This project was my final project for my Computer Animation class. Using Lightwave, each student had to create their own animated short that tied in with two concepts: Îalien worldsâ and transportation on those worlds. We were also instructed to create an artifact from each world. This artifact model would then be put into a segue animation of a ãMuseum of Alien Archeologyä and unify our collective stories into a cohesive whole. The animation was to be built using a real production schedule, developing a concept, creating storyboards, creating 3d models, animating them, and post producing the piece all within a time span of three weeks.

For my original story, I created a civilization of classic bigheaded aliens that lived on the asteroids that made up the rings of a planet. These aliens got around using pogo sticks to bounce from asteroid to asteroid. For the larger expanses, the pogo stick would become rocket propelled. The final shot of the animation would pull back to reveal the rings and the planet, and the other aliens jumping about as well.

Originally, I had modeled the alien to have joints that would allow it to move realistically with the pogo stick, but as time grew short, I had to cut that motion development from my production. Also, I came to realize that I hadnât the time to animate as many aliens as I had wanted to, so I focused on a single alien, and the obstacles it faced. With these small story cuts and an all-nighter, I had the project complete the evening before it was due. In retrospect, I wish I had the time to edit the rocket scenes better, and to animate smoother motion and perhaps even find sound effects, but this project taught me some valuable lessons in time management and the importance of a schedule.