In Week 17 of Advanced 3D Computer Animation, Professor Ting Liu asked me to continue the Advanced animation Shot blocking version of the animation using the reference video recorded in Week 16. She emphasized that facial animation must also be considered during blocking rather than being added later.
Step 1: Recording the Reference
I recorded a reference video and used it to support the planning stage. This helped define timing, gestures, and emotional beats more clearly. I understood that reference quality directly affects animation quality, especially in acting-based shots.
Step 2: Developing the Animation
I focused on basic body movement and initial facial positions such as eye direction and eyebrow placement. I did not fully animate lip sync at this stage but established key emotional beats and body poses. I structured the animation using clear pose-to-pose planning.
Step 3: Receiving the feedback
After submitting my animation, I received strict feedback from Professor Ting that:
“Blocking needs stronger facial structure from the beginning.”
“Reference recording should be more expressive, You can combine multiple references if needed.”
“Poses must avoid symmetry and should feel more curved and natural in form.”
I revised my blocking approach after this feedback. I understood that strong animation begins with stronger posing choices rather than refinement later. I also learned that expressive reference recording improves animation clarity significantly. I focused on improving pose quality and reducing stiffness in movement.