The Ice Mercenaries there are no more laws, there is just yours
Thesis Proposal - Spring 2008
Cover sheet • Name : Marc P. Gerin • iD Number : 02 17 49 41 • Specialization : 3D modeling • Midpoint Review : Tuesday, July 1st., 2008 Time: 4 - 5 pm Location: 180 New Montgomery, Room 351 • Title/Topic of Final Project : “The Ice Mercenaries” Concept for Film or TV show. 3D modeling thesis proposal
Personal Narrative My name is Marc Gerin. I am an international student from France, and I have been living in the U.S. for the past 8 years. I left my country just after graduating from high school where I was enrolled in the scientific and industrial technology program. In 2000, I attended Cal State University Hayward (a.k.a. CSUEB) where I completed in 2005, a Bachelor of Art with an emphasis in Multimedia. After that, I worked for a year; first as a production artist for a sign company and then as a graphic designer/consultant for a wooden game company. During that year, I made numerous contacts, built some experience and learned a lot about the industry, but the very limited input of creativity, made me realize that I needed to evolve to something different. As a consequence, in 2006, I decided to join the Academy of Art, where I am currently enrolled in a MFA program in 3D modeling. Brought up as an only child, I have learned to keep myself busy. Watching cartoons, playing video games, orsimply observing my surroundings were my favorite things to do, until I got a computer at home... Influenced by my father (an engineer) I went on studying science and technology in high school. I loved to build and experiment things. From Legos ® to Playdoh®, I always found it rewarding to create and build stuff. And as the computer industry developed further, I saw an opportunity to express my imagination in a new and powerful way. I believe that my current occupations are naturally derived from my experiences. I still enjoy building things, dreaming, and being entertained, and now I want to share these passions with others. My goal as an artist is to entertain people and make them think. With a little time and imagination, I believe that anyone can create pieces of art that catch the eye of others. This is what I do, and I like to call it, “building dreams”. To follow this path, my goal after graduation from the Academy, is to integrate a company, either in the film or the video game industry, where I would have a position using a combination of traditional and 3D modeling skills, allowing me to express my creativity.
Résumé Education: - 2008 Academy of Art Spring Show Sculpey maquette - 2006-2009 Master of Fine Art 3D modeling Academy of Art University - 2000-2005 Bachelor Art Multimedia Cal State University East Bay - Hayward, CA - 1990-1999 Baccalaureat S option T.I. Lycée Jean Baptiste Say - Paris, France Professional Experience: - 2005-2006 Production artist Oki Doki Signs - Hayward, CA, USA - 2005-2006 Graphic designer/Consultant Blue Orange Games - San Francisco, CA Skills: - Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Flash - Autodesk Maya and Sketchbook Pro - Pixologic Zbrush - Mac and PC platforms - Sculpture
Marc P. Gerin 676 Geary st. apt #407 San Francisco, CA, USA t: (510) 432 8246 e: marc@keumar.com www.keumar.com
Index I - General Abstract Project Proposal Production break down and schedule Production calendar 2 - Characters and other models David:
Profile Turn Around Mask Gloves Board
Tim:
Profile Turn Around Gloves
Elaine:
Profile Turn Around Gloves
Ice Mobile: Profile Blueprints Functions
Polar Bear: Profile Turn Around 3 - Design Evolution David David’s board Tim Elaine Ice Mobile Polar Bear 4- Photos References David Tim Elaine Ice Mobile Polar Bear Polar Bear 2 5 - Credits and Contact Book back cover
I - Abstract Project Summary My main goal in this final project is to demonstrate to my future employer, my modeling skills. In order to do so, I will be producing a variety of five 3D models belonging to a same theme. Each model will be built according to the thesis proposal drawings and will be composed of the following files: a low polygon mesh, a high polygon mesh, normal and displacement maps, final renders and turntables. In order to show that I can work at every level of the production pipeline, I will be fully developing one of the models, from the concept drawings shown in the proposal to the final textured renders. As a consequence this model will also include: UV map and Color map.
Theme The theme I chose is an idea for an animated featured film which mixes realistic characters and a fantasy world, where winter took over the other seasons. In this world, nothing new is manufactured and everything is recycled because nothing comes in abundance anymore. As a consequence, traditional hunting and fishing techniques became the main source of food after indoor cultures. I picked this specific scenario as I believe it could be a good one for a CG film or TV series. The attached proposal is detailing all the models and the researches I have already done on the subject. I believe that this final thesis project is a great opportunity for me to use everything i have learned so far in my education. Beside my 3D modeling skills, it will also show my ability to create and develop models form scratch, and my versatility to work at different level of the production pipeline.
