WIP My Helicopter Mama

[exile]

(Edited to embed a slightly better version)
As an expat, I just learned the term "helicopter parents" recently. Thought a funny song + animation could be built on it. I got a lot of help in the Kelley forum on constructing the "helicopter" - I think I've improved in using the software since my last YouTube project (Sally from the NSA) but am a long ways from mastering it.

Comments and suggestions are appreciated.

[Pinesal]

Hi is there anyway you can upload the video to YouTube and then embed the video? I'm on a tablet and downloading a mp4 is super inconvenient and may not even play for me.

On YouTube you can make your video unlisted if you are trying to limit the people who see it.

[exile]

Hi is there anyway you can upload the video to YouTube and then embed the video? I'm on a tablet and downloading a mp4 is super inconvenient and may not even play for me.

On YouTube you can make your video unlisted if you are trying to limit the people who see it.

Thanks, Pinesal, this problem must be why nobody is commenting on this project. I've added a few seconds of animation to complete the verse 1 chorus, and put it on Vimeo. It's embedded in the first post of this thread. Thanks for your interest.

http://vimeo.com/92642340

[exile]

Here's a somewhat improved version:



Still have a problem with the Dean's trousers when he picks himself up - tried all sorts of point animation to correct it. Guess I need a tutorial in properly constructing a character with trousers.

[Pinesal]

I like the idea behind the animation more than I like the animation itself.

Actually the drawings and backgrounds are good. But the way you animate is a bit slow and floaty.

I would leave less pace between keyframes and then use pauses to time the animation.

[Little Yamori]

On the trousers, you should be able to go into the specified layer that's giving you problems and work the points. As a tip, you should create a point just before the problem begins otherwise any points you move will begin interpolating from frame 0 to the point where you want to correct, this will make a mess of things in many cases. So up until the point where everything is in place just click on the point you want to adjust to create a key frame. This will keep everything from frame 0 until that point the way it was. Then make your point adjustments after that key frame to adjust the trouser points that stick out of place, and put them where you want them, sometimes you may have to do this frame by frame, other times depending on how you bound the points to the bone, you don't have to do too much.

Keep at it.

(also I agree with Pinesal, work on making your movements quicker and sharper)

[exile]

I like the idea behind the animation more than I like the animation itself.

Actually the drawings and backgrounds are good. But the way you animate is a bit slow and floaty.

I would leave less pace between keyframes and then use pauses to time the animation.

I think I get you, it's a criticism I take seriously - and thanks, what I'm in the forum for is to learn how to get to the next level. I understand you mean faster, more decisive movements, I'm not sure what you mean by "use pauses to time the animation". @Little Yamori, thanks for the suggestions, that's the method I tried to use. Normally it works, but with this character there were problems. It might be that point animation used in the walk cycle influences what happens later, although I don't see why it should after I halted the walk with Ctrl+F.

In any case, I'll give it another try.

[Danimal]

But the way you animate is a bit slow and floaty.

Except for when the Dean runs offscreen. That was paced well and not so floaty.

The music is good and the Podunk U sign is amusing. Even though I know it's a cartoon, I just kept wondering what the Dean's tie is made out of since Helicopter Mama is able to pick him up by it while it's still mostly in its original position.

The helicopter, incidentally, is well animated and gives a good sense of whirling and propulsion.

[exile]

But the way you animate is a bit slow and floaty.

Except for when the Dean runs offscreen. That was paced well and not so floaty.

The music is good and the Podunk U sign is amusing. Even though I know it's a cartoon, I just kept wondering what the Dean's tie is made out of since Helicopter Mama is able to pick him up by it while it's still mostly in its original position.

The helicopter, incidentally, is well animated and gives a good sense of whirling and propulsion.

Thanks for the second opinion. It's good to get a clearer idea of which parts to change - won't be possible this week, but then I hope to try out some different things. Instead of just holding his tie, the helicopter Mom could toss him around and carry him by the belt or something.