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FMP & Theis Thesis

Week 8 About FMP thesis

In the proposal submitted Nigel gave feedback about my assignment – The phrase “good work” in the title is too vague, what qualifies as good?

This question sparked a series of thoughts for me. In my dissertation, I explored the definition of a work as good or bad and what factors determine this definition. Although I mentioned in my essay the impact and importance of happy endings on a work, I did not clearly articulate what makes a work classified as good.

The definition of what is good or bad for a work is relative. Everyone’s idea of what constitutes a good work may be different. Some people may focus more on the gripping and tense developments of the plot, while others may value the depth and themes explored in the work. The definition of good writing should therefore take into account the tastes and preferences of different readers.

In addition to personal preference, a good work should have some common characteristics. Firstly, it should be able to resonate with the reader and resonate emotionally. A good work can move the heart and allow readers to find their own stories and emotional experiences within it. Secondly, a good work should have unique and vivid characters. By portraying in-depth characters, the work can better convey emotions and ideas. In addition, a good work should have a compelling story structure and a tight narrative style to keep the reader’s interest and desire to read.

However, to judge whether a work is good or not, one also needs to take into account the cultural context and the time period. The definition of a good work may vary from culture to culture and from time to time. A good work should be able to resonate with the current social context and provoke dialogue and reflection

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Thesis

Week 7 About FMP thesis

In my research, I found that the issue of whether a happy ending is tied to commercial value, and this was confirmed in a report by The New York Times. The report stated that for commercial productions, a happy ending is very important because it can bring audience satisfaction and repeat viewings, thus promoting box office revenue. At the same time, the definition of a happy ending may vary depending on different cultures and backgrounds. Some cultures tend to convey hope and optimism, while others are more inclined to explore the complexities and challenges of being human. Therefore, when deciding what kind of ending to choose for a work, various factors should be considered, such as themes, plot, and cultural context.

  • Wright, R.A. (1973) Hollywood’s happy ending: A profitable twist, The New York Times. The New York Times. Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/1973/11/04/archives/hollywoods-happy-ending-a-profitable-twist.html  [20 February,2023].

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Thesis

Week 6 About FMP thesis

Abstract:

A satisfying conclusion is crucial for a good work of art, as it meets readers’ expectations and leaves them fulfilled. Such a conclusion enhances the artistic and commercial value of a work, as it allows readers to reflect and gain inspiration, increasing the likelihood of repeat reads and recommendations. However, it is not always necessary for all works, as conclusive endings may disrupt the ambiance and theme or make the work lack depth and realism. In such cases, open-ended conclusions may be preferable, allowing readers to interpret and imagine the story themselves, enhancing the artistic value and meaning of the work. Similarly, films and television shows may also benefit from open-ended conclusions, leaving a profound impact on the audience.

  • Rickey, C., (2012) Perfectly happy, even without happy endings, The New York Times. The New York Times.Available from：https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/movies/lindsay-doran-examines-what-makes-films-satisfying.html [10 February,2023].

The idea that a good work does not necessarily require a happy ending is not new, and it has been discussed in various art forms, including movies. A New York Times article highlighted the view of Ms. Doran, who concluded that positive movies do not necessarily have happy endings. This observation is in line with my perspective on the topic. In fact, a non-happy ending may even enhance the artistic value of a work, as it can offer a more nuanced and complex portrayal of the human condition. It is also important to recognize that the audience’s expectation of an ending may vary depending on the genre, style, and cultural context of a work. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the ending of a work from multiple angles, considering its artistic, commercial, and thematic significance. Ultimately, a good work should leave a lasting impression on the audience, regardless of whether the ending is happy or not.

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Thesis Uncategorised

Week 5 About the thesis outline

I want to examine the question of whether a satisfactory ending is an absolute requirement for a good work across various forms of media, including film, television, video games, and literature. To do so, I plan to explore different perspectives, including artistic merit, commercial value, narrative necessity, and the extent to which a satisfying ending can elevate the underlying themes of the work.

  • Key words:
  • Satisfactory Ending- Artistic Value- Commercial Value-Necessity- Sublimation.

Before starting to explore this topic, I had a question in mind: Is a satisfactory ending a necessary condition for a good work? However, after researching and thinking for a period of time, I began to overturn my initial idea.

