Animation test NO1

The goal of the test today was purely to see how the puppet moved and test the balance. Composition and lighting was irrelevant.

The first problem I encountered, when testing my puppet this morning, was that I could not use the tie-downs. The puppet is designed to be attached with screws to a tabletop with pre made holes, but I could not find a table with holes in. Compromising, I tried to tape him to the side of the table. This wasn’t nearly strong enough, so in the end I had to hold him with one hand. Animating with a puppet that can not stand up-right on his own turned out to be rather tricky. This also meant I only had one hand to move him with.

Another problem was moment. Manipulating one limb affected the rest of the puppets pose more than I had anticipated. Now, some of the movements I can control better when I sort of the find a better table to work on and have two hands to animate with. Still the wire was a lot stiffer than I expected. I am going to have to look into the possibility of using a ball and socket joint in areas of the body to try and isolate movement.

I am also a little worried about the type of tie-downs. With screws I imaging that it will be a lot trickier to lift the legs. I liked using magnets on the three months course, putting metal plates under his feet and use magnets under a table to hold him down. Then there would not be as much fumbling under the table, but with the problems I had with the stiff wire frame I am not sure I think magnets will be good enough.

All in all I am happy with the test today. It is better ironing out the problems now than being delayed when shooting. It is all good experience I can take with me when I start making my second test puppet. I’ve ordered wire online and have quite a bit of polymorph left so it should not be too long till the next guy is ready.

Watch the test here