Blockout and Planning

In week three, we had to present a brief 5 minute presentation focused on the concept we had chosen for the project, the initial blockout of the cinematic and a basic plan looking forward at what needs to be done.

At this point I have put together a basic blockout of the main features of the environment, as well as an initial blockout of the car. I also created a first version of the cinematic (found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x67auETcp9Q). It flies along the track, gives a view of the chicane section from above before resting low on the track. At the this, the car drives along the track and past the camera, which then cuts to a different camera showing the car driving through the rest of the scene. After presenting this, the main piece of feedback which I received in regards to the cinematic from a number of people was that I didn't show enough of the car. I completely agree with these comments so when it comes to setting up the camera shots for the final version of the cinematic I will massively cut down the time spent showing just the track, to allow for a much longer series of shots of the car. I will also vary the camera shots much more so as to include shots possibly on the car itself as well as those from the side of the track.

One of the reasons I chose this as my A3D project is that it gives me a chance to look at several areas which I don't currently have any experience of. The main one is subdivision modelling, which is how I will attempt to model the car. I will also be looking at modelling various bit of foliage, including trees, bushes and grass to fill the environment. Another integral part of the scene which I will need to look into is the use of lighting, more specifically the dynamic lighting of the car headlights. To make the scene look as good as possible, I will need to ensure that everything in the scene lights correctly, casts accurate shadows and is optimised enough so that it runs smoothly. These are the things which I'd like to have mostly done by the alpha presentation. However, some of this may have to put back until after alpha due to time constraints.

There are also a few things which I would like to research how to create and then include in my cinematic, that will only be looked at towards the end of the project, time allowing. I would like to look into visual effect for the car, namely flames coming from the exhausts, glowing brake discs and sparks. I would also like to look into audio effects with the main one being the engine noise of the car, ideally simulating the Doppler effect. All of these effects would add massively to the cinematic but as they aren't vital I won't be looking at them for some time, if at all.