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Create two (2) keyframes (minimum) – an emotive still image that tells a cinematic story – within the world of Star Wars Episodes IV – VI. Use only existing Star Wars worlds, vehicles, creatures and characters to create a new story moment.
Design two (2) new Star Wars vehicles within the aesthetic of Episodes IV – VI. They can be Rebel, Imperial, or utilitarian — your choice; anything from a giant starship to a land speeder. Be sure to finish your images by placing the vehicles within the context of an environment. We want to see the story — not the blueprints.
This is a simulation of working as a concept artist in a production environment. It will be fast-paced. Expectations will be high. Directions may be vague and could be changed at the last minute… But hey, all in a days work at ILM. This phase will be time consuming; turnovers will be quick and may interfere with your daily schedules.
“There is a prison break scene in Kurosawa’s Hidden Fortress – let’s use that as a template for scale and energy. There needs to be a diversion that happens and allows the Rebel fleet to gain some distance. Maybe some wild animals running around too!”
Watch Kurosawa’s Hidden Fortress and pay particular attention to the slave uprising/prison break scene at the 11:00 minute mark of the movie.
The Battle of Hoth is over… or is it? The captured Rebel forces break free and launch a counter-attack. Create a keyframe from this sequence. One image minimum. Sketches and storyboards are also welcomed if you choose to do so. But remember, tell the story.
“We can go a little more exotic with some of these forms, but they need to fit in the Star Wars universe. Keep to the ‘used world’ theme and utilitarian feel to everything.”
We talk a lot about Joe Johnston and Ralph McQuarrie and their contributions. Another designer who made an impact was Nilo Rodis Jamero. Nilo came from an industrial design background for General Motors before he worked at ILM. He was well known for looking at common objects and seeing possibilities as something else. The Slave One ship was inspired from a street light and the Hospital frigate was “What if we take an outboard motor and turn it on its side?”. This ingenious way of looking at things is one of the things we look for. Please see the brief for more info. And no toasters please. There is only one MrConcept Art.
A new faction has joined the Rebel Alliance – the Danji. They’ve brought their armada of vessels and military ships. Do some quick sketches of some of those vehicles highlighting their function. Big and small. Much like the Model makers finding everyday common things and making a space ship from the basic shape, we are asking you to do the same. Find an industrial form/product that you think might work. Similar to Nilo Rodis’s Slave one (street lamp) and the Hospital ship (an outboard motor on its side). Post that image in your submissions.
“There is a prison break scene in Kurosawa’s Hidden Fortress – let’s use that as a template for scale and energy. There needs to be a diversion that happens and allows the Rebel fleet to gain some distance. Maybe some wild animals running around too!”
Watch Kurosawa’s Hidden Fortress and pay particular attention to the slave uprising/prison break scene at the 11:00 minute mark of the movie.
The Battle of Hoth is over… or is it? The captured Rebel forces break free and launch a counter-attack. Create a keyframe from this sequence. One image minimum. Sketches and storyboards are also welcomed if you choose to do so. But remember, tell the story.
The Director has changed his mind and wants a new keyframe (expanding on the Part 3—Keyframe 2).
We need more toys. I’d like to see the equivalent of R2D2 but from the Danji side.
Personality-wise he should be a bit “younger brother” always pestering R2, and later in the story they bond. I did this sketch at lunch with the producers. Have the guys interpret what they think it might be. Maybe start with this then do some others ideas.
Lets call him DD-3.
This character is a young Danji warrior princess who has a keen sense for adventure and presence that is calm and powerful. Could she be a potential Jedi? Let’s call her Swana. She is known to be strong, lighting-quick, and beautiful.
Design, develop and present your character with images you feel best represents your skills. There is no minimum or maximum—just amazing. Based off the previous challenges you should know what to do.
There is a droid that accompanies the Danji. Lets see some sketches of what that might be.
This character is a young Danji warrior princess who has a keen sense for adventure and presence that is calm and powerful.
“The third act of our film is stiff. The writers could use some inspiration. Lets get the Art Department to come up with some ideas for two of the scenes to help inspire them. Have them choose which they want to do and go nuts. (They don’t have to do both, pick one and make it incredible) Play up the drama and energy. Last round they did was, ”good”, I feel they can do better. I want cool dramatic lighting!! Has anyone ever watched film noir or a film shot by Roger Deakins?!! Sheesh ! This is the finale of our film. No one should be playing it safe!!!!"
Design, develop and present images you feel best represents your skills. There is no minimum or maximum—just amaze us. Based off the previous challenges you should know what to do. Integrate some of your designs into your scenes. Remember… a strong story idea is the foundation to powerful emotional imagery. If time is critical then focus on something in the scenes that inspires you … play to your strengths.
