Composition and Contrast

Whether you are drawing a picture, staging a scene in a play, or taking a photograph, the way you choose to present the elements of your creation to an audience has a huge impact on how they will receive the message you are endeavoring to send.

As I was starting to put together storyboard frames for the animatic, one of the first images that formed clearly was this one:

AnimaticSlide_03

There are times when I struggle to find an interesting way to visualize a scene, but this one leapt fully-formed into my mind. It made me feel everything I was hoping to convey: trepidation, wariness, anxiety and a bit of mystery as well. Although it may just be a basement stairwell, at this point in the story the audience needs to feel like there is definitely something askew with the visit of this seemingly innocuous black cat. I didn’t try to over-think things when putting it together, but the lower, canted angle, strong contrast, and the off-center placement of the doorway at the top of the stairs all combined to create the tone I wanted. It remains one of my favorite shots, so when it came time to build the actual scene, I kept the composition intact.

Stairwell-to-Sanctuary_01a

 

I hope you are enjoying these images and insights as much as I enjoy sharing them!

Oh, one last thing: is anyone planning on attending the San Diego Comic Con in July? Just asking…

About Xtopher

Director of The Price, and Owner/Creative Director of Silver Fish Creative, LLC.
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16 Responses to Composition and Contrast

  1. Jordi Kroon says:

    It was a powerful shot in the first incarnation and I’m glad you kept the same tilted angle in the new style.

    The little details on the wallpaper and hand rails make it look very realistic.

    • Xtopher says:

      Thanks Jordi, I appreciate that you notice the details as well. I am trying hard to discipline myself to get the “forms” right in each shot before getting lost in all of those details.

  2. Chris P says:

    Love the updates, it looks better and better. Will be working at SDCC, hope to see you there.

  3. Tim says:

    Good stuff, as always, Christopher. Thank you for sharing. That is a great shot, and I’m happy to see it intact (with improvements) after its journey from animatic to final scene.

  4. Chris Y says:

    Chris, Excellent composition in this. I love the leading lines drawing your attention up the stairs to Neil (ahem)-the leading character. The use of lighting/contrast and the Rule and Thirds is quite strong and impactful here. I think I like the narrower stairwell though. It feels more ominous and threatening. Do love the advanced touches of realism. Thanks for letting us watch the development process.

    Chris

    • Xtopher says:

      Thoughtful observations, Chris, especially the point about the narrower stairs (I’ll keep that in mind). As for sharing the development process, you are quite welcome; I’m just grateful that people like you seem to enjoy it. :)

      • Trina says:

        I agree with the narrower stairwell conveying more of the unease. The texture in the newer rendering looks amazing. All these recent updates really show such a huge difference in the new tech you’re utilizing. UNNGH this is gonna be AWESOME.

        • Xtopher says:

          Thanks Trina! I am very appreciative of the constant support, and am thankful you can see the difference! :)

  5. Jill McGarr says:

    The rendering is simply astounding!

  6. susan says:

    Loving this. Your attention to detail makes all the difference.

  7. That’s a great render. Particularly awesome are the texture of the walls and the stairs, and the image of Neil and the cat are quite affecting.

    • Xtopher says:

      Thanks Michael! I do agree with a couple of the other comments about keeping the stairs narrow like they were in the animatic — it’s so great to have a way like this to hear about the ideas and observations other Gaiman fans have! :)

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