Month: January 2026

This week I focused on writing my introduction as well as starting my literature. I did some research to get an understanding of the uncanny valley, both in the context of robotics and animation

This short videos gave me pointers to where I could look to, to carry out my research. It mentioned relevant names and film, which ended up being instrumental in my research

This week was a brief session, where we focused on citation and referencing. We looked into why it is important to reference properly as well the referencing style the university adopts. We were also introduced to different tools that make referencing, and keeping track of those referencing easier for a more streamlined workflow.

We were also briefed on the audio-visual presentation that we would have to submit with our critical report

This week we discussed what goes into writing a literature review. We looked into how to use existing works to establish a background and strengthen our arguments, while identifying gaps in current research. We also discussed the difference between synthesizing, summarizing, paraphrasing and quoting. We looked into when each approach is appropriate as well as how often each approach should be used.

After last week’s one on one with Nigel, I decided to focus my research on possible advantages of the uncanny valley and how it can be used in storytelling

This week we had one on one tutorial with Nigel, and we were given the opportunity to present our ideas for a research topic for our critical report. I decided to write on the uncanny valley and why it is the reason hyper realistic style animations are usually avoided. I picked this because I’ve always preferred a near photorealist style in animation but I almost never see any, so I picked this topic to find out why.

Nigel told me that it is a good topic as it is properly researched, and a very common conversation in the animation academic world. He did tell me to try and find something that would make my research stand out from the many others that have been done, which is something for me to think about

This week we explored the process of choosing and researching a topic, with a focus on developing a strong, focused research question. We discussed how selecting a topic is not just about personal interest, but also about feasibility, relevance, and the availability of credible sources. Emphasis was placed on understanding the audience and purpose of the assignment, and how learning outcomes should guide both the topic choice and the direction of the research.

We examined what makes an effective research question, looking at examples of questions that are too broad, too narrow, or overly descriptive. Through this, we learned the importance of refining a topic so that it is intellectually challenging, manageable, and capable of supporting critical analysis rather than simple description. We also discussed how research questions evolve over time and may need to be adjusted as new issues or limitations emerge.

In addition, we covered the different types of sources used in academic research, including primary and secondary sources, and the importance of evaluating credibility, bias, and perspective. The session also outlined the key stages of the research process, from initial planning and note-taking to finishing research and transitioning into writing. Overall, this week highlighted how careful preparation and critical thinking are essential foundations for successful academic research.

This week we focused on composition, screen direction, and staging, examining how these principles help communicate visual clarity and narrative intent in film and animation. We began by looking at composition, specifically how visual elements such as character placement, framing, lighting, and background work together within the frame. Techniques like the rule of thirds, balance, negative space, and foreground–background relationships were discussed as ways to guide the viewer’s eye and reinforce storytelling.

We then explored screen direction and continuity, learning how consistent directional movement is essential for maintaining clarity. Through the use of the 180-degree rule and the imaginary line, we examined how filmmakers and animators preserve coherent movement across shots. We also discussed what happens when screen direction is broken, how it can confuse an audience, and the limited situations in which breaking the rule can be done smoothly using neutral shots or on-screen directional changes.

The session also covered staging and blocking, highlighting how movement, positioning, and performance should always serve the story. We discussed how effective staging makes internal character motivations visible, establishes relationships, and directs audience attention. In animation specifically, layout design and staging were shown to be closely tied to camera planning and composition.

This week we focused on animated documentary, exploring what defines as documentary and the implications of using animation within a non-fiction context. We began by considering how animated documentaries are distinguished from purely fictional animation, particularly through their engagement with real-world events, experiences, and testimonies. Using various examples, we examined how animation has been used to explain, clarify, and visualize information that may be difficult or impossible to capture through live action footage alone.

The session also addressed ongoing debates surrounding animated documentary, including concerns about objectivity, audience engagement, and whether animation distances viewers from factual content. Overall, this week highlighted animated documentary as a complex and evolving form, capable of enhancing understanding and emotional engagement when animation and documentary elements function cohesively.

This week we discussed conceptual and formative abstraction, in relation to abstract and experimental animated films. We watched a range of different experimental films that explored different aesthetic and narrative style than what is usually expected from animation. We saw how artist were able to express views, opinions and experiences through this medium , letting us know that as animators we have the liberty to explore different styles to tell the stories that are important to us.

This week’s session examined how stories are constructed and how creative decisions shape the way audiences experience them. We explored the relationship between narrative design, character creation, and editing, and how these elements work together to give a story clarity and impact. We began by looking at story structure and how narratives are organized to guide the viewer through a clear progression. By breaking stories into distinct stages, we saw how tension is introduced, developed, and eventually resolved. This made it clear that storytelling is not accidental, and each moment must be carefully planned to maintain momentum and audience interest.

The focus then shifted to character development. We discussed how characters are the driving force behind any narrative, with their motivations, choices, and transformations shaping the direction of the plot. Analysing different character roles helped highlight how believable characters create emotional investment and give meaning to a story’s conclusion.Finally, we explored editing as a storytelling tool. Rather than simply assembling footage, editing controls time, rhythm, and emotional tone. We compared continuity editing with montage techniques and considered how “invisible” editing helps maintain immersion.