Wednesday, April 30, 2008
It's a Different Kind of Rabbit
This was a more err...violent ad campaign for the Bunnies done in Flash about 2 years ago that I like, which is kinda the reason why I also didnt want the rabbit's model to be large but more short and stocky like my pop.
Plus, the film would go for very long if the huge hulking rabbit was picked on by the bantum, small skinny rooster....the rabbit would take a chunk out of his head, the neighbours would laugh and the credits would roll...
I still like this though, and the colours of the red and green really stand out.
Work Update
Ok, where I'm at will be the thumbnails that I'm currently scribbling and as I'm doning that, I'm translating the panels that I like into completed storyboard panels.
I think the script is pretty much a goer in my mind. I'm still annoyed just at the couple of months there that have been wasted because I was developing another idea- ideally, the sotryboards would have been done and possibly Layouts too. So, Im not really looking to change much at all, just get the model sheets done and get the damn thing started (:P)
In regards to doing a production schedule/budget etc. this will need some time over the weekend. Really, I can afford to be poked and pestered as Im stressed but at the same time I can only physically do what I can in a day. And Im not sleeping much and Im sacrificing time with my relationship, and long since sacrificed my hobbies, so I kinda get the urge to strangle people when they ask me if I got some more work done and the look on their face when I tell them I did a bit, but not much (other classes and a steady income take priority too :P)....anyway, this is turning into a bit of a rant- at the end of the day I will be alot happier when the animatic is done. I believe this will help determine what scenes need to be done, what needs to be animated, what can be re-used, what camera moves need to be done in the 3D application, and therefore the time it will take to get the job done.
As I've thought over it, it's hard to plan when one hasn't physically BEEN through the process. I think it will be a matter of listing the tasks that need to be done, and allowing enough time for retakes and compositing/rendering. But this is a quick list I can see: (and if these aren't the industry terms I apologise.)
Pre-production
> Thumbnails: Storyboard
> Animatic: and Model Sheets, plus I guess a more comprehensive idea of the locations/backgrounds in order to model correctly in 3D.
> Scene Breakdowns: Breaking the animatic down into it's pieces ready to animate the characters
Production
>Key Poses: Of a particular scene
>In Betweens
>Cleanups: "Rough Cleanups for the look that we're trying to achieve....we'll look at that.
>Scanning
>Assembling/compositing: Digital Pro or After Effects...maybe Flash if I can learn it in time (...nah?)
> Colouring: With style previously mentioned.
etc.etc. More later, gotta run.
I think the script is pretty much a goer in my mind. I'm still annoyed just at the couple of months there that have been wasted because I was developing another idea- ideally, the sotryboards would have been done and possibly Layouts too. So, Im not really looking to change much at all, just get the model sheets done and get the damn thing started (:P)
In regards to doing a production schedule/budget etc. this will need some time over the weekend. Really, I can afford to be poked and pestered as Im stressed but at the same time I can only physically do what I can in a day. And Im not sleeping much and Im sacrificing time with my relationship, and long since sacrificed my hobbies, so I kinda get the urge to strangle people when they ask me if I got some more work done and the look on their face when I tell them I did a bit, but not much (other classes and a steady income take priority too :P)....anyway, this is turning into a bit of a rant- at the end of the day I will be alot happier when the animatic is done. I believe this will help determine what scenes need to be done, what needs to be animated, what can be re-used, what camera moves need to be done in the 3D application, and therefore the time it will take to get the job done.
As I've thought over it, it's hard to plan when one hasn't physically BEEN through the process. I think it will be a matter of listing the tasks that need to be done, and allowing enough time for retakes and compositing/rendering. But this is a quick list I can see: (and if these aren't the industry terms I apologise.)
Pre-production
> Thumbnails: Storyboard
> Animatic: and Model Sheets, plus I guess a more comprehensive idea of the locations/backgrounds in order to model correctly in 3D.
> Scene Breakdowns: Breaking the animatic down into it's pieces ready to animate the characters
Production
>Key Poses: Of a particular scene
>In Betweens
>Cleanups: "Rough Cleanups for the look that we're trying to achieve....we'll look at that.
>Scanning
>Assembling/compositing: Digital Pro or After Effects...maybe Flash if I can learn it in time (...nah?)
> Colouring: With style previously mentioned.
etc.etc. More later, gotta run.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Script Draft 2: untitled
New draft of script- it was pretty late when I punched it out last week, so it's more of a 1.5 I guess because I only tweeked it a little bit. I still have stroyboard thumbnails to scan and post, plus some completed panels...when I get time, or if a new day in the week is created between Wednesday and Thursday...Tednersday?...
Ext. Redfern: Corner of Chamers and Phillips street- vague 1930’s depression era. early afternoon.
A patch of grass has a small mound of sandy dirt. A football is placed on top of the mound by a small rabbit. He stares at the ball, and then kicks it towards his friends, who stand at the other side of the spacious front property.
The property is unique in the street. Cold, drab looking terrace houses squash together one by one down the street and halt at the fence line of the property where the small rabbits play. The property is grassy and slops up towards a small hill in the centre where a modest single level house sits.
Ext. Redfern: Corner of Chamers and Phillips street- vague 1930’s depression era. RAYmond’s Front yard. Early afternoon.
On the veranda of the house, Raymond, a stocky, middle-aged rabbit repairs a few broken floor boards. He pauses from his work, smiles as he watches the kids play, and then continues hammering.
NORTON (os)
You there! Rabbit! How much for your land?
RAYMOND looks up to find a rather tall, well built, well dressed rooster standing at the foot of the veranda.
RAymond
I’m Sorry?
NORTON
(Impatiently)
How-much -for-your-land?
Raymond
My land isn’t for sale, mate.
NORTON
Yes, I know it isn’t for sale. But you see rabbit, I own all the property in this street, except yours... So now I’m here to buy it.
Raymond
Yeah, well, as I’ve already said, it’s not for sale so if you don’t mind mate...
RAYMOND goes back to repairing the front porch. As RAYMOND hammers away, NORTON reaches into his coat pocket and plus out a small stack of casino chips, which he proceeds to mindlessly fiddle with in his feathery hand.
