Advance Animation - Final Project - Physical Action Sequence Animation

 Advanced Animation

25.06.2025 - 27.07.2025 | Week 10 - Week 14

Jia Wenbing /0365436/

Design principles/Bachelor of Design in Creative Media

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INSTRUCTIONS

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LECTURES

FINAL PROJECT - Physical Action Sequence Animation

The assignment was to create a dynamic and visually engaging 5-10 second physical action sequence using the provided character rig. The goal was to demonstrate my understanding of physical movement, timing, limits, and breakdown of poses, while also showcasing visual storytelling through effective camera work, exaggeration, and sophisticated animation techniques.

I first found a reference video and showed it to Mr. Kamal to confirm that my video reference was OK. Then I started to cut out the parts I needed and started to import the video into Blender.

Fig 1.1 Video Import

Because I wanted to make a stick fighting action, I used the model to make a stick and then bound it to the character.

Fig 1.2 Making a Stick

I followed the reference video to change the character's movements while adding my own ideas. When adding keyframes for the character's movement, I adjusted the character's center angle.

Fig 1.3 Adjust the angle

As the character moves, the character's arms will have different angles, which requires me to adjust carefully.

Fig 1.4 Adjust arm angle

After the overall posture is adjusted, I adjust the curve of the center of gravity to ensure the movement is natural.

Fig 1.5 Adjust the action curve

Then adjust the stick's motion curve to ensure the stick rotates normally.

Fig 1.6 Adjust the stick curve

After all the detail curves were adjusted, I started to adjust the camera frame to ensure that the overall movement of the character was within the camera frame.

Fig 1.7 Adjust the lens

Because this assignment required us to complete three videos, namely "Progression 1 - Blocking", "Progression 2 - Polishing" and "Progression 3 - Final Animation", I saved and rendered the first two videos separately after completing them.

Fig 1.8 Adjusting shot keyframes

All the movements are ensured to be natural and smooth. I started to import the scene model and integrate the character into the scene.

Fig 1.9 Importing the Model

Finally, by adjusting the size and distance of the model, we can confirm that the movement of the scene and the character in the picture is more harmonious.

Fig 1.10 Adjusting the full-frame lens

After everything was finished, I rendered and exported the three video contents into PNG format, and then used Adobe Effects to combine the three videos into one video.

Fig 1.11 Make a complete video

Final Animation

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FEEDBACK

Week 12

• Ensure the video is smooth and consistent, ensuring the character is centered.
• When the character moves, the wrist should flow naturally.
• The leg movements should be crisp and smooth, without dragging.

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REFLECTION

This project truly taught me that movement isn't just about "moving"; it requires a holistic coordination of focus, rhythm, camera angles, and even the atmosphere of the scene. This exercise not only deepened my understanding of timing, pose breakdown, shot composition, and the staged animation process, but also allowed me to take a significant step forward in my approach to movement expression and visual storytelling. While the process was somewhat challenging, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment upon completion.

Through this entire project, I gained a deeper understanding of movement and animation production. I paid particular attention to the interaction between the character and props, the fluidity of the movement curves, and the rationality of the shot composition. Incorporating feedback from my instructor, I optimized the character's position within the frame, the rhythm of the movements, and the details of the limbs, resulting in a final animation that was both powerful and visually impactful.