The goal of this assignment was stated as:
"You have been asked to provide an audio experience proof of concept using just this simple FLA sample file and replace the visual elements and audio source.
There is a catch - no vector data can be used for the visual assets. The replacement visual assets must be bitmap based( aka Jpg, png etc …. )
The second requirement, The bitmap based replacement assets must have some connection to the audio that can be
explained in a few sentences. "
So here-we-GO!
Using an open source FLA file from HYPE frameworks, I first had troubles finding a song that worked somewhat well with the original code. I had ideas for faster songs, but they did not capture as smoothly as I had hoped. This led me to experiment with one of the slower songs that I had created with my band called Just Joking. **
Free to download at www.thebloodyfive.com**
The spinning background picture of the galaxy (found here:
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap050825.html) was used to give the feel of vastness and to calm and sooth the viewer. I feel it suits the music, in that it is easy going (slow spin) while still figuratively explaining the intensity of the songs lyrics. The second lighter spiral (found here:
https://mymsd.msd.lbl.gov/node/892) was used to emphasize the effect of the first image, in a reverse rotation.
Finding an image to use for the bitmap content was the hardest part of this so far. I had no idea how to represent the music, and with what images. It is a darker song, and so some first ideas were an eyeball, which added weirdness, but did not relate. Next I thought of some sort of explosion to relate to the space background, but this did not relate to the music again, and I could not find a suitable picture. So after thinking and experimenting with different pictures for quite a while, I listened to the lyrics carefully, and finally derived my interpretation of the them of time. And so, I decided to use a simple but effective clock, found here: (
http://modmyi.com/attachments/forums/iphone-4-new-skins-themes-launches/479771d1288868032-50-clock-faces-png-format-white-clock.png). I found one without hands because I felt it better suited the music as being 'timeless'.
From this prototype, I would like to, if at all possible represent the sound with images of the instruments being played. So for example, when you would here a bass drum THUD, it would be represented by a bass drum. Same thing for guitar, or cymbals, etc.
Here are some example screen shots of different results throughout the song:
I encountered some errors and difficulty arranging and sizing the clocks. I was going back and forth between 3 clocks and the 8 now, and noticed it displayed better with the 8, and gave a fuller effect albeit the 'cluttter' compared to the 3. I also had trouble bringing it into after affects, because it would become extremely pixelateded once it was created into a new composition. From the suggested tutorial we were provided for this (found here:
http://gotoandlearn.com/play.php?id=89 ) I realized was not needed for my composition.
From this I would like to find out how to attach seperate pictures to the different frequency levels if possibly and be able to move them around, so they are not in a line. I would also like to continue experimenting with other songs and see if consistency can be fixed.
Here is the final video! I had fun making this, and am going to continue experimenting new songs and possibilities.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9C3AHv4thA&feature=g-upl&context=G243939dAUAAAAAAAAAA