NORTON
I wouldn’t bother with that rabbit; it’s due for demolition after I acquire your property.
raymond
Well mate, I’d hate to spoil your plans but I grew up here, I’ve raised my family here, my children play footy with the neighbor’s kids here, and we have the best view of Redfern oval a Bunny supporter could want...
NORTON
Listen Rabbit!...
NORTON drops his casino chips on the porch, grabs RAYMOND’s collar and pulls him in close.
...Your land is worth a lot of money to me. I knock your dump down, level the land and 6 Terraces go in. You either sign that lease or...
Big Rabbit (o.s)
Oy! You got a problem Rooster?!
NORTON looks up to find RAYMOND’s neighbors have arrived looking quite concerned at NORTON’s threats towards RAYMOND. Several large Rabbits move to the front wearing Football Jerseys, obviously from the local team.
NORTON
You’re everywhere aren’t you? Just like vermin.
Raymond
Nah mate, they’re called friends. You should try it; you might not be such a bastard.
NORTON
That’s right, and this bastard’s gonna throw your mates out of their houses.
RAYMOND
You can’t do that!
NORTON
Then sign over your deed!
RAYMOND looks over at the small crowd of his neighbors, a sad look on his face. Looking down, he notices the small pile of Casino chips NORTON had previously dropped. RAYMOND slowly smiles.
RAYMOND
Tell you what...you can have my land for free if you want to make a bet...
NORTON
For free? What sort of bet?
RAYMOND
You’re a big rooster...do you box?
NORTON
I boxed for year rabbit. I can cock fight like you lot eat carrots.
Raymond
Ok then, you pick any one of those blokes over there in the Rabbitohs jersey; you win, I sign over my land and we’ll be out by tomorrow. You lose...I keep my land, these blokes and their families are guaranteed to keep their homes, and you get the hell off my property.
NORTON
Hmm...ok rabbit, It’s a bet.
NORTON looks over the rabbits in the crowd. From his point of view we see a number of rather large rabbits in football jerseys. He pauses and glances down at quite obviously the smallest rabbit there. He smiles.
NORTON
Him.
RAYMOND’S SON
Daddy, he’ll hurt Little Russell...
RAYMOND
It’s ok son...
RAYMOND turns to NORTON
RAYMOND
Nah mate, no deal, he’s...
NORTON
It’s him or the bet’s off.
RAYMOND
...alright, but you’d better go into the alley. I don’t want the kids to see this.
NORTON and the small Rabbit go into the alley. Suddenly, the alley is full of commotion; the sound of bottles breaking, trash cans being kicked over, punches and distressed rooster crows flood the street.
As feathers fly out of the alley, RAYMOND’S SON tugs on RAYMOND’s pants.
RAYMOND’s SON
How did you know Little Russell would be ok?
RAYMOND
Son, it’s not the size of the rabbit in the fight, but the size of the fight in the rabbit.
BIG RABBIT leans over towards RAYMOND and whispers:
BIG RABBIT
When will the rabies wear off?
RAYMOND
Plenty of sleep, he’ll be right.
The locals laugh and the sun begins to fade across the Roofs of the Terrace Houses. White feather flutter into the wind.
END
Ext. Redfern: Corner of Chamers and Phillips street- vague 1930’s depression era. early afternoon.
A patch of grass has a small mound of sandy dirt. A football is placed on top of the mound by a small rabbit. He stares at the ball, and then kicks it towards his friends, who stand at the other side of the spacious front property.
The property is unique in the street. Cold, drab looking terrace houses squash together one by one down the street and halt at the fence line of the property where the small rabbits play. The property is grassy and slops up towards a small hill in the centre where a modest single level house sits.
Ext. Redfern: Corner of Chamers and Phillips street- vague 1930’s depression era. RAYmond’s Front yard. Early afternoon.
On the veranda of the house, Raymond, a stocky, middle-aged rabbit repairs a few broken floor boards. He pauses from his work, smiles as he watches the kids play, and then continues hammering.
NORTON (os)
You there! Rabbit! How much for your land?
RAYMOND looks up to find a rather tall, well built, well dressed rooster standing at the foot of the veranda.
RAymond
I’m Sorry?
NORTON
(Impatiently)
How-much -for-your-land?
Raymond
My land isn’t for sale, mate.
NORTON
Yes, I know it isn’t for sale. But you see rabbit, I own all the property in this street, except yours... So now I’m here to buy it.
Raymond
Yeah, well, as I’ve already said, it’s not for sale so if you don’t mind mate...
RAYMOND goes back to repairing the front porch. As RAYMOND hammers away, NORTON reaches into his coat pocket and plus out a small stack of casino chips, which he proceeds to mindlessly fiddle with in his feathery hand.
NORTON
I wouldn’t bother with that rabbit; it’s due for demolition after I acquire your property.
raymond
Well mate, I’d hate to spoil your plans but I grew up here, I’ve raised my family here, my children play footy with the neighbor’s kids here, and we have the best view of Redfern oval a Bunny supporter could want...
NORTON
Listen Rabbit!...
NORTON drops his casino chips on the porch, grabs RAYMOND’s collar and pulls him in close.
...Your land is worth a lot of money to me. I knock your dump down, level the land and 6 Terraces go in. You either sign that lease or...
Big Rabbit (o.s)
Oy! You got a problem Rooster?!
NORTON looks up to find RAYMOND’s neighbors have arrived looking quite concerned at NORTON’s threats towards RAYMOND. Several large Rabbits move to the front wearing Football Jerseys, obviously from the local team.
NORTON
You’re everywhere aren’t you? Just like vermin.
Raymond
Nah mate, they’re called friends. You should try it; you might not be such a bastard.
NORTON
That’s right, and this bastard’s gonna throw your mates out of their houses.
RAYMOND
You can’t do that!
NORTON
Then sign over your deed!
RAYMOND looks over at the small crowd of his neighbors, a sad look on his face. Looking down, he notices the small pile of Casino chips NORTON had previously dropped. RAYMOND slowly smiles.
RAYMOND
Tell you what...you can have my land for free if you want to make a bet...
NORTON
For free? What sort of bet?
RAYMOND
You’re a big rooster...do you box?
NORTON
I boxed for year rabbit. I can cock fight like you lot eat carrots.
Raymond
Ok then, you pick any one of those blokes over there in the Rabbitohs jersey; you win, I sign over my land and we’ll be out by tomorrow. You lose...I keep my land, these blokes and their families are guaranteed to keep their homes, and you get the hell off my property.
