Animation - requirements and possible themes

As a group we looked at the requirements for the animation assignment, We worked together to create a mind map. We collectively discussed and wrote down possible themes and topics which we could base our animations on. We also looked at newspaper articles. As well as this we came up with a range of different types of animation such as digital, found objects, chalk animation etc, which we could then explore further by creating animations using these techniques and styles. This was helpful as for most of us this was our first time studying and creating animations.

Here i have began researching into possible themes to explore through animation. I began by looking online and in respectable newspapers to find interesting news articles. I came across some inspiring and controversial topics which I have then looked at further and considered the possible out comes for when I produce a final animation.

Here i have looked at a news article on the guardian website. The article discuses how beijing has issued a 'red smog' alert due to the poor air quality in Beijing as a result of the many factories operating. This has resulted in 2,100 factories being made to either suspend or reduce production. This news article captured my attention as is a very concerning issue happening in the world due to industrialisation. I have looked at the potential of animation of this news story by creating mind maps and jotting down ideas. I then explored further the potential of this news article by creating a silouette animation based on this story during a workshop.

The second article I looked at was based on the attacks in Paris on the 13th Novemeber. There article discuses the events that occurred on the evening in Paris. It discusses where each attack took place and the aftermath and the effects caused by the attackers. A total of 130 people were killed in the attack, leaving  368 people injured. The attacks took place in multiple locations such as the Bataclan theatre and various restaurants. I have explored the potential of this news article by creative mind maps with possible ideas I could use. I have also created a 2D animation based in Paris to create visual ideas.  I have also run trial animations with characters to see explore further the potential of this news article in an animated form.