In plotting approach, the entire scene is plotted out with an initial set of extremes, creating anchor points for action to pass through. These extremes may be absolute and movements has to unfold directly into them; or they can be subject to adjustments as more extremes are filling in and a flow of movement begin to emerge.
Plotting approach begins with dividing action into phrases. A phrase is determined by one main unfolding arc. An anchor extreme is plotted at start and end of each main arc, continuing to end of movement.
Next is to back-paddling, adding more extremes between anchor points, slowly closing up the wide gap. Two key elements to consider for the back-paddling extremes-
- First, to established the curvature of the unfolding arc.
- Second, to determined the leading force within a structure, initiating the delay of body parts.
The number of added extremes between 2 anchor points depend on how complex the unfolding movement is.
There are two ways to back-paddle- one is to established a natural flow of arc, the other is to complicate it. (A mixture of these 2 qualities would create interesting texture, allow greater contrasts within movement as in this sample scene.)
This ability to fully control and precisely dictating movement in analytical manner is one major strength for the plotting approach, allowing the ability to invent fantastical and improbable movements that are impossible in ‘real-world’ physic, but yet looks right in its animated universe.
On the disadvantage side, since there are very wide spacing gap between anchor extremes, and going backward to add more unfolding extremes, a sense to flow of movement is very elusive during the animating process. As result if not careful, movement textures can appear more mechanical than organic, often appearing light-weight or uptight, lacking a ‘feels-right’ sense of underlying forces.
Here, an image from a trip to Baboa Park. Seeing those water birds taking their ‘here and now’ so carefree, as if time was of no concern; they reminded me eternity and a glimpse of what must be like being there…