NORTON
Hmm...ok rabbit, It’s a bet.
NORTON looks over the rabbits in the crowd. From his point of view we see a number of rather large rabbits in football jerseys. He pauses and glances down at quite obviously the smallest rabbit there. He smiles.
NORTON
Him.
RAYMOND’S SON
Daddy, he’ll hurt Little Russell...
RAYMOND
It’s ok son...
RAYMOND turns to NORTON
RAYMOND
Nah mate, no deal, he’s...
NORTON
It’s him or the bet’s off.
RAYMOND
...alright, but you’d better go into the alley. I don’t want the kids to see this.
NORTON and the small Rabbit go into the alley. Suddenly, the alley is full of commotion; the sound of bottles breaking, trash cans being kicked over, punches and distressed rooster crows flood the street.
As feathers fly out of the alley, RAYMOND’S SON tugs on RAYMOND’s pants.
RAYMOND’s SON
How did you know Little Russell would be ok?
RAYMOND
Son, it’s not the size of the rabbit in the fight, but the size of the fight in the rabbit.
BIG RABBIT leans over towards RAYMOND and whispers:
BIG RABBIT
When will the rabies wear off?
RAYMOND
Plenty of sleep, he’ll be right.
The locals laugh and the sun begins to fade across the Roofs of the Terrace Houses. White feather flutter into the wind.
END
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Character Back story:
Just some Information to give an idea into the backstory of the characters/social environment.
Story Character Background:
The rivalry between the Roosters and the Rabbitohs dates back to 1908 and is currently the longest running sporting rivalry in the world.
The Rabbitohs form exactly 1 week before the Roosters and are noted to have beaten the Roosters in the Grand Final that year. This began the grudge.
In regards to the story, Roosters are from the East of Sydney in the rich, beachside/bayside suburbs with the Rabbits living in the lower working class South of Sydney.
The story picks up in a rough 1930ish era with the class conflict and animosity between the Roosters and Rabbits already established. I don’t want the film to preach in regards to social or racial prejudice but I still would like to make a comment that money doesn’t make you a better person or necessarily change your quality of life.
Norton (Rooster) bio notes:
Norton is a Rooster, mid 30’s. Male. He is quite large for a rooster, having played Rugby League for a number of years in the Front Row., and despite his family’s wealth /has boxed in many competitions and high class events/Gentlemen’s sport clubs. He boxes for Pride. (Cock fighting). He still is a fairly fit Rooster, but gave up a career in First Grade Football when he sustained a knee injury that required several operations. Even though Roosters tend to not get along with Rabbits, Norton is especially bitter as he suffered the injury playing against the Bunnies in his mid 20’s.
Norton is fairly wealthy; his father earned their fortune through property ownership throughout Sydney and unknown to the General Public, through various Casino and bookmaking rackets.
Norton was the prince of the empire and very spoilt. His father bails him out of all his problems business wise and other, basically by giving him more money when needed. He has a notorious bad temper and a borderline addiction to gambling, both which get him into a lot of debt.
Norton’s father, hoping that he learns a thing or two about responsibility, gives him a few streets in Redfern to manage as owner/landlord. Norton thinks he can go one better on the properties, raising the rent and making it generally uncomfortable for the locals to survive. He also realizes that quite a large chunk on the corner of charmers and Phillips street in Redfern is not owned by his father at all, and therefore is determined to acquire it to build a large number of terrace-style houses squashed together, making more money.
Raymond the Rabbit:
40-50 yo. Male. Redfern born and bred. Played for Rabbitohs in reserve and 1st Grade. Retired from playing at 35. Married roughly 15 years, and has 2 kids, one who features in film is 7/8 ish. Is a carpenter, owns a hardware store in Waterloo. Is kind, never shys away from hard work.
A Battler, but would give you the shirt off his own back if you were in trouble.
Sometimes Coaches for the Rabbitohs when available, so knows a lot of the younger blokes still playing on the team.- Also he’s mates with all their fathers, having grown up in the neighborhood with them. They all have a beer together once a week down the road at the leagues club but he’s not much of a drinker, has one or two then heads home to spend time with the family.
Bought the property he owns, had a small house on it at the time which he renovated himself- never had a mortgage, as he never drank much so used game earnings to buy the property outright from a friend of his grandfather .
He’s not a rich man, but has a quality of life through his family, friends, neighbours and the Rabbitohs.
Story Character Background:
The rivalry between the Roosters and the Rabbitohs dates back to 1908 and is currently the longest running sporting rivalry in the world.
The Rabbitohs form exactly 1 week before the Roosters and are noted to have beaten the Roosters in the Grand Final that year. This began the grudge.
In regards to the story, Roosters are from the East of Sydney in the rich, beachside/bayside suburbs with the Rabbits living in the lower working class South of Sydney.
The story picks up in a rough 1930ish era with the class conflict and animosity between the Roosters and Rabbits already established. I don’t want the film to preach in regards to social or racial prejudice but I still would like to make a comment that money doesn’t make you a better person or necessarily change your quality of life.
Norton (Rooster) bio notes:
Norton is a Rooster, mid 30’s. Male. He is quite large for a rooster, having played Rugby League for a number of years in the Front Row., and despite his family’s wealth /has boxed in many competitions and high class events/Gentlemen’s sport clubs. He boxes for Pride. (Cock fighting). He still is a fairly fit Rooster, but gave up a career in First Grade Football when he sustained a knee injury that required several operations. Even though Roosters tend to not get along with Rabbits, Norton is especially bitter as he suffered the injury playing against the Bunnies in his mid 20’s.
Norton is fairly wealthy; his father earned their fortune through property ownership throughout Sydney and unknown to the General Public, through various Casino and bookmaking rackets.
Norton was the prince of the empire and very spoilt. His father bails him out of all his problems business wise and other, basically by giving him more money when needed. He has a notorious bad temper and a borderline addiction to gambling, both which get him into a lot of debt.
Norton’s father, hoping that he learns a thing or two about responsibility, gives him a few streets in Redfern to manage as owner/landlord. Norton thinks he can go one better on the properties, raising the rent and making it generally uncomfortable for the locals to survive. He also realizes that quite a large chunk on the corner of charmers and Phillips street in Redfern is not owned by his father at all, and therefore is determined to acquire it to build a large number of terrace-style houses squashed together, making more money.
