First test I did, I used some free stop motion software and my webcam so the quality isn't prefect but it gives a clear indication of movement. My cat kept getting in the way of the shot but I went with it and I kind of like the effect. I may play around with time manipulation in the final film, like clouds going by or it getting darker.
The second test was me holding the puppet because I hadn't put together the rig yet. Though again I kind of like the interaction between me and the puppet. Somewhat remiscent of the project I did last semester Animated Child as well as the film The Mascot.
Here's the test I did with the rig, as you can see I needed to use a weight to fully hold up the puppet. The base of the rig is quite heavy but doesn't support the puppet when I adjust it to a certain height. Anyway, I think I'm the most content with these shots, I think he relaxes on the couch a bit too quickly but I'm happy with the movement of him jumping.
Here's the previous test but I've removed the rig roughly as well as some debris I noticed. You can still see the reminiscence of the rig but if I spent a little more time removing it it wouldn't be as noticeable. I kind of like the ghostly image of it though. I think it gives the viewer the indication of how it was put together.. I think I will also try and experiment with strings for the final animation, these will be A LOT easier to remove in post.
And here's the final test. Little bit spasmy at the end but I think their is a lot of emotion within the final puppet, with the way the ears move and the replacement eyelids.
