War Horse: Cannon
What luck, boarding this with a tiny previs team from the 3rd Floor. I helped make sure that all of our boards and previs carefully reflected the UK Art Department’s ever evolving plans and elevations. Lots of mud, but still specific set builds!
The director thumbnailed 99% of the shots, and I boarded from that, always trying to show specific animal body language to tell the story.
The Villain’s reveal is always crucial!
Our previs animator Mark Austin gave very subtle emotional expression to the horse’s eyes to show Joey’s reactions. The director and VFX could use it later to decide if actual digital effects were needed or not.
Animal trainers will spend a lot of time on separate specific blocking and actions, so I tried to make the boards useful for them too.
The long lens effect at top was hard to draw accurately, but I knew just enough Maya to quickly point their camera at the still-not-animated horse, draw this close enough, and get on to the next frame!