Raymond the Rabbit:
40-50 yo. Male. Redfern born and bred. Played for Rabbitohs in reserve and 1st Grade. Retired from playing at 35. Married roughly 15 years, and has 2 kids, one who features in film is 7/8 ish. Is a carpenter, owns a hardware store in Waterloo. Is kind, never shys away from hard work.
A Battler, but would give you the shirt off his own back if you were in trouble.
Sometimes Coaches for the Rabbitohs when available, so knows a lot of the younger blokes still playing on the team.- Also he’s mates with all their fathers, having grown up in the neighborhood with them. They all have a beer together once a week down the road at the leagues club but he’s not much of a drinker, has one or two then heads home to spend time with the family.
Bought the property he owns, had a small house on it at the time which he renovated himself- never had a mortgage, as he never drank much so used game earnings to buy the property outright from a friend of his grandfather .
He’s not a rich man, but has a quality of life through his family, friends, neighbours and the Rabbitohs.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Week 6: Production details summary...sort of :P
Ok, sorry about the long blogs, at least whoever bothers to read it all gets some sort of insight into what I’m thinking.
Anyway, to answer a few questions:
Techniques for film: Traditional 2D animation, clean roughs style to give it a not too clean, not too messy look., Sepia colour tone with muted red and green for the rabbits, red white and blue for the rooster and darker tones for different coloured rabbits (being a reference to the indigenous community in Redfern and the Indigenous players)
Materials: paper for animated, to be scanned, pencils
Hardware/Software: At this stage Photoshop for scanning and colouring, assembly in either Digital Pro (needs learning and research) and/or After Effects/ premier for sound.
Rendering: Between After Effects/premier in that regard. Still considering 3d environments even though a redfern street needs to be modeled and shots rendered according to Storyboards. Because I haven’t gone through the process yet, I don’t have an idea of how much rendering will be needed…I’m guessing a lot due to past expeciences doing 3d projects. Need further research
Access: Possibly to a sound editing suite, in particular to the dialogue, which I will do myself and maybe Chirs Vight provided he’s still interested.But a full breakdown of sounds needed will be done this week based off the script. Sound equipment may be needed if copyright free sounds from researched website doesn’t have anything I can use.
Animation: Hand drawn which will be a pain, but more based on the Warner Brother’s Batman/Justice League/ Bruce Timms/Alan Burnett /Fleischer Brros. Superman rather than a Disney Style. (working on 2’s). Backgrounds 3d unless a quick alternative can be seen during the storyboard period.
How long per shot/sequence?: don’t know until I create the animatic., but Im guessing because the script is a back and forth affair, with snippts of character shots being shown while other character is talking, I’ll say roughly 3- 4 seconds depending on the dialogue.
Roles: At this stage: because of the restructuring of the entire project, it’s thrown me off, and at the end of the day Im greatful to have people on board to help. Iguess Im functioning in a director/writer/storyboard collaborator/concept designer/animator capacity…Amanda is in the process of storyboarding and Lauren is designing characters.basically we’ll do what has to be done, and it gives us all an opportunity to have some work we can use for demo reels even if what I or we do doesn’t make it into the final approvals for the film itself.
Anyway, to answer a few questions:
Techniques for film: Traditional 2D animation, clean roughs style to give it a not too clean, not too messy look., Sepia colour tone with muted red and green for the rabbits, red white and blue for the rooster and darker tones for different coloured rabbits (being a reference to the indigenous community in Redfern and the Indigenous players)
Materials: paper for animated, to be scanned, pencils
Hardware/Software: At this stage Photoshop for scanning and colouring, assembly in either Digital Pro (needs learning and research) and/or After Effects/ premier for sound.
Rendering: Between After Effects/premier in that regard. Still considering 3d environments even though a redfern street needs to be modeled and shots rendered according to Storyboards. Because I haven’t gone through the process yet, I don’t have an idea of how much rendering will be needed…I’m guessing a lot due to past expeciences doing 3d projects. Need further research
Access: Possibly to a sound editing suite, in particular to the dialogue, which I will do myself and maybe Chirs Vight provided he’s still interested.But a full breakdown of sounds needed will be done this week based off the script. Sound equipment may be needed if copyright free sounds from researched website doesn’t have anything I can use.
Animation: Hand drawn which will be a pain, but more based on the Warner Brother’s Batman/Justice League/ Bruce Timms/Alan Burnett /Fleischer Brros. Superman rather than a Disney Style. (working on 2’s). Backgrounds 3d unless a quick alternative can be seen during the storyboard period.
How long per shot/sequence?: don’t know until I create the animatic., but Im guessing because the script is a back and forth affair, with snippts of character shots being shown while other character is talking, I’ll say roughly 3- 4 seconds depending on the dialogue.
Roles: At this stage: because of the restructuring of the entire project, it’s thrown me off, and at the end of the day Im greatful to have people on board to help. Iguess Im functioning in a director/writer/storyboard collaborator/concept designer/animator capacity…Amanda is in the process of storyboarding and Lauren is designing characters.basically we’ll do what has to be done, and it gives us all an opportunity to have some work we can use for demo reels even if what I or we do doesn’t make it into the final approvals for the film itself.
Background on the Current Project
Ok, where am I at?
Firstly before I forget, I want to thank Mr John Richardson who is the Director of Marketing for the South Sydney Football Club.
I emailed www.rabbitohs.com.au as a general enquiry as to whether I could have permission to use their traditional club song in my film. I explained I was making an animated film for Uni and a general gist regarding the rivalry of Souths/Easts with a character based on my pop who played with the club.
Long story short, Mr Richardson replied the next day (today) and said it’s not a problem and they would like a copy when we finish.
So I’m very pleased. I wish to use a section of the song at the end of the film and through the credits.
Ok, this weekend I endeavor to begin some storyboard panels- working over last weekend plus getting sick slowed me down in that regard, I put that stuff aside to focus on getting better and animating for my W.I.L project. The first draft script is done, and is below, but I don’t think I will deviate much further from this- It’s really a 6th/7th draft script if you count the previous 5 to 6 I worked on for the lion/zebra which I scrapped. However, in hindsight, although I am extremely stressed and frustrated when I think of the time, energy and brain power I spent on the last idea, I feel I conntect more on a personal level to this story as the elements are so personal to me.
