As most anyone who ever set their sights on the feature animation story dept can attest to – there will be many, many tests. Not that the subject matter is always different, (the standard “____ helps ____ cross the ____” always applies here) but that hopefully each time you do one you will have learned something from the previous one. From August of 2008 to October of 2009 I did five tests while working overtime (average 65 hour work week) on a feature film doing clean up animation. “Insane!” you say? Perhaps. Okay yes, but that’s how hard I was willing to work. “Men from boys.” “Wheat from chaff.” “An artist from reality.” Whatever. I embarked on this grueling journey ignorant and alone, answering the company wide call for story trainees. Okay. I wasn’t completely alone. I did have the burning hot support of my friends but “alone” makes for a more inspiring story line.
My first attempt was drawn in 2B pencil on white paper without the use of any values. (Look, I’ve already admitted to ignorance once I’m not gonna do it again) My story was a tension ridden tale of an ambitious rookie fireman saving a granny from an apartment fire. The plot twist was that granny was a superhero who didn’t want to be rescued. Mayham ensues. (I know right!) I can’t post any of that art because the test wasn’t returned to me. (I’m sure someone stole it to make it into a feature.) Anyway, I made a good showing but someone else had too the year before and the position was being held for him. The company wide call was a formality. I would have to try again, and since ignorance is bliss – I was determined to be first in line.
To be continued…
The picture of the Musk Oxen is for entertainment purposes only. No Musk Oxen were harmed during this blog.
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