development...

While still working on My storyboard Ive also been developing the 'shop' area. I considered that maybe the shop had closed down, and the toys had been left behind, but i still mostly like the idea that the shop is closed and it is only the toys that are inside. Ive been trying to create this environment including the sale area idea for the Jack in the box, and incorporate the 'new in' shelves for the dancer. Ive made a few mock ups in Maya trying to establish how to best display them. Originally i thought that i wanted the store to be an old collectors store, crammed full of things, but i think for this project less, would probably be more. I want to keep it very basic, dimly lit, apart from the two main toys (possibly lit with hanging display lights) keeping the viewers eyes on what i want them to be looking at and not distracted by what else Ive packed into the scene.

After watching the YouTube clip that Phil suggested i watch for ideas on the suspense factor of my project it became quite apparent that to tell a story you don't need o.t.t visuals, unless that is part of the style or theme, and i feel that especially for this project, with some nice animation and paced subtle camera shots, would be more than enough to tell my story well.

Back to the point... Ive been sketching, trying to create this small piece of world that these toys exist in to try and allow me to improve my storyboards. I think if i had i better idea of the set up, perfecting the storyboard will become easier. Also i need to work further on the dancer, making her more of an important part of this animation because at the moment, Ive left her out a little.

Tomorrow i will be going to look at some toy shops to get an idea of environment and style. I think Hamleys has the widest variety of displays and also quite a few ares away off from the rest of the store, for instance corners and not so obvious isles and this is what I'm looking for. I'm most interested in the smaller, almost forgotten displays, as this is how i want to create mine. I just need some inspiration i think.