Firstly before I forget, I want to thank Mr John Richardson who is the Director of Marketing for the South Sydney Football Club.
I emailed www.rabbitohs.com.au as a general enquiry as to whether I could have permission to use their traditional club song in my film. I explained I was making an animated film for Uni and a general gist regarding the rivalry of Souths/Easts with a character based on my pop who played with the club.
Long story short, Mr Richardson replied the next day (today) and said it’s not a problem and they would like a copy when we finish.
So I’m very pleased. I wish to use a section of the song at the end of the film and through the credits.
Ok, this weekend I endeavor to begin some storyboard panels- working over last weekend plus getting sick slowed me down in that regard, I put that stuff aside to focus on getting better and animating for my W.I.L project. The first draft script is done, and is below, but I don’t think I will deviate much further from this- It’s really a 6th/7th draft script if you count the previous 5 to 6 I worked on for the lion/zebra which I scrapped. However, in hindsight, although I am extremely stressed and frustrated when I think of the time, energy and brain power I spent on the last idea, I feel I conntect more on a personal level to this story as the elements are so personal to me.
So why the Rabbitohs? Ok, I’ll try and keep this as brief as I can. My dad was born and bred in Redfern/Waterloo, and although I’m kinda vague on dates and things ( and so is he, which doesn’t help) I’ve learned a lot about him and Souths just through his stories.
Now I previously mentioned that some of this idea, particularly the rivalry/class struggle stems from the aussie doco “Fibros vs. Silvertails” which was about the Rivalry between the Western Surburbs Magpies and the Manly Sea Eagles in 1978 in particular. I’ve been a Souths fan since I was about 11 when my Dad first introduced me to them, before then I wasn’t really into Footy much, I remember watching State of Origin here and there and (rather disgusting to think about) because of being born in Paddington, Sydney,I had a mild connection to the Eastern Surburbs roosters (I assure you, it was just a young 5 year old wondering who I was suppose to follow. Living at Bondi at the time, one doesn’t have much of a choice).
My Dad and his Dad (my Pop, Ray Mason) thankfully showed me the light. I cant remember anything specifically that switched me over, but at any rate I get a massive thrill to see the red and green jersey cross the line to score a try.
Now I previously mentioned that some of this idea, particularly the rivalry/class struggle stems from the aussie doco “Fibros vs. Silvertails” which was about the Rivalry between the Western Surburbs Magpies and the Manly Sea Eagles in 1978 in particular. I’ve been a Souths fan since I was about 11 when my Dad first introduced me to them, before then I wasn’t really into Footy much, I remember watching State of Origin here and there and (rather disgusting to think about) because of being born in Paddington, Sydney,I had a mild connection to the Eastern Surburbs roosters (I assure you, it was just a young 5 year old wondering who I was suppose to follow. Living at Bondi at the time, one doesn’t have much of a choice).
My Dad and his Dad (my Pop, Ray Mason) thankfully showed me the light. I cant remember anything specifically that switched me over, but at any rate I get a massive thrill to see the red and green jersey cross the line to score a try.
The street in Redfern where Dad grew up. I think this phot is mid 60's.
A few points stick out in my memory. 1, was a gift from my Aunty Sue (my Dad’s sister) who gave me my first encyclopedia of Rugby League players (1995 if I remember correct). In there was a small sentence about my Pop. Now my memory is terrible but I think it said “Nippy Souths Half back played during South’s Goldern Era of the 1950’s ( basically, in 1st Grade, Pop and the team won a number of premierships, plus his reserve grade sides did too). Pop was very reserved about himself in that he never boasted, but I remember going to his house in Umina, NSW (purchased after he moved from Redfern) where my Aunty Julie now lives, and seeing all his Football photos and team photos up on the walls, red and green memorabilia on the bar etc.
Another point is my 18th birthday, the year when Souths got back into the competition after illegally getting kicked out by New Limited during their stupid super league thing. Basically, it was the ultimate in the Underdog win and we were pleased to see them back again. Anyway, Dad and I caught the train into Central and walked to Redfern where we dropped in to see “Tugger” who was best mates with Dad since Birth. Tugger was Coaching Souths at the time and for those who don’t know, I believe he sits as the player who’s played the most games for bunnies. Anyways, that day I joined Souths, and still carry around that key chain with the gold logo on it. That day also, Dad showed me Redfern Oval and Waterloo oval where he played footy as a kid, and also where Pop’s house was where he grew up, which is located opposite Redfern oval just around the corner from Souths Leagues club. It’s not there anymore, it had been knocked down yeahs ago to make way for Housing commission houses, but it was still nice to be there.
I think that year too was the year when Pop and I went and watched the Bunnies play St George. Pop was a life member of the club and every year would receive free season ticket passes to see the games. They were general admission seats but that day we had walked all the way around the stadium (“Aussie Stadium” if that’s still it’s name…the one at Moore Park next to the SCG) and couldn’t find where we were suppose to sit. By this stage pop was getting impatient and we were missing the reserve grade match, so we walked up to the last section which happened to be special seating, I think for where the Sotuh supporters group “The Burrow” sat. When the bloke refused us entry my Pop pulled out his life membership badge, which was a gold necklace that hung around his neck. He showed the bloke this, raising his voice about the drama we’d gone through, and I guess to save an argument and risk upsetting a life member, Pop and I were let through. Sotuhs didn’t win that day, but we had a great time and “The Burrow” supporter songs kept us entered all day. It was the best atmosphere I’ve ever experienced at a football match, and I’ve attended NRL grand finals. The charity shields are fantastic though too. I guess it’s never the same when your own team isn’t playing.
Sorry that took ages, believe me, I was trying to keep it brief. Going back to the film though I was originally wanting to keep an animal rivalry similar to my first idea of Lions/zebras. However, after watching “Fibros…” I decided that not only could I represent two animals that aren’t really predator and prey in the natural world, but in an Australian context, represent long standing animosity from not only a sporting perspective, but also of a class perspective (the haves vs. the have nots, the richer class vs. the lower class) and a geographical perspective. At first I was thinking Souths vs Manly, which runs back to the 1960s/70s (?) due to the richer Manly club poaching players from Souths. My pop had two shirts buried with him at his funeral: one was his souths jersey, the other was his t-shirt” I barrack for Souths and anyone who hates Manly”, however when doing my research I began to lean more to the Eastern Suburbs Roosters (now Sydney Roosters) for a number of reasons.
