Building the Level

I’m starting to build the pieces out in a single plane (as they exist in the 2d game)-

Once everything is lined up according to the rough sketch in my last post, I will move and copy elements in Z space to get as much depth as I can.  The plan is to build the whole “level” he will be moving through, and then animate him moving through it.  Once that is done, I will go in and see where I can get the most dynamic camera angles on the action, and where I can cut in for close-ups. 

Again, I’m doing things backwards; normally storyboards would precede the animation.  I will be animating a “dry run”, then moving the camera around the animated scene to try to find the best angles.

I just figure, what the hell?  I’ve already started with animation before I had a story.  since I am trying to imitate the feel of an old game, I might as well get the animation right from the side view first, and hopefully the feel will carry through to the more dynamic angles.

Part of the point of taking on a personal project is challenging yourself.  The best way to learn more about your craft is taking risks and trying new things.