WAVES – A SHORT FILM
This short film, Waves, draws upon all my favourite aspects of films – character animation, VFX simulation and storytelling. The film includes character animation, water/beach simulation, fire simulation, as well as effective cinematography and visuals.
THE STORY
The story of the film is of a girl, Luna, who’s dream has come true. Luna and her Mother had always dreamt of moving away from the big, bustling city to a beautiful, calm tropical island. Unfortunately, Luna’s Mother passed away before they were able to make it. Determined to see it through, Luna makes it to their dream destination, in all its beauty. Her Mother will always be there to look over her.
Throughout this project, I’ve gained skills in character animation and rendering (Arnold) in Maya, as well as how to incorporate effects from Houdini into Maya. I’ve also gained Houdini skills in pyro effects, flip tanks and particle systems. This project has allowed me to produce more realistic effects and animation, and I’m keen to keep developing these skills. I also worked a lot on the cinematography and storytelling, since it would be hard to make a clear story in less than a minute of film. Working on this project as an individual accumulated a lot of hurdles, more than anticipated! However, I’m proud to say I got over them.
THE FILM
A LOOK INTO ‘WAVES’
Below is a video in which I show more detail and insight into the elements of ‘Waves’. One thing which changed a lot from the beginning to the end of my project was the shot cameras. Take a look at the video to see this and much more!
Below is a slideshow of rendered images from each shot of my film.
ABOUT ME
Course:
I’m a full-time Visual Effects student at Teesside University, graduating this summer.
Biography:
I’m a bubbly, hardworking and creative individual with a passion for all things film! I love animation, simulations and bringing life to the screen. I’ve always had a love for drawing and making little flipbook animations since I was only small, and this passion developed into wanting this to be my career path.
I have almost 5 years experience with Maya, 3 years experience with Nuke, as well as 2 years experience with Houdini and Substance Painter.
My goal is to become a junior animator, so I can soon join the film industry in making magic on the big screen. I aim to be proud of everything I do, in life and in my work.
Software & Hardware Proficiencies:
In Maya, I have experience with modelling, UV unwrapping, character animation, rendering with Arnold and brief experience with cloth simulation.
In Nuke, I have experience in rotoscoping, compositing, colour correcting and grading, as well as tracking too.
In Houdini, I have experience with pyro effects, flip tank simulation, particle systems and brief experience with groom too.
In Substance Painter, I have experience in texturing assets for my projects.
Employment, Work Experience:
- Barista/Chef/Front of House at Fausto Coffee, Roker (November 2015-August 2019)
- Barista/Chef/Front of House at Off The Ground Coffee House, Middlesbrough (October 2019-present)
These jobs gave me:
- Time management skills in a busy environment
- Working in and leading a team of employees
- Fantastic problem solving skills and customer service skills
- Knowledge into artisan coffee and various brunch dishes, including catering for those with dietary requirements/allergies.
- Running a carbon neutral & eco friendly workplace
- Confidence and drive to work hard and produce high quality work
I was one of three students at college who was picked to travel down to Framestore, London, for a weeks experience working in the industry. I worked on animation and attended meetings, worked on small projects, and gained a lot of knowledge from employees there, as well as the commute and travel in London.
Volunteering:
From the age of 12-17, I volunteered at my local ‘Girl Guides’ groups every Friday night by being a leader, organising games/events, and teaching the children.
From being 13-18, I volunteered at my local ‘Boy Scouts’ groups every Wednesday night by being a leader, organising games/events and teaching also. I also helped cater for the 80+ Cub Scouts on their annual ‘Cub Camp’ in the summer.
Running My Own Business:
Since early 2020, I took a leap of faith and started my own candle business, ‘Candles by Alicee’. My business is proud to be completely vegan and plastic free. All of my products are also sustainably sourced and eco friendly. This adventure taught me a lot about:
- Budgeting, costs & spending
- Meeting launch deadlines
- Customer service skills
- Running and creating my own website/shop
- Sourcing sustainable, high quality materials and products
Interests:
- Films
- Singing/performing
- Cooking/baking
- Travelling
- Coffee shops
- Running my own small business
