Magic Show Concept Update

Hello,
I've been working on some concepts before diving head first into building. I realize that there hasn't been a lot of Visual effects posts in a while, but soon... SOON! I want to build an environment where I can work on some really cool looking effects, as I like to set things in context. That said, here are some concepts for some of the stuff I'll be working on in the coming months.

Here's a lighting concept for the environment. When the scene is complete, it will be chock filled with environmental effects. I need to do another concept of the exterior, but I can put it off for now. I need to get a listing of props I need to make and then get cracking:

Looking for some moody high contrast lighting for this one. 

Next is some the character. I was looking into someone who looks like a city bike courier or a non traditional athletic type. Posted are a close up of the pillars with the lighting paper seals.

Ideas for the character, and some of the light anchor tags.

Then finally here are some concepts for the ice spells that are going to be slung around. Been thinking about the shader for this a little, and its going to be pretty complex, as it needs to look like ice and be a magic transitional spell, as the ice lances are going to be kinetically brought into the spell... if that makes any sense. I need to do another concept for some of the secondary spell effects on his hands and the hit effects. The photos in the call out sheet are not mine, but the color combo, reflection and refraction are what I'm looking for in the shader.

On the left: ice lance/wall ideas, and on the right some great reference from the internet of ice!

Next it looks like I'll be posting some models and tests for the space.

Until next time.

Fred

Magic Show Progress Update

Hello all,
I've finished my script and loose boards for the first magic show. What started as a simple idea for an ice spell has become a lot lot larger. For example, originally there was only one script, but now there are five... each covering a different element or force, sigh. Then the first script was initially a simple effect show off, but now there's a little set up and stuff. I think I'm going to work on the hardest shot first then determine how much help I'm going to need to finish it! haha!

Now that the boards are close to what I want, I'm going to start building the environment for it. Its going to be an abandoned subway station entry way. The stairs to the train will be sealed or covered with rubble. The whole thing is going to be lit with magic lights... but I'm getting ahead of myself. I need to build the geo and set up the scene and light it in Unreal. After that I'll do the first environmental VFX pass and see what it looks like. I'll start the scene based on these shots I took around NY and go from there.

I'm going to do a concept using the references above. I'll probably take a couple more reference shots today, but it shouldn't change the initial space. Chances are, there probably won't be as many supports, but it depends how the scene progresses. The concept will also have a color scheme and a lighting test. This will also help me come up with a list of items, so I know what else I need to build. That will be my next post, with a plan on what I'm building and an art direction, as I don't want it to be 'realistic' nor do I want it to be 'comic book'.

Until next time... (BTW this is not an April Fool's Joke).

Fred