It's all over...

The 2009-2010 year at RIT is officially over and I am half way through my college career, which is a scary thought. The ending of this year however was one that was bittersweet; I couldn't wait to come home, sleep in my own bed, and relax but I also didn't want to leave as this year I was there from the very beginning because of working with Orientation and it was awesome. Plus I also didn't want to leave because some of my best friends were graduating and I didn't want to accept that fact. Maybe it is so hard to see them go because I've learned so much from them and I always wanted them to be there but I began to realize they always will be there, now just in a different way. I didn't cry like I thought I would but as reality sets in, I feel like I should and I have that weird knot in my throat. I know by no means that this is an end, it's only a beginning, especially for them as they begin taking their places in the "real world". It's definitely a weird feeling knowing they won't be there next year but I know I now have to be what they were/are for me to some new kids coming in to school. I know that we will continue to talk and keep in touch and that thought makes me happy...

As the quarter came to a close, I had my final screening of "Sky High", wrote 2 papers, and spent as much time with my friends as I possibly could and had an amazing time with them, some I will never forget. My 1-quarter came out well, and my critique also went well; with the only thing being said that I should push my expressions a little more and hold some areas where his actions seem to go too fast. But I also did get "that is the cutest turtle I have ever seen!!" which also made me happy...it was definitely a great learning experience and as I begin to think of ideas for my next film, I will take every bit of critique from this film and apply it.

So here it is my 1-quarter film, "Sky High":

Sky High from Baylee A. Richards on Vimeo.

The Final Days...Crunch Time!

So the last week, rather the last few days have been like a blur trying to finish all my work and give all of it the attention it deserves. It's been crazy to say the least!! The past weekend, even though it was crazy, I got a lot accomplished and was officially done drawing as of Saturday as well as scanning every one of my drawings. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that this will probably be one of my last bigger hand-drawn productions. So Sunday, was all about compositing; I'm using Adobe After Effects to put everything together and I've got a nice little system going.

I can't even describe the feeling once you see more than one of your shots in a sequence, it's amazing to see your drawings move and have them officially become an animation. As of this moment in time, I have only one shot left to composite and then my sound work and all of this is due Thursday morning and it will be done. Right now it's up to about 1 min 52 secs but may become a bit shorter...but I'm really happy with that. I feel that I'm finally starting to understand timing a bit better as this is all starting to come together.

It's funny, I feel in many ways this 1-quarter has taught me a lot about myself and how much I am able to take on, but on the other hand I wish I had more time to develop it even further, like adding color. Because 10 weeks is definitely not enough time to make a film...but either way, I did my best and that's all I can ask for. I hope others will like it just as much as I do. :)

p.s.: I won't be putting anything more up until after it is finished and up on my vimeo account...