Blueshift City – Act 1 Complete

It was a long time coming.

Act 1 is finally complete.

Please let me know what you think

BlueShift City Update #3

Apologies for the lack of update. Updating this blog every month was the plan, but maybe every other month will prove more flexible and fruitful. Documenting these steps is useful.

Found him!

There is progress, of course. But it’s coming a lot slower than previously imagined. The second section of the first act (1-2) is almost done. The third section of the first act feels considerably shorter than the first two sections, but that will have be seen in time.

Landing the StarShip

This man looks dangerous!

Slowly, the opera is coming to life. It is doubtful that the entire opera will be completed this year. I will release each act separately, then once all parts are complete, it will be rolled into one super-long HD video. Here is just a taste.

Dressed to impress

Blueshift City: Overture

New upload on YouTube today.

I’ve uploaded a new video on YouTube designed to give a glimpse into the 8-bit opera I am currently writing. You can now see my progress in this continuing project called Blueshift City. It is a music video overture that displays the main characters in the opera. As this is an opera I’m writing, the music is of greater importance than the images, but the imagery still hold significance.

All images and audio were created by me using LSDJ, Sony Vegas and Audacity. I have found these tools to be very helpful and simple to use in my production process.

Feel free to leave feedback and comments as they are always appreciated. I will upload again next month and give an update of how I am progressing in this project. Below are a couple screenshots of the software I used to create my overture.

Using the LSDJ software for audio creation.

Audacity is a brilliant audio capturing and recording software I’ve used extensively

Sony Vegas is a great piece of software to use for video editing.

Engine Heart: Origin (Part 5)

Last post before the New Year.

I’ve completed the fifth video for Engine Heart. This completes this saga for the time being. There is scope to create more videos for this character, but I think my future interest lies in new projects for next year.

I’ve done quite a few animations this year and hope to continue with this next year. More stories with musical accompaniment using animations that remind me of my childhood.

Let me know what you think.

Engine Heart: Origin (Part 4)

Part 4 done! The continuing story of a man dealing with love and life nears completion.

There is just one more part left in Engine Heart before I would be happy to leave it, at least for a little while. I’ve been thinking about starting a new series. One with music as the primary drive for the animation. Where they are synchronised and complement each other.

I’ve been writing the music on an original Gameboy, which can have a maximum of 4 simultaneous sounds. I think it’s time, for the new project to ‘upgrade’ to the NES. I think the NES can have up to 6 independent sounds so it’s a big leap and can allow for more complex rhythms and a more varied sound palette.

Below is part 4. Let me know what you think.

Engine Heart: Origin (Part 3)

Hi, it’s been a while. Had some job difficulties…but they seem to have resolved themselves quite happily.

Another video complete. Engine Heart part 3. The continuing tale of a man confronting love and the obstacles that get in the way. The music isn’t my best work. I had a ton of rough recorded ideas that just got wiped. Was so annoyed…but what can you do? That’s why you should always backup your data.

So below is the video. Let me know what you think.

New Video – Through The Motions

It’s been a while.

Been working on this latest video and it’s taken quite some time. Inspiration has been taken from the NES game series Ninja Gaiden to include movie style scenes around normal gameplay. It adds more to the video. I think. Closeups and thoughtful commentary.

This video includes changing from daytime to evening, ‘cinematic’ cut scenes and is loosely based on not having any money. It was the little things that took the most amount of time. Making sure the cut scenes were clear and embedding them into the story in a meaningful way.

The audio was originally created on a bass guitar then programmed into a Gameboy then recorded. The audio will be used in the next SoundCloud upload I complete. Getting better at this kind of thing.

Enjoy.

Engine Heart: Origin (Part 2)

Uploaded a new Engine Heart video. Part 2 of the ongoing web series. Watch Our Hero working his way through his ordeal. There are at least 3 more episodes to be created with the scope of creating another 3. I Tried to make the music match the video…it was quite tricky to do. Missing some moments but hitting others.

I’ve now gone back to animating using RPGMaker 2003. It takes a little longer to use but it’s just prettier overall!

Enjoy the below video.

Las Vegas Love

New video up! I’ve been using a different piece of software on Play. Led Animation Creator. (I quite like it and will have to let the authors know how good it is)

Video below. Wanna get back to the Engine Heart saga soon. Just got a few things I need to do first…

New Video: Get Home!

Hi all,

This new video took near enough a month to complete. A month! Far too long to complete. Even though I was using a brand new piece of software, Stencyl, I still think a month is FAR too long to wait to upload another video with music.

I think my next upload will just be another video but should not take 30 days to complete. I’m thinking light show! Something simple and pretty!

As ever, all the music and animation were done by me. So here it is in all its glory. Get Home! Enjoy.