The Rivarly between Sotuhs and Easts is the oldest Sporting Rivalry in the World. Both clubs were established in 1908 (100 years this year) with the Roosters forming 1 week after us (and they call Easts, “Big Brother” to Souths... :S), The first grand final, we snatched victory, and hatred has brewed ever since. Despite the Rooster’s success as compared to Souths in recent years, South still remain the most successful Rugby League team in the World with a total of 20 Premierships. Oh, andthe Roosters have poached a lot of South players and Juniors over the years. So I had my characters and their respective backgrounds.
In regards to the Rabbit, I named him “Raymond” basing him on Pop, and some of pop’s backstory and personality in that Pop never had a mortagage on his houses. He paid them outright with the money he earnt. So Raymond has his property in Redfern. When talking to Dad, I was trying to see in he had any photos on the street. “No” but luckily I drew for him a picture of his house based on a painting done on it years ago. So I have a jist. Now dad had no idea what year the terrace houses in the street were put in, knocked down or how old Pop’s house was but he did say a few things which helped the story. At this stage I was trying to give the rooster a reason to have conflict with the rabbit. One possible storyline was that he was the landlord raising the rent on the rabbit, but I couldn’t work out a resolve after this initial layout. But Dad described that the strett was full of these old English style terrace houses that still exist today in parts of Sydney and in London (I’ve stayed in them before…they suck :P), except Pop’s house which had it’s own large front yard where Dad and his mates played footy, and on game days they could sit in the house and see the game playing at Redfern oval with a perfect view.
I had my plot, thanks to Dad. The Rooster WANTS that property, cause he’s all about money. The rabbit, is all about his mates, and the community. Sticking together. There’s my theme. The Underdogs. It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog (which was something I always kept in my mind before my Taekwon-do fights).
Now Im not trying to be totally accurate with the dates. Im still referencing the time period in “The Sting”, around this time the depression was still hitting the aussie family and it was this photo I found surfing the net that helped me with the script also. This Anzac was put out on the street (redfern) with his stuff and family during the depression of the 20’s/30’s. Now the one thin that’s going to seem funny is the fact that Redfern oval is a reference in the film but in actual fact I think 1947 was the year the rabbits began playing there….I think I will keep the year ambiguous and I wont let the facts in that regard get in the way of the story.
I believe this photo is of Surry Hills, but same concept in the street proximity.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
New Concept Images- Working Title "Glory Glory"
Rough Concept art designs for the new script below. Just the two main characters. The first two small images are what I've 95% settled on, the rest is my workings. More images to come.
Just basically want the large tough rooster, the small, stocky rabbit who looks similar to my pop.
Just basically want the large tough rooster, the small, stocky rabbit who looks similar to my pop.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Updated script
Ok, This is a slightly updated script- slightly more detail than the one posted below. Yet to be edited, I'll get some feedback first from Amanda/andi and work from there.
Also, there is some concept art I need to scan and load up here, we've settled on a rooster, the rabbit is causing us problems- lauren sent trhu some stuff I'll look over but I have one rabbit that Im about 90% on- tried to have something that didnt look like bugs bunny but also had elements of my Pop in him.
Anyways, it's late, Ive been working for ages, Im tired. Talk soon.
Ext. Redfern street- 1936...ish. early afternoon
Light sunbeams shine down on the dark sepia payments of a Redfern street. A gentle shower has previously fallen, with puddles of water randomly detailing the paved road. A Ford Model 48 rolls slowly down the street.
The street is lined with run down terrace houses that sit almost at the road line. At the end of the street, separating the houses, sits a modest block of sloped grass land. A couple of small rabbits kick a footy around, laughing and playing.
Ext. REDFERN street- 1936…ish. RAYmond’s Front yard. Early afternoon
At the top of the grassy mound, a one level house where Raymond, a stocky, middle-aged rabbit repairs a few broken floor boards. He pauses from his work, smiles as he watches the kids play, and then continues hammering.
NORTON (os)
You there! Rabbit! How much for your land?
RAYMOND looks up to find a rather tall, well built, well dressed rooster standing at the bottom of the porch stairs.
RAymond
I’m Sorry?
NORTON
Look I don’t have all day. How-much -for-your-land?
Raymond
Mate, I don’t know where you’ve gotten your info from, but my land isn’t for sale.
NORTON
Yes, I know it isn’t for sale. But you see rabbit, I own almost all the property in this street, except yours... So now I’m here to buy it.
Raymond
Yeah, well, as I’ve already said, it’s not for sale so if you don’t mind mate...
RAYMOND goes back to repairing the front porch. As RAYMOND hammers away, NORTON reaches into his coat pocket and plus out a small stack of casino chips, which he proceeds to mindlessly fiddle with in his feathery hand.
NORTON
I wouldn’t bother with that rabbit; it’s due for demolition after I acquire your property.
raymond
Well mate, I’d hate to spoil your plans but I grew up here, I’ve raised my family here, my children play footy with the neighbor’s kids on my front lawn, and we have the best view of Redfern oval a Bunny supporter could want...
NORTON
Listen Rabbit!...
NORTON drops his casino chips on the porch, grabs RAYMOND’s collar and pulls him in close.
...Your land is worth a lot of money to me. I knock your dump down, level the land and 6 Terraces go in. You either sign that lease or...
Big Rabbit (o.s)
Oy! You got a problem Rooster?!
NORTON looks up to find RAYMOND’s neighbors have arrived looking quite concerned at NORTON’s threats towards RAYMOND. Several large Rabbits move to the front wearing Football Jerseys, obviously from the local team.
NORTON
You’re everywhere aren’t you? Just like vermin.
Raymond
Nah mate, they’re called friends. You should try it; you might not be such a bastard.
NORTON
Oh, a Funny Bunny. But I bet kicking your friends out on the street would wipe away your buck- toothed grin!
RAYMOND
You can’t do that!
NORTON
Then sign over your deed!
RAYMOND looks over at the small crowd of his neighbors, a sad look on his face. Looking down, he notices the small pile of Casino chips NORTON had previously dropped. RAYMOND slowly smiles.
