Month: June 2026

Through the development of the Mouth project, I gradually realised that animation is not only a medium for storytelling, but also a way to express social perspectives and personal reflections. In this project, I used the simple visual symbol of the mouth to explore themes of expression, silence, and suppression, while learning how symbolic imagery can communicate ideas more effectively than direct narrative.

However, there is still room for improvement in the project’s visual expression. Some symbolic elements are currently too direct and could benefit from greater subtlety and depth. If I were to continue developing this project, I would further explore the relationship between the mouths and their surrounding environment, while strengthening the discussion of collective silence and the right to speak through more developed scene design and animation. My goal would be to communicate these themes in a more nuanced and impactful way.

Skyler Gao

Concept, Research,Texture, Light, Render, Editor

Peihang Jiang

Research, Storyboard, Model, Animation

Audience perspective

This week I focused on animation production and completed the final animation sequence for the project. Building on the assets and models developed in previous weeks, I began assembling the scenes and testing how different elements could be integrated into the animation pipeline.

One of the main challenges during the week was finding an efficient method for transferring animated assets between software. I experimented with several export and import workflows before deciding to use the Alembic (.abc) format. Compared with the other methods I tested, Alembic provided a more reliable way of preserving complex deformations and animated geometry, making it more suitable for the project.

In addition to testing the pipeline, I completed the animation for the final section of the sequence and refined the timing of several shots. This stage helped bring together the storyboard, models, and animation work developed throughout the project, while also establishing a clearer workflow for the remaining production process.

This week I continued developing the project assets and focused on creating the more complex deformation models required for the animation. Building on the work completed in previous weeks, I produced two versions of the torn mouth sequence, exploring different levels of stretching and distortion to enhance the visual impact of the scene.

The modelling process involved reshaping the facial geometry and testing how the skin could be pulled and deformed while maintaining a believable structure around the mouth, teeth, and tongue. Through several iterations, I refined the composition and proportions of the models to better communicate tension and discomfort, which are central themes within the project.

In addition to the modelling work, I also began producing animation for the background NPC mouths. These animations focused on simple speaking motions that will be used during the opening sequence, where multiple mouths repeat the same words. Developing these assets helped establish the contrast between collective conformity at the beginning of the animation and the later scenes of isolation and suppression.

This week I focused on creating the core 3D assets for the project. Based on the storyboard developed in the previous week, I began modelling the central mouth character and exploring how different forms of suppression and violence could be represented through a series of variations of the same model.

I first created a basic mouth model that would serve as the foundation for the animation. Once the base model was completed, I developed several modified versions to match key moments in the storyboard. These included a mouth sealed with tape, a mouth stitched shut, and a mouth that had been pierced by a bullet. I also began experimenting with materials and surface details to make these variations visually distinct while maintaining a consistent overall style.

Throughout the process, I considered how each model could communicate different emotional states and symbolic meanings. Developing these assets helped translate the storyboard into tangible visual elements and established the foundation for the animation and scene production that will follow.

This week I focused on developing the storyboard for our project. Building on the concept established in previous weeks, I translated the narrative structure into a sequence of visual scenes and explored how the story could be communicated through composition, camera movement, and symbolic imagery.

The storyboard follows the progression from order to tension and chaos. It begins with a large number of identical mouths repeating the same actions, before gradually isolating a single mouth through a dolly zoom shot. As the sequence develops, the mouth struggles to speak and becomes subjected to different forms of suppression, including being covered, taped, stitched, torn apart, and ultimately destroyed. These scenes were designed to reinforce the project’s themes of silence, control, and collective pressure.

During the process, I experimented with framing, pacing, and transitions between shots to create a stronger emotional impact. Completing the storyboard helped me visualise the overall flow of the animation and provided a clear foundation for the next stage of production.

This week, Skyler and I began developing the concept and visual direction for our project. After discussing different possibilities, we decided to focus on the theme of “Mouth”, using it as a visual metaphor to explore conformity, suppression, conflict, and remembrance.

Together, we developed the initial narrative structure based on the progression of Order – Emphasis – Tension – Chaos – Order. I focused on creating the storyboard and conducting early Blender style tests, while Skyler began researching potential social events and experimenting with visual approaches in Unreal Engine. We also discussed how historical and social events could be incorporated into the project to strengthen its conceptual foundation.

During the week, I completed an initial storyboard that explored the transformation of a single mouth from conformity to isolation and violence. We also established a preliminary production schedule and began testing different visual styles. These early developments helped us clarify the direction of the project and provided a foundation for the next stage of production.

This week we explored the use of 360 cameras in Unreal Engine and learned how panoramic content can be captured and presented within a virtual environment. The session introduced the workflow of setting up a 360 camera and demonstrated how a single viewpoint can record the entire surrounding scene.

During the practical exercises, I experimented with capturing 360-degree images and videos in Unreal Engine. This process helped me better understand how virtual spaces can be experienced from different perspectives and how immersive content differs from traditional camera outputs. It also highlighted the importance of scene composition, lighting, and environment design when creating content intended for panoramic viewing.

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In addition, Skyler and I began developing the initial concept for our group project. We discussed the theme of “Mouth” as a visual symbol and explored how ideas of speech, silence, and suppression could be represented through animation. We also started researching several historical and social events that could help inform the conceptual direction of the project.

This week we were introduced to the setup of Virtual Production workflows in Unreal Engine, including Live Link cameras and nDisplay systems. The session explored how these tools can be used to create immersive visual experiences and support real-time production techniques.

During the practical exercises, we learned how to create naked-eye 3D style videos in Unreal Engine. By carefully positioning objects and adjusting camera perspectives, we experimented with the illusion of elements extending beyond the screen space, creating a strong sense of depth and the impression that objects were emerging out of the display. This exercise helped me better understand spatial composition, camera placement, and how visual perception can be manipulated to enhance audience engagement.

This week we were introduced to virtual production tools in Unreal Engine. We learned how to use the Unreal VCam system, which allows a smartphone to function as a virtual camera and communicate directly with Unreal Engine through Live Link.

During the session, we explored how camera movement could be controlled by physically moving the phone. This enabled us to create more natural handheld camera motions and experiment with virtual cinematography inside Unreal Engine. The exercise helped me gain a better understanding of virtual production workflows and how real-world camera movement can be translated into a digital environment.

This week we were introduced to the overall structure of the module and the projects that would be developed throughout the term. The session outlined the aims of the course, the expected outcomes, and the importance of developing a project through research, experimentation, and critical reflection.

We were presented with two project briefs and asked to select one as the focus of our work. After reviewing both options, I decided to choose Expanded Animation / Context and Practice. I was particularly interested in its emphasis on using animation as a tool for exploring ideas, constructing worlds, and responding to social, cultural, technological, and environmental issues. The brief encouraged an experimental approach and provided a broad framework for developing an individually driven project.

During the week, I began considering possible directions for my project and reflected on how my own interests could be developed within the brief. This initial stage helped me gain a clearer understanding of the module and prepare for the research and development process in the coming weeks.