Modelling in Maya

Now that my research and design process has got to the correct point, the next step of production can commence; modelling. Over the last couple of weeks, I have taken my design work and translated it into a 3D interior model. The process of completing this is shown in the below pictures of my work.

I began the modelling process by taking a flat plane, and extruding the walls up from this. After the main structure of my interior was built, I was free to then build up the details of the interior from the structure, such as doors and the upstairs floor.

The stairs were created separate from the main structure. I began with a cube, and extruded parts of its side in order to create the stairs effect. The banister, as well as the other props in the house, were made out of separate objects and placed together in groups.

After the modelling stage has been completed in my workflow, the next stage of production is the UV map, and texture the interior model.

Storyboards

From my story idea that I had previously written out, I have created a series of storyboards to go with these.

Story Ideas

The next process of my process is to create a story to fit within my environment. The idea I currently have involves a person sneaking around the deserted house, being scared off by something in the room.

The story in greater detail:

A man enters the derelict interior of the house. He is scared, and is darting his torch around the room. He begins to sneak about the house, until he hears a creak coming from the second floor. He is really scared now, but his sense of curiosity overcomes this. The man cautiously sneaks on tip toes up the stairs. When he reaches the top, he peaks over the top stair, shining his torch across the landing. Seeing there is nothing there but moths, he gives a sign of relief. Suddenly, a huge threatening shadow looms over the walls. The man is petrified with fright, screaming in terror, and running from the house. The camera moves across the landing, showing that the terrifying shadow comes from a mischievous mouse. The mouse is rolling around with laughter, and is joined by a ghost laughing with him. The mouse sees the ghost, who waves happily at him. The mouse is as terrified and the man was of him, and runs off in terror. The ghost is left, alone, with a disappointed look on his face.

Furniture Sketches

The above drawing shows the various props that will appear within my layout. They are based upon real objects that could have been found in a house in the 1950's or 60's. As with my interior, these props have been left to ruin, so will have the same aesthetic.

 My props are:

*A tall lamp

*A small table

*A vase

*Television set

*Photo frame

*Wall Clock

*Telephone

*A Cat Ornament

Design Idea - Coloured Version

In order to gain a better idea of my my finished layout will look, I have added colour to my sketched idea. I achieved this colour set by using water colour paints, as I thought the washed out effect of these paints would best resemble what I had in mind for my interior. I then scanned this into my computer, and changed the colour slightly using photoshop.

Colour Swatches

The above image shows some colour schemes I could incorporate into my finished piece. The colours I have chosen all have a muted tone, keeping in my chosen aesthetic if a dilapidated house. The predominant colours I have used are variations of grays and browns. By using dark colours, I will be able to continue the look of a dark and dank environment. As I have looked at design work from the 1950's and 60's, I have taken the predominant bright colours of the time, and toned them down to fulfill my own design ideas.

Design Idea - Floor Plan and Perspective Drawing

The above image is the floor plan of my design idea. From this I will be able to gain a better understanding of the layout of my 3D interior. I have labeled all the props that will appear within my design, as well as other key features, such as windows, doors and the archways between the rooms. My main interior will be housed within a surrounding wall, as the open archways would show an empty location without these supporting walls. This will also allow me to film my character within the environment from exciting new angles, that I wouldn't be able to achieve from a closed in space.

As well as my floor plan, I have also created this perspective drawing of my interior. This drawing adds to what can be seen on my floor plan, and gives a better idea of how the stairs and upper floor will look.

As the stairs are a main focal point of my design, I think my character animation should involve these stairs.

Initial Design Sketch

After looking into derelict house interiors, I have created the above design sketch. This primary sketch shows the atmospheric environment I hope to create. To create this design, I looked at the layout of a house, then thought what it might look like if left to go to rack and ruin. From this design idea, I will be able to progress further through my creative process, and begin designing individual elements for my 3D interior.

Research - Derelict House Interiors

To help me with the design aspect of my work, I have looked into derelict houses. The collected images I have here are to help give me inspiration for my own design ideas. By using a search engine, I have compiled a few images that will act as a moodboard to inspire and inform my own work. From looking at these real world examples, I will be able to see the sort of textures, lighting, and aesthetic that derelict and deserted houses may contain.