I - Project Proposal Concept This concept is for producing a film or a TV series of a new genre. The idea is to bring the audience in a world that they have never thought of, where their imagination, feelings and participation would be challenged due to the high realism of the graphics. The use of computer graphics imagery would bring to the table a great deal of effects and possibilities for stunning shots. Storyline During the 21st century, while everybody was concerned by the overall human influence on the environment, nobody was prepared for what would happened next, not even the scientists... Surprisingly, over few weeks, an intense Blizzard came onto the world and changed life forever. Winter took over, temperatures dropped, a lot of people died as well as most of the organic life. In the cities, most businesses closed and now look abandoned. People disappeared form the streets, resources quickly became rare or simply unavailable. Some of the survivors organized little communities, where money kept some of its value but is rarely used; replaced by the trade of services or goods. Most of the other survivors, desperate because of the losses they suffered, became mad, enraged by their destiny. They left what was their home, hoping to find a better place that survived the Blizzard. “ These people have no laws, they have nothing else to loose but their life and they have only one need: what others have... They attack anybody that crosses their way, usually kill them and steal their goods. The main characters are just like them, no more home, family nor friends, alone and broke in the Blizzard. They want to get involve in the communities but have nothing to offer, so thy decide to leave too, at least for a while... Their only need for now, is to survive. �
I - Production breakdown and schedule The completion of thesis project is based on the creation of 5 distincts 3D models: David, Tim, Elaine, the Ice Mobile and the Polar Bear. Each of thesse model will be fully details in the next few pages of this proposal.
You can see on the pie chart below, a simple break down of this thesis project based on the time that will be allocated to each model. For an easier reading , each model has been color coded. We can notice that it is fairly balanced overall, but if you look in the details, you can see that the larger chunk of time will be spend on David’s model due to the creation of texture for this model.
19%
David
25%
Tim Elaine Ice Mobile
18% 19%
Polar Bear 18%
On the following page you will find a complete production breakdown and schedule. Tasks are organized chronologically and grouped per model. You will be able the see every step necessary to complete this proposal as well as a precise breakdown of the time spent on each task everyweek. Note: For consistency the same color coding has been used for the production calendar next page.
September Chronological Schedule (hours/ Weeks) 3D mesh, low poly - Maya UV mapping Sculpting low - zBrush Pose character - zBrush snowboard 3D mesh - Maya Fix joints posed model, high poly - zBrush Texturing the high resolution mesh Normal and Displacement - zBrush Matching maps on low res. model in Maya Set up lights and Mental ray renders Turntable high/low poly wireframe - zBrush Make base 3D mesh, low poly in Maya UV mapping Sculpting low poly- zBrush Pose character - zBrush weapon mesh - Maya Fix joints posed model, high poly - zBrush Normal and Displacement - zBrush Matching maps on low res. model - Maya Turntable high/low poly wireframe - zBrush base 3D mesh, low poly - Maya UV mapping Sculpting low poly - zBrush Pose character - zBrush purse and spear meshes - Maya Fix joints posed model, high poly - zBrush Normal and Displacement - zBrush Matching maps on low res. model - Maya Turntable high/low poly wireframe - Maya base Body mesh, low poly - Maya NURBS modeling Convert NURBS to poly Model threads Model accessories - Maya Turntable high/low poly wireframe - Maya base 3D mesh, low poly - Maya UV mapping Sculpting low poly - zBrush Pose character - zBrush Model saddle, harness - Maya Fix joints posed model, high poly - zBrush Normal and Displacement - zBrush Matching maps on low res. model - Maya Turntable high/low poly wireframe - zBrush Total hours per week
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 40 5 12 23 40 27 12 12 15 13 40 7 15 6 12 15 6 19 26 12 2 40 40 8 12 20 4 18 15 3 3 6 31 14 12 14 40 36 4 8 18 14 1 15 6 6 12 3 37 40 13 27 3 24 13 11 27 2 40 3 12 25 40 25 12 3 27 13 2 12 6 6 40 40 40 39 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 26
2 - Characters and other models
David Vecta Name : David Vecta Birth date: January 22nd, 1978 Place of Birth: High Lands Country Major: Kinesiology Strength: Agility, endurance, medical knowledge Weakness: Laziness Specialties: Wake boarding, killing efficiency. Biography: Before the Blizzard came, David was a personal trainner in the Bay Area, CA. His favorite hobbies were partying on weekend and cooking diet meals every week for his friends. Since the Blizzard, he’s craving for some wine, cheese and a good movie... Favorite Quote: “ So... what’s for dinner tonight?”
