ParaNorman - Angry Aggie

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0:00-0:04

ParaNorman

Rigging and Asset Creation Lead (VFX)

Angry Aggie was the result of the collaboration of multiple departments at Laika.
0:04-0:09

ParaNorman

Rigging and Asset Creation Lead (VFX)

A practical Aggie puppet was animated on stage which provided the main performance. Tracking markers were added to the main anchor points to inform our digital puppet match-move.
0:09-0:14

ParaNorman

Rigging and Asset Creation Lead (VFX)

Once we had an accurate digital puppet matched to the original performance, we had something to drive the main and secondary effects such as the dress and "ink-bolt lightning" crown and yolk.
0:15-0:20

ParaNorman

Rigging and Asset Creation Lead (VFX)

The basis of the ink-bolt effect was generated as a series of image sequences based on blown ink patterns provided by a traditional 2D FX artist. This imagery was then converted to 3D geometry which could be rigged, animated and played back in sequence to show the "growth" of each bolt.
The dress mas modeled, rigged and simulated in Maya.

Tools: Maya, Houdini
0:25-0:32

ParaNorman

Rigging and Asset Creation Lead (VFX)

Each ink-bolt was rigged to allow control over posing, speed, width and intensity.
Maya hair dynamics was used to add subtle secondary motion. The hair dynamics were then baked and the resulting cache was manipulated via expressions to give the impression that each bolt tip would reach out and lock to a point in the scene.

Tools: Maya
0:33-0:40

ParaNorman

Rigging and Asset Creation Lead (VFX)

Interactive lighting was added on set to the puppets and surrounding environment to help integrate the digital effects.
0:40-0:45

ParaNorman

Rigging and Asset Creation Lead (VFX)

Aggie's face was modeled and rigged by the Rapid Prototype dept. and 3D printed as a kit of replaceable face shapes that were added to the practical puppet.
The face was back lit to which provided some interesting texture through the varying levels of material thickness.
0:45-0:49

ParaNorman

Rigging and Asset Creation Lead (VFX)

The digital models which were used to generate the printed faces were then used by the VFX dept to integrate and drive some of our digital effects elements.
0:49-0:55

ParaNorman

Rigging and Asset Creation Lead (VFX)

Multiple lighting passes were provided by stages which gave VFX a great deal of control over the final look of the practical elements.