Animate a Weight Lift [Locomotion and Mechanics for Animation - Unit 12]

Animate a Weight Lift

30/10/24

Introduction

Theory Analysis

The below images show analysis of core theory and the highlighting of key parts within them that can be used to support a weight lift animation.

• Highlights the importance of the anticipation on frame 17 showing that they are preparing to lift the weight.
• Contract / grab pose is on frame 25, however, there is another anticipation on 31 to show that he is anticipating to lift the weight.
• In this concept the weight doesn't lift and he needs another bigger anticipation to lift the bar.

• Highlights the importance of feeling the weight and understanding the transfer of weight. This is similar to the weight transfer between legs and understanding where the centre of gravity is. If an object is further away from the body it will appear lighter. If it is closer it will appear heavier. If the character squashes under the weight it will appear heavier still.
• Spreading of feet allows the character to root themselves in a strong stance ready to lift the weight.
• Get the character as close to the weight as possible to almost hug the weight.
• Readjustment of the hand/feet/body positions might be necessary to reinforce the idea of how heavy the object is and how the character is preparing the most optimal position to lift the weight.
• Body moves backwards to absorb the weight.
• Back arches as it lifts to try and raise the weight. 

• This showcases how the centre of gravity is important and how a person could hold a weight to keep it centred.
• The lower the character is to the ground the heavier it will appear.
• If you were to walk with a weight the feet will not raise very much, if any, at all.
• You will move more slowly when carrying the heavy weight.
• There are likely to be pauses between steps if moving with the weight.

• This shows the hips action as the main source of action. Almost like the scoop or driving force behind the weight lift. 

• This shows some further poses and ideas to make a weight lift more interesting.
• Reinforces how the weight moves up the body but close to the body.
• Discusses how trembling can be used to suggest the heaviness of the object.

• Animate the smooth path between the 2 key poses first on 2s.
• Go back to the in betweens on 1s to add the eccentric in-betweens to create the shake.
• This will add jitter to the smooth action to create a tremble but keep it rooted on the core path rather than looking too random. The red images on the right show the tremble frames.

Research

08:40

• After contact there is a pause before a slow lean into the lift.
• There is a big lean backwards as the character catches himself with the steps backwards.

• Good example of the rules being broken with Hercules lifting large and heavy objects but away from his body. This stresses how strong he really is. 
• At the end you can see he lifts the Pegasus and there is a nice down pose before a clear present pose that shows him absorbing the weight.

Reference

 Initial Posing Plan : 

1. Resting
2. Anticipation for the grab
3. Contact
4. Hug the Object
5. Readjust
6. Anticipation to lift
7. Lift to hips
8. Anticipation for the second lift
9. Lift to chest
10. Push forward and place
11. Return to rest

Final Reference

Animation

Scene Setup

Blocking

31/10/24

Blocking Plus

Spline Refine

01/11/24

Conclusion

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the principles of simulating weight
2. Animate a convincing weight lift
3. Use the Parent Master plugin for animation efficiency
4. Apply timing and specific techniques for weight
5. Create realistic and engaging animations