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Christopher Bancroft
Art Director
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Animation
Jun 3, 2016
•
8 likes
A selection of my work from a variety of projects
0:03-0:12
Pearl
Animator
This project was my exciting introduction to virtual reality. It was a small team of animators and technical artists partnering with Google engineers. Everything was rendered real-time using a viewer’s phone.
0:13-0:22
Pearl
Animator
Viewers are locked in position but able to look in any direction. For animation, this meant that details such as the feet on the pedals and physical interactions had to be fully fleshed out. Common ‘keep alive’ animation tricks weren’t enough.
0:23-0:31
Pearl
Animator
In addition to the primary story, each character’s performance had to engage the viewer and remain consistent. Most shots had 4-7 characters and all of the animation was key-framed, which made for complex shots.
0:31-0:37
Pearl
Animator
For this skinny dipping shot, I faked the actions as best as possible since the character’s weren’t created without clothes. Clothing and rig variations were added to the CBB list but ultimately there wasn’t enough time. My rough sock and shirt model made it through to the final product. The lighting really helps and most viewers never questioned i
0:37-0:42
Pearl
Animator
This shot required a lot of constraints and physical interaction but really helps build up the energy in the story.
0:42-0:46
Pearl
Animator
View the full short here: https://youtu.be/WqCH4DNQBUA
0:47-0:50
I was fortunate to be an inaugural team member of VR startup Baobab’s first short film “Invasion!”, which was featured at the Sundance and Tribeca film festivals.
0:50-0:58
Through user testing, it was discovered that this main story point and gag wasn’t registering. I pitched this simplified idea as a more visual and immediate gag.
I also developed story ideas that continue exploring the aliens’ world while maximizing the unique capabilities of the VR medium for future projects.
1:00-1:06
Guardians of the Galaxy
Senior Animator
Coming from a character animation background, I was trusted with the first facial shot of Rocket in the film. The facial system was still under development at the time and this helped establish the priorities of creature team and the style for animation.
1:08-1:09
Guardians of the Galaxy
Senior Animator
In this digi-double shot, I had to blend matchmove animation at the very start with a violent keyframed action.
1:10-1:14
Rise of the Guardians
Animator
Animated Pitch (black and gray character) while closely coordinating with cross-site team.
1:16-1:21
Megamind
Some of the challenges were quickly moving cameras and characters through a large environment. The actions had to visually flow through the shots to ensure the audience could track the action and performance.
1:23-1:34
Ted 2
Senior Animator
Ted is a great character for an animator. It was key to stay true to the established animation style from the first movie, while maximizing the emotional appeal from a limited set of expressions.
1:34-1:44
Ted 2
Senior Animator
Shots started from mocap data provided by the director. I would typically knock down the jitteriness and manipulate the timing of the mocap, then amplify or add specific acting direction, facial and hand animation.
1:49-1:57
Mr. Peabody & Sherman
Fun character interaction between Penny and Sherman. Had to find a fine balance between provocative and innocent.
Comments (3)
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Toby Winder
Hey Chris, awesome stuff. Especially like the stuff for Pearl lovely style :)
115 months ago
Christopher Bancroft
Thanks Toby!
114 months ago
James Bennett
Dude, you are giant talent!
113 months ago
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