ANIMATING WESTERN SLANG FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Simon Fraser University Work Integrated Learning (WIL) | Animator
During my 4-month co-op term at Simon Fraser University’s Work Integrated Learning as an animator, I was tasked with creating short-form animations explaining western slang to international students in a fun way. Terms such as “in a nutshell” or “taking a raincheck” might be everyday terms for us, but for international students, it might be a head-scratcher. Using a 2D puppet tool, I scripted and created 5 different videos with original characters acting out each slang in their own unique scenarios.
Programs Used: Adobe Creative Suite, DUIK plug-in (puppet animation tool)
ENGLISH IS HARD
As an international student myself, I personally experienced hearing metaphorical idioms which in literal translation made absolutely no sense. Hence the opportunity creates animations explaining what they actually mean in a comical way was perfect to help other prospective international students.
PRE-PRODUCTION
Creating the Cast (and the Elephant)
THE FINAL CAST
The cast of characters will be featured in the multi-episode animated shorts. The designs were chosen after careful consideration of the cultures we wanted to represent
DUIK PLUG-IN: ANIMATING THE CHARACTERS
Similar to the puppet tool in illustrator, Duik is a plug-in tool in After Effects that allows the user to place [pins] which allows that area to be animated. By setting up specific pin combinations it can act like the joints of an arm to be animated.
COMMON WORKPLACE PHRASES
Putting everything together and producing a 5 part video series. The scripts are originals written by me and voiced by various members of the SFU Work Integrated Learning office.
