Four Official Stills Released!
Welcome to another exciting production log from Gauntlet! Throughout the film, our characters are constantly interacting with interface screens that pop up within their environment. So within the past few months, I’ve tackled not only the basic design of each character’s interface, but also how to execute the technique to implement the screen into the shot.
I’ve used a couple of methods and each one has worked for different shots. The most common one in After Effects is the Tracker option, which basically tracks points within the shot based on the parameters you set. The second is Mocha AE, a planar tracking software that comes with CS5.5-CC. Very similar to Tracker, but with more advanced options to get a more clear data track. The last and more robust option is Camera Tracker from The Foundry. This software plugin is the best one out of the three that can create data to place 3D images into the shot. Like I said, all have been used and I am thrilled with the results.
I also had a lot of fun designing the different types of interfaces in Adobe Illustrator. For inspiration, I took to the classic and nostalgic video games in the late 80’s. I noticed all different types of computer fonts, grid like patterns, and blocky surfaces. My goal was to not only keep all the interface designs similar within the Gauntlet world, but I wanted to make them unique and reflect their assigned characters. For example, our main character’s ally (Rein) has his interface mainly white, which represents a theme that is pure, honest, and hope. Opposite is one our main character’s villains (Suriv), whose interface is predominately green. The color represents greed, personal conquest, and illness. You can see the designs in the images below.
Currently my main focus is to wrap up the VFX of two scenes that I’ve been working on and complete those by the end of June. It’s a big task but one we’re looking forward too. On deck will be editing all of the rough cut green screen footage I shot and get those prepared onto a sequence. Why you ask? Well, Maya and 3Ds Max is coming so it’s time to get ready for some 3D set designs.
Can’t wait!
However, let’s not forget this important days announcement. Below are four official movie stills from the film that have been completed. Enjoy!
“My three Ps: passion, patience, perseverance. You have to do this if you’ve got to be a filmmaker.”
– Robert Wise (The Day The Earth Stood Still, West Side Story, Sound of Music)
