I'm to create 3 visual effects shots from scratch in the span of a 1 month so I thought of something simple but challenging enough that it doesn't look too run-of-the-mill.
I've always been a huge fan of illustration, 2D animation and Anime. So I've decided to do the 'Spontaneous Weapon Creation' effect for 3 shots.
What is 'Spontaneous Weapon Creation'
Aptly described by TV Tropes.com
"The idea behind this trope is a character with the power to create a weapon. This can either be the power being to create or otherwise summon a weapon, or creating the weapon is but one application of a power they already possess."
This is a common sight in Anime as well as Japanese influenced video games. As I was doing my research, I noticed this effect doesn't commonly happen in Western Animation.
Here's some examples I've got (I haven't watched all these shows and I can't think of a particular show off hand but remember a lot of anime having this effect.)
(ok there seems to be embeding problems for all the clips so I'll just paste the links)
Soul Eater
Japanese believe that inanimate objects have 'spirits' which explains why it's common to see non-living objects personified into people and mascots in anime. In Soul Eater, the warrior characters have transforming weapons that can turn into 'familiars' and back.
Since this effect is used quite often throughout the show, they went with something simple which is a white hot core glow on the magical weapon of choice which has a bit of fluid type morph effect into the human character. Which isn't too complicated to do in 2D animation I think.
Fate Stay – Archer
For Fate Stay, the weapon summon effects range from simple to something a little more elaborate but mostly comp trickery. I like the 2nd effect with the swords appearing in a kind of wireframe look before they fully appear. Makes things look a bit more digital and otherworldly.
Fate Stay – Saber Vs Rider
They went a bit too over the top on the wind effects for this sequence but the weapon appears around 2min in a nice wind blow away reveal to see the golden sword.
Scott Pilgrim Vs the World
Scott Pilgrim is one of my favorite movies of all time with the great use of highly stylized effects on live action. It works because the overall mood of the film doesn't take itself too seriously and realism wouldn't quite work too.
Kingdom Hearts – Organization XIII
weapon summons
These are assorted weapon summon effects from video game characters in Kingdom Hearts 2. Some are simple, some slightly more elaborate. Game effects are interesting because they have to strike the balance of what looks good and economical so that the game ultimately runs smoothly.
Bleach – Weapon summons
Wow, Bleach actually has some really over the top weapon effects which look quite amazing. (I don't follow the show because it drags a lot)
Diablo 3 – Angel Fight
Into CG land - Weapon appears around 1min mark. The Blizzard cinematic team never fails to blow my mind with their CG awesomeness.
Stylized Effects look - Is Tropical, The Greeks
Here's something cool I found a year back which is 2D animation on top of live action which just looks amazing.
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Storyboards
So here's what I've got. The concept is 1 guy standing at the park (in particular Chinese Gardens) and charges an effect. And then the sword sort of materializes by the 3rd shot.
Most likely I'll have to do a sort of CG sword which morphs into a physical weapon. Hopefully it will be quick so I won't have to model/texture/light something too elaborate.
I know a bunch of cosplayers so will be planning to grab 1 of them and see if I can do this in the next few weeks or so.
Off to Chinese Garden to do a location test.
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