Happy Endo Rika Endo CalArts Year4 Blog

Maroo, a lone boy marooned on an island, passes the time playing with his best friend, Earth. Disturbed by their ruckus, Sun stirs in her sleep and rolls over in bed, unfortunately on top of Earth. Maroo must save his friend!

My 4th year film at CalArts, made in collaboration with Takehiro Nishikawa.

I had a great time working with talented musicians, sound designers and actors! A big thank you to them for all their help.

CREDITS
Story / Layout / Modeling / Rigging / Texture & Lighting / Compositing / Effects
- Rika Endo
Idea / CG Character Animation / Character Design / Modeling / Rigging
- Takehiro Nishikawa
Music
- Ryo Sean Okada
Sound Design
- Rachel Dugan
Voices
Earth / Seagull / Sun Snores
- Nathan Nonhof
Maroo / Sun
- Cat Tanchanco

My CG generalist demo reel for 2013.

Here is a breakdown of the contents:

Part 1: Rigging 

Romio the Duck rig: (February 2013) Student Film work;

I did the design, modeling, custom wing rig and eye blendshapes. Made in Maya, basic rig and facial setup using AdvancedSkeleton.

Octopus rig: (February 2013) Student Film work;

I did the design, modeling, skeleton from scratch, IK spline tentacles and IK/FK switch setup. Made in Maya, FK controls made using AdvancedSkeleton.

Riko rig: (February 2012) Student Film work, educational rig in use at CalArts;

I did the modeling, 3D projection pupils for non-spherical eyes, and sandals setup. Made in Maya, basic rig and facial setup using AdvancedSkeleton.

Part 2: Modeling

Romio the Duck model: (February 2013) Student Film work;

Drawings and development of character, model, wireframe and final look of whole body and head.

Octopus model: (February 2013) Student Film work;

Drawings from storyboards of character, model, wireframe and final look.

Riko and Iku models: (February 2012) Student Film work;

Visual development image by Cattuong Bui, model, wireframe and final look of whole body and

Thank you for watching!

The film I made this year at CalArts in collaboration with Cat Bui.

Thinking back to this time last year when I started developing this idea, it feels so very weird to not slave away at it’s feet anymore, but it’s a good weird feeling :D

It was a lot of work, a lot of RedBull, and a lot of fun. I learnt so much from it, in every aspect from story, CG, to animation. Though the biggest thing I learnt was… haha, there’s still so much to learn.