David - Turn Around
David - Goggles and Mask view
David - Gloves details fur
hook and loop fasteners wrist band
sewing threads
inside out fur
leather reinforcements
David - Board
screws
reinforcement
recycled metal piece
reshaped recycled metal piece
Tim Wong Name : Tim Wong Birth date: November 1st, 1958 Place of Birth: Hong Kong Major: Mechanics Strength: Mechanic knowledge, physical strength and life experiences Weakness: Agility Specialties: Fishing, driving, repairs Biography: Before the Blizzard came, Tim was a locksmith in Union City, CA. His favorite hobbies were fishing, playing pool and fixing cars. Since the Blizzard, he is hoping to ride a Harley again . Favorite Quote: “ You’re too anxious”
Tim - Turn Around
Tim - Gloves details fur
inside out fur
sewing threads
Elaine E. Dessus Name : Elaine Ecalne Dessus Birth date: december 12th, 1982 Place of Birth: Milpitas, CA Major: Pschycology Strength: Energy, communciation skills, medicinal knowledge. Weakness: mechanics and technology Specialties: motivation speaker, animal contacts Biography: Before the Blizzard came, Elaine was a school pshyschologist in San Francisco, CA. She used to enjoy wondering about animal logic at the Oakland zoo. Since the Blizzard, she has been studying animal habits, and seems to understand them. Favorite Quote: “Let’s go?”
Elaine- Turn Around
Elaine - Gloves details fur
hook and loop fasteners wrist band
sewing threads
inside out fur
leather reinforcements
Ice Mobile - GR1 Name : Ice Mobile GR1 Category: SUV (Snow Utility Vehicle) Manufacturing date: April12th, 2006 Origin : Fairbanks, AK Specialties: 360째 turn around.
Strength: Toughness, Torque, Off road Weakness: Parts availability Biography: This SUV was very polupar before the Blizzard, the company that makes it used to have various finitions according to your needs. This specific vehicle was originately an SSUV (Snow Sport Utility Vehicle).
Ice Mobile - Blueprints
Ice Mobile - Functions Low snow level
The adaptive front threads have been specially designed for off road. They adjust according to the terrain, and facillitate floatation in high snow level.
High snow level
The Ice Mobile is able to make 360째 turns on itself
Polar Bear Name : Ourson Race: Polar bear Birthdate: unknown Origin : Northern Alaska Strength: Toughness, protection, carrying. Weakness: Needs a lot a food Specialties: terrain exploration Biography: We know very little about Ourson. He was discovered in the western territories of Canada. Nobody know how he got there, but the general explanation is that the Blizzard simply provided him a whole new area to explore.
Polar Bear - Turn Around
leather strap
foot support
passenger seat in wood
handle
screws animal skin
main seat in wood
3 - Designs Evolution
David - Design Evolution
David - Board Design Evolution
Tim - Design Evolution
Elaine - Design Evolution
Ice Mobile GR1- Design Evolution
Polar Bear - Design Evolution
4- Reference Pictures
David’s Reference Pictures
Tim’s Reference Pictures
Elaine’s Reference Pictures
Ice mobile’s Reference Pictures
Polar Bear’s Reference Pictures 1
Polar Bear’s Reference Pictures 2
5 - Credits and Contacts Pre-Production Scott Leberecht for the initial guide lines. Models Thank you to Elaine Dessus, David Vecta and Tim Wong for their time and patience. Production breakdown Thanks to Michal Kriukow for his experience. Digital Painting Thanks to Lawrence Valenti for the speed painting techniques. Drawing Thanks to Romain Gutmann for sketching his ideas for Elaine Action shot. Support Thanks to Patrick Merrill for reviews and support during the longest days. Thanks to my parents and family.
Marc P. Gerin 676 Geary st. apt #407 San Francisco, CA, USA t: (510) 432 8246 e: marc@keumar.com www.keumar.com
The Ice Mercenaries there are no more laws, there is just yours
Marc P. Gerin 676 Geary st. apt #407 San Francisco, CA, USA t: (510) 432 8246 e: marc@keumar.com www.keumar.com