RAYMOND
Tell you what...you can have my land for free if you want to make a bet...
NORTON
A bet? What sort of bet?
RAYMOND
You’re a big rooster...do you box?
NORTON
I was the Eastern Suburbs Cock fighting champion of ’34 and ’35. I can box like you lot eat carrots.
Raymond
Right. You pick any one of those blokes over there; you win, I sign over my land and we’ll be out by tomorrow night.
NORTON
And what do you want if hell freezes over and I lose?
Raymond
...I keep my land, these blokes and their families are guaranteed to keep their homes, and you get the hell out of Redfern.
NORTON
Hmm...ok rabbit, It’s a bet.
NORTON looks over the rabbits in the crowd. From his point of view we see a number of rather large rabbits in football jerseys. He pauses and glances down at quite obviously the smallest rabbit there.
NORTON
Him.
RAYMOND’S SON
Daddy, he’ll hurt Little Russell...
RAYMOND
It’s ok son...
RAYMOND turns to NORTON
RAYMOND
Nah mate, no deal, he’s...
NORTON
It’s him or the bet’s off.
RAYMOND
...alright, but you’d better go into the alley. I don’t want the kids to see this.
NORTON and the small Rabbit go into the alley. Suddenly, the alley is full of commotion; the sound of bottles breaking, trash cans being kicked over, punches and distressed rooster crows flood the street.
As feathers fly out of the alley, RAYMOND’S SON tugs on RAYMOND’s pants.
RAYMOND’s SON
How did you know Little Russell would be ok?
RAYMOND
Son, it’s not the size of the rabbit in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the rabbit.
big rabbit
Well that and Little Russell has Rabies...
RAYMOND winks and raises his finger to his lips
The locals laugh and the sun begins to fade across the Roofs of the Terrace Houses. White feather flutter into the wind.
END
Also, there is some concept art I need to scan and load up here, we've settled on a rooster, the rabbit is causing us problems- lauren sent trhu some stuff I'll look over but I have one rabbit that Im about 90% on- tried to have something that didnt look like bugs bunny but also had elements of my Pop in him.
Anyways, it's late, Ive been working for ages, Im tired. Talk soon.
Ext. Redfern street- 1936...ish. early afternoon
Light sunbeams shine down on the dark sepia payments of a Redfern street. A gentle shower has previously fallen, with puddles of water randomly detailing the paved road. A Ford Model 48 rolls slowly down the street.
The street is lined with run down terrace houses that sit almost at the road line. At the end of the street, separating the houses, sits a modest block of sloped grass land. A couple of small rabbits kick a footy around, laughing and playing.
Ext. REDFERN street- 1936…ish. RAYmond’s Front yard. Early afternoon
At the top of the grassy mound, a one level house where Raymond, a stocky, middle-aged rabbit repairs a few broken floor boards. He pauses from his work, smiles as he watches the kids play, and then continues hammering.
NORTON (os)
You there! Rabbit! How much for your land?
RAYMOND looks up to find a rather tall, well built, well dressed rooster standing at the bottom of the porch stairs.
RAymond
I’m Sorry?
NORTON
Look I don’t have all day. How-much -for-your-land?
Raymond
Mate, I don’t know where you’ve gotten your info from, but my land isn’t for sale.
NORTON
Yes, I know it isn’t for sale. But you see rabbit, I own almost all the property in this street, except yours... So now I’m here to buy it.
Raymond
Yeah, well, as I’ve already said, it’s not for sale so if you don’t mind mate...
RAYMOND goes back to repairing the front porch. As RAYMOND hammers away, NORTON reaches into his coat pocket and plus out a small stack of casino chips, which he proceeds to mindlessly fiddle with in his feathery hand.
NORTON
I wouldn’t bother with that rabbit; it’s due for demolition after I acquire your property.
raymond
Well mate, I’d hate to spoil your plans but I grew up here, I’ve raised my family here, my children play footy with the neighbor’s kids on my front lawn, and we have the best view of Redfern oval a Bunny supporter could want...
NORTON
Listen Rabbit!...
NORTON drops his casino chips on the porch, grabs RAYMOND’s collar and pulls him in close.
...Your land is worth a lot of money to me. I knock your dump down, level the land and 6 Terraces go in. You either sign that lease or...
Big Rabbit (o.s)
Oy! You got a problem Rooster?!
NORTON looks up to find RAYMOND’s neighbors have arrived looking quite concerned at NORTON’s threats towards RAYMOND. Several large Rabbits move to the front wearing Football Jerseys, obviously from the local team.
NORTON
You’re everywhere aren’t you? Just like vermin.
Raymond
Nah mate, they’re called friends. You should try it; you might not be such a bastard.
NORTON
Oh, a Funny Bunny. But I bet kicking your friends out on the street would wipe away your buck- toothed grin!
RAYMOND
You can’t do that!
NORTON
Then sign over your deed!
RAYMOND looks over at the small crowd of his neighbors, a sad look on his face. Looking down, he notices the small pile of Casino chips NORTON had previously dropped. RAYMOND slowly smiles.
RAYMOND
Tell you what...you can have my land for free if you want to make a bet...
NORTON
A bet? What sort of bet?
RAYMOND
You’re a big rooster...do you box?
NORTON
I was the Eastern Suburbs Cock fighting champion of ’34 and ’35. I can box like you lot eat carrots.
Raymond
Right. You pick any one of those blokes over there; you win, I sign over my land and we’ll be out by tomorrow night.
NORTON
And what do you want if hell freezes over and I lose?
Raymond
...I keep my land, these blokes and their families are guaranteed to keep their homes, and you get the hell out of Redfern.
NORTON
Hmm...ok rabbit, It’s a bet.
NORTON looks over the rabbits in the crowd. From his point of view we see a number of rather large rabbits in football jerseys. He pauses and glances down at quite obviously the smallest rabbit there.
NORTON
Him.
RAYMOND’S SON
Daddy, he’ll hurt Little Russell...
RAYMOND
It’s ok son...
RAYMOND turns to NORTON
RAYMOND
Nah mate, no deal, he’s...
NORTON
It’s him or the bet’s off.
RAYMOND
...alright, but you’d better go into the alley. I don’t want the kids to see this.