First of all, people’s perception of a good work is often subjective, as it may conform to the mainstream aesthetics, the comments of a niche expert, or the author’s original intention. Take the popular anime/manga “Attack on Titan” a year ago as an example. Many people thought it was a work worth being recorded in history before it ended. But when the manga version came to an end, the comments changed dramatically. Many negative reviews conveyed the idea that the author only needed to draw a happy ending, and this work would become a great one. However, the author chose an ending that nobody could accept. Despite this, many people still believe that it is a good work. This event made me think about whether a happy ending is what the audience expects and whether evaluating a work’s ending should be discussed from multiple angles.

Why Attack on Titan Has The Most Controversial Ending Of All Time

Therefore, we need to recognize that evaluating whether an ending is appropriate for a work requires discussion and analysis from multiple perspectives, rather than simply measuring it by a happy ending.

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Thesis

Week 4：About FMP thesis

Does a satisfying ending in a game, film or novel mean that the work is absolutely good? This is a controversial topic, as people’s definitions of ‘satisfying’ and ‘good’ can vary.

  • Miall, D.S. and Kuiken, D., 2002. A feeling for fiction: Becoming what we behold. Poetics, 30(4), pp.221-241.

For some people, a good work requires an absolute ending, which means that all problems are solved, all threads are accounted for, and all characters have a logical conclusion. Such absolutes can leave the audience feeling satisfied and reassured.

  • Preis, E., 1990. Not such a happy ending: The ideology of the open ending. Journal of Film and Video, pp.18-23

However, for others, a good production does not necessarily need an absolute ending. Some productions may leave some suspense or open-ended endings at the end, which can stimulate the audience’s imagination and thinking. Such an ending can also give the piece more depth and keep the audience thinking and coming back for more.

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Thesis

Week 3 On the choice of topic and the direction of the thesis

In my dissertation last semester, I had considered three directions regarding：

  • whether happy ending is important for a good production
  • the key factors and objective reasons that make up the different animation markets in China
  • The effect of video games on social phobics.

I finally chose the third one, when there was no better idea at the moment. I’ll probably start with some of the previous ideas.But I will think differently by researching some of the resources.

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Thesis

Week 2 Experimental Animation

Pile” is an award-winning experimental animation created by Toby Auberg. The animation depicts a heap of various objects that keep piling up and moving around in a seemingly chaotic and abstract manner. The animation is created in black and white hand-drawn style, accompanied by a unique soundscape that adds to its mesmerizing effect.

Throughout the video, the objects in the pile continuously morph and merge into different shapes and forms. It’s interesting to note that, despite their random and abstract nature, these objects always seem to have a certain logic and structure to their movements. The soundscape, consisting of various textures and tones, is used creatively to enhance the visual experience and the sense of motion in the animation.

One of the main themes that can be observed in “Pile” is the concept of transformation and change. The constantly shifting and evolving pile of objects can be interpreted as a metaphor for life and the natural process of growth and transformation. The animation may also suggest the idea of complexity emerging from simplicity, as individual objects merge together to form more intricate structures.

Furthermore, the animation can be seen as a commentary on the relationship between order and chaos. While the objects in the pile initially seem to be in a state of disorder and randomness, there is a certain level of order and structure to their movements. This could be interpreted as a reflection on the way in which even seemingly chaotic systems can exhibit underlying patterns and logic.

Overall, “Pile” is a captivating and thought-provoking experimental animation that explores themes of transformation, complexity, and order. Through its use of hand-drawn visuals and sound, the animation creates a mesmerizing experience that invites viewers to contemplate the deeper meanings behind the ever-evolving pile of objects.

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FMP & Theis Thesis

Week 1 FMP Thesis proposal

  • On graduation which area or environment of production do you wish to focus upon and why?

I would like to work in the field of animation or game design. Although I am an animation major, I am also interested in concept design and stylized work, so I would like to work in these areas.

  • What skills will you need to attain the standards required for vocational practice?

I think that first of all I need to improve my proficiency in all kinds of conventional 3D software, but I also need a more diverse and differentiated aesthetic.

  • How will you showcase your FMP practice for the final shows?

For my FMP, I will express my work through an animated short film. It will be presented in a combination of 2D and 3D, and I will try to incorporate some Chinese style into it.

  • Is it important to directly connect the thesis research to your practical work?

For myself, the thesis and the practical work are two separate directions, and for the thesis research it will give me something to think about for my work. But it does not significantly affect my work.

  • Do you have an area of research you wish to conduct that is unrelated to practical element?

From my own point of view, I am still very interested in the influence and development of costume on animation.