
To make my research more practical, I have decided to analyze a specific work. I am a huge fan of Disney and Pixar, so I will choose one film from their collection as my main case study.
By looking at a world-class film, I can study:
- How they use visual storytelling to connect with children.
- The balance between traditional 2D principles and modern 3D technology.
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Week 8: One on One Tutorial
This week, I had a meeting with my professor to discuss my research plan. It was a very helpful session, but I realized that my original idea faced some problems and challenges.
Why I am changing my topic
Through our discussion, I discovered two main problems:
- Difficulty of Proof: It is very hard to scientifically prove exactly how animation changes a child’s brain. This requires a lot of time and medical data.
- Accessing Schools: Contacting kindergartens and schools for surveys is more difficult than I expected. There are many rules about privacy and safety, so it’s hard to get enough data as a student.
The Next Step: A New Topic
Instead of giving up, I have decided to reset my topic. I am now looking for a theme that is more practical and fits my skills as a 3D animator.
I want to focus on something I can analyze myself—like the design, movement, or the “how-to” of making great educational content—rather than just studying the psychology of children.
My Reflection
I realised that my weak point through one on one tutorial today. It is very helpful because I could understand how to go next step and strategy and so on.
I am currently brainstorming new ideas. I’ll share my new research topic with you very soon!
Research Strategy: How Educational Animation Supports Child Development
I am starting a new research project to explore the impact of educational animation on children’s growth. Many people think animation is just entertainment, but I believe it is a powerful tool for learning.
1: Literature Review (The Science)
First, I will study existing academic papers and books to understand the relationship between animation and the brain. I will focus on three key areas:
- Cognitive Functions: How visual elements and movement stimulate a child’s brain.
- Language Acquisition: How repetitive phrases and catchy songs help children learn new words.
- Emotional Understanding: How storytelling teaches empathy and social skills.
2: Comparative Analysis (Media vs. Physical Play)
Next, I will compare animation with physical toys (like blocks or puzzles). While toys are great for motor skills and hand-eye coordination, animation offers unique benefits in storytelling and emotional engagement. I want to find the “sweet spot” where digital media and physical play work together for the best learning experience.
3: Fieldwork & Surveys (The Real World)
Finally, I will move from theory to practice. I plan to visit kindergartens and schools to conduct surveys and interviews with teachers and parents.
- What changes do they see in children after watching educational content?
- How do educators balance screen time with other activities?
Goal of this Project
My goal is to provide a clear guide on how to use animation as an effective educational tool in the digital age. I will share my findings and data here on this blog as the project progresses.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Academic Support
Log in | Academic Support Online
I can use a various academic support in ual.
In particular, there is included such as Communicating opinion, Cohesion in writing, Connect with learning resources, Researching archives online, etc.
In padlet : Here is my first thesis idea
I would like to investigate how educational animation influences children’s cognnitive learning and emotional understanding. Since digital media is widely used in education in recent years, it is important to critically examine its educational value rather than assume it is always effective. The study will evaluate educational animation through literature review, interview, survey, and content analysis, and compare it with other learning methods (such as educational toys). The aim is to understand the role of animation in educational contexts and to develop my expertise in supporting children’s learning and emotional development in the future.
In my idea, this is a effective way to analyse two educational item, ( Animation and Toy).
Categories
Week 5: Research Frameworks
Useful website for following the harvard style and quate the documents
ATLAS.ti: https://atlasti.com/
Qualitative and Quantitative Research methods are two established research traditions that underpin all academic articles.
Quantitative Research
Quantitative research is an empirical approach that uses numerical data and statistical analysis to test theories and explain or predict phenomena.
Use of Numerical Data: It involves measuring research variables and collecting data strictly in the form of numbers.
Statistical Analysis: It relies heavily on mathematically-based methods—specifically statistics—to analyze the collected numerical data.
Testing and Prediction: The primary goal is to empirically test theories to determine if they can accurately explain or predict social phenomena or human problems.
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research is a complex, multifaceted approach that produces findings without relying on statistical analysis or numerical quantification.
Complex to Define: Because it is rooted in many different theoretical frameworks (paradigms), qualitative research has multiple dimensions, making it difficult to capture in a single, simple definition.
Non-Numerical & Non-Statistical: The most practical working definition is based on what it is not: it is any research where the conclusions and findings are generated entirely outside of quantification (meaning it does not use math, numbers, or statistical procedures).
Epistemology: (a) Which paradigm or worldview will inform the study design?
Theoretical perspectives: (b) Who or what will be studied?
Methodology: (c) Which research strategies will be used?
Methods: Which research methods or tools will be used to collect and analyse data?
Topics including the arts, entertainment, media or technology can be viewed from one or more of these perspectives.
World Views
Environmental/ecological issues
Gender representation
Ethnic representation
Cultural heritage/Exchange
Cultural appreciation and appropriation.
Diversity
Colonialism
Ethical issues
Education
Industry/Vocation
Equality/Human Rights
Community/Social Issues/Social justice
Politics/Government Hegemony https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B9h1wz4NaXo
Media Sectors
Experimental or Commercial
Emergent Practice
Screen based / Expanded cinema
Installation
Interactive
Augmented
Virtual reality
Broadcasting
Games
Cinematography
Production design
What is a literature review?
A literature review is an objective, critical summary of published research literature relevant to a topic
under consideration for research. Its purpose is to create familiarity with current thinking and research on
a particular topic, and may justify future research into a previously overlooked or understudied area.
Why write a literature review?
A literature review is important, as it provides an overview and an analytical analysis of what is known about a
particular topic. It establishes and identifies:
- An understanding and knowledge of a topic.
- The current research in this area.
- Gaps in the literature that helps justify your research.
- The context for your research and illustrates how it relates to the wider research landscape in this area.
- The key authors writing in this field
How to approach the literature review
One way to approach a literature review is to start out broad and then become more specific. Think
of it as an inverted triangle, or a funnel.
Using the funnel comparison, find:
- The background information to your topic. This will identify the broader issues and research
related to your topic and help you orient it, in the wider subject context. - Narrow downyour focus and identify the research that is closer to your area of research.
- Focus on specific research that is directly related to your topic
Funnel approach to literature reviews
Go broad
Start by looking at the broader issues around your project. Look at works that
give a general overview of your topic and put it into the context of the bigger
research landscape.
This will show an awareness of the breadth of your subject.
Narrow down
Then try and focus your research on issues that are more related to your topic.
Focus on the specific
Look at the most relevant research that relates to your topic and spend more
time discussing these key studies that are directly related to your research.
Structuring a Literature Review
Introduction: Sets the stage by defining the core theories and main ideas of the research topic.
Main Body: Organizes sources logically, moving from broad background information down to specific studies. It also points out what is missing or flawed in the current research.
Conclusion: Briefly wraps up the findings, explains how past studies support your work, and suggests next steps for future research.