Research - Detroit Disassembled by Andrew Moore

After looking at the period pieces of "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and "Mad Men", I have gone on to look at period detail from a different angle. Andrew Moore's series of photographs entitled "Detroit Disassembled" takes period interiors from this angle. Moore photographed parts of Detroit that had become run down and derelict, and in turn creating a whole new environment. Although these spaces are no longer used, the parts left behind take on a whole new meaning and purpose, and for me, can be used as inspiration for a animated environment.

I think that an interesting idea for my 3D interior could include a mixture of 1950s - 70s period detail, and imagine what it would look like in modern times. This way I can take what I have learnt from the set designs of "Tinker..." and "Mad Men", and apply it to the work of Andrew Moore.

Research - Mad Men

From looking at the period setting of "Tinker Tailor Solider Spy", I have gone on to look at "Mad Men". The series is set in the 1960s, so have a different style to the 70's set "Tinker...", but maintains the same level of period detail.
During it's production time "Mad Men" has become well know for its portrayal of 1960's American life. One of my favourite aspects of the show its it's flawless interior design. As with "Tinker...", "Mad Men" brings it's time period to life. The main settings of the show are the offices of the Sterling Cooper Advertising agency, and the home of main character Don Draper.

Whereas "Tinker..." had a drab, foreboding aesthetic,  "Mad Men"'s style is far more bright and optimistic. These office interiors have all the correct period features, drawing the viewer into the world of the character. As the setting is so believable, the characters who inhabit them too become believable. These sets show a functional environment, but also one that is a product of it's time.

Set against the stylish functionality of the office environment, are the home interiors of "Mad Men". The home of Don and Betty Draper is a perfect image of 1960's life. I admire the detail of these home interiors as the viewer is able to gain a real sense of story from them, and learn more about it's characters. Whereas Don has a very minimalist office space (in order to distance his personal life from work), his home has more personal features, creating an environment that could be inhabited by a 1960's family.

The period details in "Mad Men" are very impressive. As a set design, they are able to give the viewer an accurate impression of the time, as well as creating a believable backdrops for the series' many characters. 

Research - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

As I am beginning my project through research into different interiors, I have decided to look firstly as the interoirs of the recent feature film "Tinker Tailor Solider Spy". The film (directed by Tomas Alfredson) is set in the early 1970's, in the hight of the Cold War. Whist watching the film I was struck by the level of detail found within the interior (and indeed exterior) set designs. The film captures the period perfectly with a stylised bleak aesthetic. The detail of the piece's transport you to that period, capturing the tense atmosphere, and letting the viewer into the minds of the films inhabitants.

The best interior from the film was that of MI6. The set is styled as a cavernous space, with exposed iron and brick work, and retro fittings and features. Each level of MI6 is open, meaning you can see through the entire building through several open elevators and stairways. The interior is set against the lives of it's inhabitants; a place where everyone has a secret, but no place to hide. Going against the vast expanse of the  main MI6 offices, is the meeting room. This meeting room is a self contained and claustrophobic environment, where the main cast meet throughout the film. Whereas the rest of the world is full of detail, this set features sound proof walls and minimal furnishings, creating an intense space, where the people within become the feature point to the room.

The period setting to this film is one I would like to explore further, as I am interested in created a dated environment. I think that it would be creatively enjoyable  to look into design work from the past and incorporate it into my own work.

Project Brief

 Through this blog I will chronicle the work produced within my second year of Animation. This will include the work I will create as I further my knowledge of Maya.
 My first project of the year is part of  these further studies into Maya. By the end of the term I will have:
*Designed and created a 3D interior environment using Maya.
*Create a character to interact within this 3D interior.

I will begin this project by researching into various different interiors that could act as influence towards my final finished design.