NORTON and the small Rabbit go into the alley. Suddenly, the alley is full of commotion; the sound of bottles breaking, trash cans being kicked over, punches and distressed rooster crows flood the street.
As feathers fly out of the alley, RAYMOND’S SON tugs on RAYMOND’s pants.
RAYMOND’s SON
How did you know Little Russell would be ok?
RAYMOND
Son, it’s not the size of the rabbit in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the rabbit.
big rabbit
Well that and Little Russell has Rabies...
RAYMOND winks and raises his finger to his lips
RAymond
Shh...
Shh...
The locals laugh and the sun begins to fade across the Roofs of the Terrace Houses. White feather flutter into the wind.
END
Thursday, April 10, 2008
New Script- Untitled draft 1
Well here I am, week 5 of my project with an entire re-write. Im so cranky I can't form words. I just hate the fact that I invested so much time and effort into my previous character designs and 5 drafts of a script to find I can only salvage a small part of the theme and that's it.
So this is the first draft, 98% complete. Still needs some action slugs in there and at least an editing down, but the jist of the story is there. No more changes to characters or themes (if anything, I'll remove secondary characters).
Don't have time to write character bios or a synopsis yet, but I'll get to that soon. Please excuses some of the formatting, I dont know what happened between cutting and pasting that has warped my text.
So this is the first draft, 98% complete. Still needs some action slugs in there and at least an editing down, but the jist of the story is there. No more changes to characters or themes (if anything, I'll remove secondary characters).
Don't have time to write character bios or a synopsis yet, but I'll get to that soon. Please excuses some of the formatting, I dont know what happened between cutting and pasting that has warped my text.
Ext. Redfern street- 1936...ish. early afternoon
Light sunbeams shine down on the dark sepia payments of a Redfern street. A gentle shower has previously fallen, with puddles of water randomly detail the paved road. A Ford Model 48 rolls slowly down the street.
The street is lined with run down terrace houses that sit amost at the road line. At the end of the street, seperating the houses, sits a modest block of sloped grass land. A couple of small rabbits kick a footy around, laughing and playing.
At the top of the grassy mound sits a one level house where Raymond, a stocky, middle-aged rabbit repairs a few broken floor boards.
NORTON (os)
You there! Rabbit! How much?
RAYMOND looks up to find a rather tall, well built, well dressed rooster standing at the bottom of the porch stairs.
RAYMOND
I’m Sorry?
NORTON
Look I don’t have all day. How much for your property?
Raymond
Mate, I don’t know where you’ve gotten your info from, but my property isn’t for sale.
NORTON
Yes, I know it isn’t for sale. But you see rabbit, I own almost all the property in this street, except yours. So now I’m here to buy it.
Raymond
Yeah, well, as I’ve already said, it’s not for sale so if you don’t mind mate...
RAYMOND goes back to repairing the front porch. As RAYMOND hammers away, NORTON reaches into his coat pocket and plus out a small stack of casino chips, which he proceeds to mindlessly fiddle with in his feathery hand.
NORTON
I wouldn’t bother with that rabbit; it’s due for demolition after I acquire your property.
raymond
Well mate, I’d hate to spoil your plans but I grew up here, I’ve raised my family here, my children play footy with the neighbor’s kids on my front lawn, and we have the best view of Redfern oval a Bunny supporter could want...
NORTON
Listen Rabbit!
NORTON drops his casino chips on the porch, grabs RAYMOND’s collar and pulls him in close.
...You land is worth a lot of money to me. I knock your dump down, level the land and 6 Terraces go in. You either sign that lease or...
Big Rabbit (o.s)
Oy! You got a problem Rooster?!
NORTON looks up to find RAYMOND’s neighbours have arrived looking quite concerned at NORTON’s threats towards RAYMOND. Several large Rabbits move to the front wearing Football Jerseys, obviously from the local team.
NORTON
You’re everywhere aren’t you? Just like vermin.
Raymond
Nah mate, they’re called friends. You should try it; you might not be such a bastard.
NORTON
Oh, a Funny Bunny. But I bet kicking your friends out on the street would wipe away your buck- toothed grin!
RAYMOND
You can’t do that!
NORTON
Then sign over the deed!
RAYMOND looks over at the small crowd of his neighbors, a sad look on his face. Looking down, he notices the small pile of Casino chips NORTON had previously dropped. RAYMOND slowly smiles.
RAYMOND
Tell you what...you can have my land for free if you want to make a bet...
NORTON
A bet? What sort of bet?
RAYMOND
I heard on the wireless you fancy yourself as a fighter?
Fancy, nothing! I was the Eastern Suburbs Cock fighting champion of ’34 and ’35.
Raymond
You beat anyone of these blokes here and I turn my land over, no questions asked and you make your fortune. But if you lose...
NORTON
*Humph!*
Raymond
...I keep my land, these blokes and their families continue to live in their homes and you stay out of Redfern.
NORTON
It’s a bet.
NORTON looks over the rabbits in the crowd. From his point of view we see a number of rather large rabbits in football jerseys, singlets and overalls. He pauses and glances down at quite obviously the smallest rabbit there.
NORTON
Him.
RAYMOND’S SON
Daddy, he’ll hurt Little Russell...
RAYMOND
It’s ok son...
RAYMOND turns to NORTON
RAYMOND
Nah mate, no deal, he’s...
NORTON
It’s him or the bet’s off.
RAYMOND
...alright, but you’d better go into the alley. I don’t want the kids to see this.
NORTON and the small Rabbit go into the alley. Suddenly, the alley is full of commotion; the sound of bottles breaking, trash cans being kicked over, punches and distressed rooster crows flood the street.
As feathers fly out of the alley, RAYMOND’S SON tugs on RAYMOND’s pants.
RAYMOND’s SON
How did you know Little Russell would be ok?
RAYMOND
Son, it’s not the size of the rabbit in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the rabbit.
big rabbit
Well that and Little Russell has Rabies...
RAYMOND winks and raises his finger to his lips
RAymond
Shh...
The locals laugh and the sun begins to fade across the Roofs of the Terrace Houses. White feather flutter into the wind.
END
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Blackwing Animated - Cleaned up (W.I.L)
Progress Work on WIL project. Will set up sepereate blog shortly. Don't have the internet available at home yet, so just short bursts of info in the mean time.
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