FMP – Concept
In the first and second sessions, I had conversations with Manos about my FMP. As I mentioned in my thesis proposal, the main concept of my FMP will be connected to my thesis on the 3D billboard. To simplify the process, I decided to incorporate a case study into my FMP progress. Therefore, one of my scenes must contain a 3D billboard.
With this in mind, before I started thinking about the story or concept, I considered whether it should be an installation or a video. Since 3D billboards are installed in the real world, Manos suggested testing with a beam projector. However, during the break, I read a book about anamorphosis that explained its fundamental concept. The key factor that deceives the viewer is the viewpoint. To create a specific viewpoint requires quite a large space, and it might be difficult to fix one point for the graduation show. So, I decided to make it a video instead.
After deciding on the format, I encountered the main challenge: the subject, concept, and narrative. I needed to think about what I want to focus on for my FMP. Since I want to be a compositor and learn more about FX, I decided to focus more on compositing. If I were more skilled in Houdini, I would create a simulation-focused video like “The Wave,” but unfortunately, I don’t have enough experience yet. So, the 3D billboard part will be around 10 seconds and featured in the final scene of my video.
Before think about the story, I searched for inspiration through videos and images on Pinterest. During this process, a concept caught my attention: the transformation of buildings. The idea of something hidden behind or beneath the buildings or streets sparked my imagination. I started to develop this concept and sought more ideas, so I asked ChatGPT for help by explaining my draft idea and concept. As a result, I received some useful keywords that resonated with me, such as lost imagination (curiosity and wonder from childhood), human connection (disconnection due to technological development), and environmental awareness. I loved all of these themes, but given my time constraints and skills, I needed to choose between the first or second. In a feedback session with Manos, I shared that if I chose the first one, it would involve a lot of CG, which might take too much time. On the other hand, the second one is simpler but could be perceived as too easy. Manos suggested adding more complex or detailed CG elements to make the second concept more engaging.
Here’s the draft concept:
Title: Invisible Cities
About Human Connection in the Digital Age
- It focuses on how technology and social media can create a sense of disconnection even in densely populated areas.
- The protagonist walks through a busy city, which surrounded by digital screens and effects — represented as glowing holographic boxes showing their online interactions (social media, messages, etc.).
- Despite being close to others physically, they disconnected from their surroundings.
- As the protagonist reaches the 3D billboard, something hits the phone screen and camera moves to show the billboard.
- The character in the billboard try to interact with the protagonist, and write a message : “Look Up. Connect.”
This is a draft moodboard to guide the overall tone and style of my project. To convey a somewhat disconnected city atmosphere, I plan to set the background in a dull, overcast, and desaturated tone. Various types of social media icons and interface elements will appear throughout the scenes.
For the coming week, I plan to develop the concept further and start drawing the storyboard. If possible, I’ll also film some test footage of the city center to check the atmosphere and overall look.