So what is this anyway?
Simply put, its a 3D animated short film that I'm working on. I made this blog to track my progress and to let others view and critique my work. So, please, help me out and give me your thoughts!The idea for this project spawned from a poem that I quickly wrote a couple of days before Christmas (2009). I was at work and there was an office party. The atmosphere at work was inspiring, it sounds kinda corny, but I guess it was Christmas cheer. I went back to my desk and wrote this poem down and eventually started working on a storyline to follow the poem. The rest is what you are a-see'in!
The idea behind the story involves the narrator (reading the poem) is something of a variation to the Geppetto character from Disney's "Pinocchio". He made a robot with hopes that it would fill in the void for his longing to have his own son. The robot learns about life and eventually ventures out into the real world on his own, just as parents today experience with their own children. The robot eventually comes back and relays his experiences.
The "Professional" Me
Well I'm a student. I'm currently trying to finish the whole "student thing" and go out in the real world and work on awesome stuff, but until then I have a slight barrier in my way, my master's thesis. So, I'm using this short film project to bring my thesis research together. The program that I'm in is Clemson University's Digital Production Arts MFA Program. We are students of 3D animation, computer graphics, technical directing, and gaming. My thesis involves "Video-based Lighting for 3D animation". I'm also dabbling into using video for HDRI with this project, but enough with the technical jargon and lets get to a more personable me.The "Personable" Me
I think its time to talk about myself and I'm gonna do it in- GASP- 3rd person. Kiel is a 27 year old gentleman from various parts of the Carolinas including: Easley SC, Charlotte NC, and Pawleys Island SC. Since he was very young he has had a love for film, whether it be live-action, 3D animation, or a vague mix of both. He is inspired by the mixture of art, film, and technology. He strives to have a positive influence with film media thoughout his life.In his free time he enjoys kayaking through the beautiful streams and lakes that Appalachia has to offer. He also enjoys hiking up Table Rock Mountain, his local favorite for outdoor excursions. This is where he proposed to his beautiful wife Tamra. Kiel's other hobbies include competitive table tennis between friends and family, and whenever he can find the time, playing his guitar. He is currently trying to learn folk violin (a.k.a. "the fiddle").
