Visual Effects Module: Initial Ideas

After being given the brief for our next module, I began by sketching some initial ideas. I picked up my sketchbook before launching into research as I didn't want to define a particular approach immediately. instead I felt I would warm up and simply get the creative juices flowing. Possibly as a result of my approach in the previous model, the first ship sketch came out looking like some synthetic marine mammal-like vessel:

I immediately steered away from repeating my previous approach, although I was interested by the possibility of merging a very organic looking creature with synthetic mechanical elements. I was reminded of the theme of 'Synthesis' communicated in one of the optional 'Mass Effect 3' endings, which is the idea that the final stage of evolution is the fusion of organic and synthetic life. In a sinister approach, this is reflected in the 'Husks.' and enemy which is the result of humans being mutated into synthetic savages in the Mass Effect series:

My idea involved an insect like ship, sending out a swarm of smaller insects to harvest people before wrapping them in a metallic cocoon, slowly morphing the victim into a Husk-like being:

I was immediately enticed with this particular approach. I thought it could offer an interesting spin with the insect swarm extraction and the cringeworthy transformation of the photographer character in the sequence. With this in mind, I drafted a final frame shot ready to present for our initial class critique:

For the final shot, I am contemplating a wide angle dramatic shot of the character suspended within the ships organic/synthetic interior. The style I am trying to put across with this sketch is a mix of electrical wiring and jagged metallic debris, mixed in with slimy eggs and atmospheric gasses filling the virtual set. Perhaps a slow zoom would add to the suspense, as if the spectator is attempting to catch a better glimpse of the tortured character without being detected by the ships inhabitants. The aliens who inhabit the ship will also be incorporated in the shot, likely just assessing the stage of transformation that the character has reached. After deciding on this idea, I produced a moodboard to collect references and establish the desired theme and style of my direction:

Surveillance

As our first Crit is approaching, our team realised that it was time to narrow down our approach and turn our focus onto a storyboard. I offered to take on this particular task as I was slow contributing my concept art ideas due to spending long amounts of time on single paintings. Before I began, our team contributed plot ideas, which in the end narrowed down our title choice to 'Surviallence'

My step in refining our art direction was to develop a detailed moodboard containing spaceship concepts, surveillance equipment armour and weaponry:

The idea of having a stealthy ninja style character infiltrate a ship was agreed on. This Protagonist could possibly be cunning and sneaky, fitting the Trickster archetype, or possible fit the Martyr archetype, facing possible peril after protesting against the vessel's purpose. Responding to the Protagonist's infiltration, some form of security guard was discussed. This figure will likely fit the Antagonist role, preventing the Protagonist from completing his task. I took this general approach and structured a short narrative. Bellow is the storyboard:

There are still elements of the narrative which need refining. Most importantly, why is the Ninja character infiltrating this particular ship, what is the ships purpose? Also, this initial storyboard is subject to change, however, it will hopefully help us refine our ideas and begin moving in a solid focused direction.