LAUAN601 - Practical Production - Character Referencing/Experimentation

Main character research and experimentation.
Roy is an Irish-British animated children's television series in Dublin, which was broadcast by TRTÉ in Ireland, on the block program, CBBC.

The series is filmed as a mockumentary and based on the short film called Badly Drawn Roy which was commissioned by the Irish Film Board, RTÉ and the Arts Council of Ireland through their frameworks scheme for new animation.

It is important to mention that there are two character designs for Roy. The original design, from the short film 'Badly Drawn Roy' and the most recent design. 'Roy' from the TV series

My character experimentations are based form the most recent character design of Roy. From the TV series, 'Roy'. 

I have found that the original character design concept for Roy, is based on the 'Rough animation' process. This is the drafting of line work that would usually then undergo the 'Clean-up process'. That adds refined lines to the character animation. 

But Roy's design is based on the fact he hasn't undergone this 'clean-up' stage, and remains a rough animation. Because of this, the character design retains this sketchy look and has a unique loose visual aesthetic. Perfect for younger audiences.

Roy's original character design, in comparison to another character design of the 'cleaned-up' stage, from the short film 'Badly drawn Roy'

Although this might pose a problem for my project. As Roy is not meant to be in a finished design stage, and I am researching and comparing other finished and 'cleaned up' character designs. 

But I realise the fact Roy is not complete, is because he represents a unique and aesthetically pleasing style. Made to stand out and ideal for the younger audiences. Representing a quirky and exciting theme that is relatable of the featured block program Boomerang. 

This simplistic design has a unique take on expressive characteristics. Which is actually ideal for comparison with other uniquely age specified character designs in this project.

More importantly I realise that the original design can be used as a 'mature' version for comparison of the character design.

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Main character research and experimentation.
Bunnicula the vampire rabbit, once the pet of Count Dracula: The series premiered on the block program Boomerang in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Bunnicula's character design is predominantly made of goofy features, and aimed for an audience of younger children. The script writing has an alternative 'edgy' vibe expressed with the character design. Through comical gothic themes and gore and based on vampires and monsters with a more comedic and cartoony side.
More ways the character design represents this audience, is through the comedic script and comical animation. This character is indeed a bunny rabbit with sharp fangs and the wide looking, but cutely deceiving eyes. 
This cartoon wouldn't appeal to a preschool audience, not because there is too much to process on screen. But because the actions of the characters are certainly not predictable or desirable for preschoolers. 

I am producing the practical with no colour, sticking to only shading and tonal textures. As I want to emphasise on the character design features for the line work to analyse the changing structure of the transformation.

The it is convenient I have chosen characters which feature mostly black and white colouring.
The vampire rabbit Bunnicula has mostly black and white, with only pink eyes.






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Main character research and experimentation.
Black Dynamite, as Michael Jai White, The show, released on the block program 'Adult Swim'.
Set in the 1970s, is predominantly a parody of and tribute to blaxploitation cinema. Playing from the stereotypical characters and ethics of that 'exploitation film' and time period.

1970's America, setting dark comedy elements from the offset with stereotypical character deign, and setting. Drawing all dark comedy from undermining the harsh setting. This show sets low moral standards and adult themes through portraying hard hitting reality and violence. With Sarcasm, dark humour and an underlining ruthlessness. Appealing only to adult and mature audiences, filled with stereotypes and ideologies racism.

For example, most villains in this cartoon are made out to be physiologically unstable with backstories of suffering and abuse. Mostly from growing up in the cesspool of prostitution, pimps, drugs and violence that this cartoon entails. Almost prompting genuine motives, but with interesting twists and disheartening resolutions.

Most episodes of the show were rated TV-MA (akin to the R rating of the movie itself) for bloody, stylised violence, strong sexual references (including nudity, references to prostitution, and depictions of sex acts), and humour derived from racism and discrimination. Overzealous training montages, sex and adult scenes intertwined with comedy.

Studying the character designs and experimenting with them, understanding why they are unique and represent the desired themes.

Featuring the 1970's characteristics and fashion, based from 70's film aesthetics.

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