January 09, 2006

Tempbot. A short film with breathtaking CG work by a gentleman named Neill Blomkamp, previously known for the excellent Tetra Vaal short (which uses the same 3D robot model). (Both links Quicktime, embedded) Here, the model is used to superb effect, and I found the entire thing heartbreaking. Bonus points: look for ex-Wonder Woman Lynda Carter as the (inexplicably) VERY lonely neighbor.
posted by tennenho 18 years ago
  • On closer inspection, it's a similar 'bot model, but not identical. My mistake.
  • He also did the Joburg short and the dancing transformer advert for whatever car company that was.
  • Lots and lots of car ads done by that studio, as it turns out. But I find the humanoid manneerisms of this 'bot far more deeply affecting.
  • mannERisms...meant to hit "preview" button... must...apologize...
  • I found this to be a great clip. Ignoring the technical merrits of the CG, I thought the story and acting (real and CG) was supurb. Being a CG monkey myself, I see alot of tripe these days, but this carries itself very well. On the technical merrits, pay close attention to when he robot is leaning over the photocopier. The crew has done one of the best jobs I have ever seen of getting 3D lighting to match RL footage. Thanks tennenho, I really enjoyed that.
  • I tried to link to that one also, but it's "Access Forbidden". I love the Joburg clip too, Chy, but it smacks of "CG" a little too crisply. A lot of the footage looks like it's from some incredible next-gen video game. The other two, the illusion is so complete that I just get lost in the story.
  • I watched a hi-res version of Joburg, I thought it looked pretty good. The atmospheric haze over the ships was convincing. Maybe I'll give it another critical look if I can find the file somewhere.
  • 'Twas the uniformed gurds shooting at the alien in the "bio-suit" (a-la Half Life) and the alien hurling the vehicles at them. To me, the vehicles looked very "Toy Story". Still a poignant piece, without a doubt.
  • I myself much prefer this. (Apologies if this has been posted already- I did look...)
  • I'm going to sully my reputation; I'm committing far too many ridiculous typos tonight. I'm going to stop typing and go join the National GURD instead.
  • Oh, I liked that bit! But I see what you mean. I liked the impact on the concrete pillar, I thought that was done well, didn't pay attention to the vehicles. Actually I don't have much visual accuity with *real* vehicles, so that probably explains that.
  • For all the visual acuity, it's sorely lacking in audio. The "vzzz vzzz" sounds are too repetitive and often don't match the bot's movements... let alone the room acoustics.
  • Tech: I think those are the hydraulic sounds of the bot's "eyes" scanning about...could be wrong, though. My wife will be quick to tell you I've already been wrong several times today.
  • Cool, I'll rewatch.
  • Link to Joburg?
  • Wow, that was really well done. Lynda Carter looks pretty good for being 55.
  • Alive in Joburg - Screenhead Can't remember if this is the hi res version - forget where I got it. Wiped it from HD.
  • Oh, that link's dead. bugger.
  • this link works - 81 meg, tho'.
  • Yes the movements of the robot model are amazing and certainly assist the empathy factor.
  • Proper lighting to make CG elements blend with the video - now that's something hard to pulll off convincingly. Those clips are very impressive. As for the story... ah. How many times that happened to me... *sigh*
  • Definitely impressive technically. Thanks for the link. I found the story a mite slow though. Stan the B -- Human Suit: That was a great short! Chy -- Alive in Joburg -- neat premise.
  • It's actually quite remarkable what they've done in depriving TempBot of vocal and facial expression. As a result, they're forced to concentrate on having TempBot emote using body language and actions alone and this is where they shine. I've found most of the new CG animation from the major Hollywood studios to be utter crap precisely because the characters' animation is so wooden and lacking emotional warmth, Pixar being the sole exception. In addition to the animated body language, what these folks have achieved in matching the model's lighting to the scene's is excellent. Plus, Lynda Carter is teh hawt and I was so glad to see that it really was her when I read the credits (I'd found this film from jwz's blog before I saw it posted here).
  • I thought this video was boring as shit. And it was predictable.
  • .........well.........alrighty.
  • God I hate working in an office.
  • Yah, you and me both. Except for the part when you see somebody take off their clothes and run screaming down the hallway. That makes the day go faster.
  • office worker tip: If you throw up and/or clean your gun at your desk, you get to go home early.
  • Both your offices sound a LOT more fun than mine...
  • **brings out the goose-pole**