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Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

StudioL30 wrote:

@GEF - I feel like the yellow roofs are a bit too bright compared to the rest of the set. I'm assuming they're supposed to be made of hay, but if you look at real thatched roofs you'll see that they're usually a lot closer to brown or gray than yellow. I'd suggest you try switching the yellow out for tan or dark tan to fit the rest of the set better.

I would if I could, but our studio has like three biggish movies in progress, so most of our lego supply are in the form of large sets. I had to work with what I had, and since my movie is kinda a comedy, I figured the carttoonishly bright roof would fit in. Thanks for the tip though. mini/smile

Nice set GHB, I really like the computer desk. I think a few paintings would improve the set nicely, as would making the bookshelf more... well, in less perfect order. But the colors of everything look good together (excluding the grey on the couch). I think that it is a great depiction of a living-room. I like it. mini/wink

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Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

Nice set GHB, I really like the computer desk. I think a few paintings would improve the set nicely, as would making the bookshelf more... well, in less perfect order. But the colors of everything look good together (excluding the grey on the couch). I think that it is a great depiction of a living-room. I like it. mini/wink

Ha! I was considering putting paintings on but the thing is, I have no paintings! Also, the grey on the couch is intentional just to add more color so it's not all white. If you look closely, you can probably see a grey brick behind the guy. That was the same purpose. Thanks!

Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

Stick a 4X4 plate up on the wall and cover it randomly with tiles of various colors. That makes great modern art. mini/wink

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Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

Pritchard Studios wrote:

Stick a 4X4 plate up on the wall and cover it randomly with tiles of various colors. That makes great modern art. mini/wink

Great! Thanks!

Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

You for sure want to adjust the lighting so it looks smaller than it is. The shadow from the wall looks terrible, but that's probably not gonna happen for final shot. But adjust the light so that it doesn't look like a facade.

"I wear black even when I'm not animating. I'm like a walking funeral parlor."
-PushOverProductions

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Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

Legocloniac477 wrote:

You for sure want to adjust the lighting so it looks smaller than it is. The shadow from the wall looks terrible, but that's probably not gonna happen for final shot. But adjust the light so that it doesn't look like a facade.

Yeah, there's no way I'd let that shadow be. I changed the bookshelf a bit and I will probably add another red stripe above. Thanks guys!

Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

I wouldn't add a random stripe on the wall. How many interior walls in houses actually have stripes like that?

Instead, I would consider your framing and composition a bit more. I understand this is a set/prop critique thread, and not a cinematography thread, but I'm assuming your second image is a test shot.

I assume the figure reading the book/newspaper is the focus of this shot. If your camera can handle it, I would move the camera in a bit closer and move it down. Don't TILT the camera down, move the whole camera down. This probably means you will need to raise your set.

I've often noticed in brickfilms that the camera is pointing downward toward the characters for no cinematic reason, which I find to be distracting. Generally this is probably because most brickfilmers build their sets on baseplates that are placed directly on their animating table. This leaves the set very low to the ground, and most webcams can't get any lower and still be on the table.

In most films, the camera is roughly at eye level by default. This puts the audience at level with the characters. I think greater effort should be put into trying to mimic this camera positioning, even if this means building your set with stilts.

Hope this helps!

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Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

Wow! Thanks a ton! I'll be sure to refer to this while animating.

Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

GEF keep the yellow.  Nice rustic appearance.

https://vimeo.com/channels/holdingourown      http://holding-our-own.tumblr.com

"None practice tolerance less frequently than those who most loudly preach it."

Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

A rooftop set.


http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/9274095698_d2e28c14d1_c.jpg

A view of what it will look like as a frame:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3815/9274109804_e640126166_c.jpg

"I wear black even when I'm not animating. I'm like a walking funeral parlor."
-PushOverProductions

Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

Seems a bit too plain to me. It's got just the one basic, fairly small, building behind the platform, and that's about it. And the sky isn't that blue. (Although if it's supposed to be that gray, that's fine.)

The holes in the top piece also betray the real scale, and hurt any forced perspective effect. (The non-tiled studs also do the same.)

Now, I'm certainly not saying that my rooftop is perfect, (Since it's not) but perhaps you could draw some inspiration from it. Or perhaps a better idea would be to examine the rooftops of the Modular Buildings. Those tend to be fairly plain, but generally contain a couple of cool details like a water tank, a skylight, or something else of interest.

If you do want to go with the stark, minimalistic look, I suggest just making the background building extend all the way across the frame. It may convey the idea of a balcony more, but I think it would go nicely with the idea.

Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

The structure behind the guy (placeholder) is not a building in this sense :

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/Skyscraper.jpg

But it's supposed to be something like this (just more cube-like):

http://preview.turbosquid.com/Preview/2011/09/05__09_29_15/Truax_Studio_Rooftop_Building_3.png8506937d-14e7-45e6-ad2d-d75d034e7235Large.jpg

It's not to be forced perspective. So I see I've failed in most aspects, I'll take some more time and try to create a clearer picture. Thank You.

"I wear black even when I'm not animating. I'm like a walking funeral parlor."
-PushOverProductions

Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

Here is a picture of my set
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/9215497228_9dbe02f509.jpg
What do you think? I really need your critics and ideas, because I want to improve in set designing.

Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

The walls are a bit plain, add torches or something. The floor looks really good though, but the maze doesn't seem to very difficult, is that intentional? If so keep it.

Also, you should consider placing a wall behind the two entrances to the room so it looks more enclosed.

Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

SurfSmurf778 wrote:

Also, you should consider placing a wall behind the two entrances to the room so it looks more enclosed.

There are actually walls in those rooms. You just can't see them because it's too dark in there.

Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

I like it, the crazy walkways, the multi-colored lava, the overall look.

The exposed studs are different, but make it seem like a small, almost cubical like area within a larger space. That gives the illusion that somebody could go back out the door, walk around the outer wall, and end up at the other door without having to traverse the dangerous pit.

While I would just build the walls up to above the camera's view, it may be a better idea to have a staircase coming down where the figure enters. You would need to build that portion of the wall up a bit, but including the staircase would add a more 3D element to the tunnels/maze, and would eliminate the cubical effect.

The animation wouldn't be that hard if you backed the staircase up a few studs, and allowed for a bit of walking space.  Regardless, it would need a bit of one wall, but that shouldn't use up too many bricks.

Even as is, its a great set. mini/yes

Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

VerkkuUkkeliProductions wrote:
SurfSmurf778 wrote:

Also, you should consider placing a wall behind the two entrances to the room so it looks more enclosed.

There are actually walls in those rooms. You just can't see them because it's too dark in there.

Oh, never mind then mini/smile

Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

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Last edited by Legocloniac477 (April 30, 2021 (03:02pm))

"I wear black even when I'm not animating. I'm like a walking funeral parlor."
-PushOverProductions

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Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

Nice clear picture. It seems kinda bare to me though, perhaps adding a few pipes or perhaps a vent, or trashcan, just something to breakup the flat bare surface. Being able to see an edge to give that "raised platform" feel would also help. Nice rooftop doorway, and good luck on the film. mini/wink
What I do to make the sky even is to move the darker edge of the blue-screen (or in your case, a shirt) closer to the light.

Re: Sets and Props Critique Thread

Leave the blue uneven. Anyone whose spent a lot of time in photography will know that the sky is not all one shade of blue. On a clear day, it will range everywhere from dark blue to white, it's more realistic if the blue is dynamic. mini/smile