Beyond Darkness Shot 1

Beyond Darkness Shot 2

Beyond Darkness Shot 3

Beyond Darkness Shot 4

Beyond Darkness Shot 5

Beyond Darkness Shot 6

Beyond Darkness Shot 7

Beyond Darkness Shot 8

Beyond Darkness Shot 9

Beyond Darkness Shot 10

Beyond Darkness Shot 11

Completed on: 11/25/2004

Medium: Pencil and pen sketches on regular paper, coloring completed in Photoshop

Info: The first in a series of shots I did for the third movie storyboard in the Beyond Darkness series while in my scene design class. As the story stands the hero has just raeched the top of the cathedral's bell tower and is preparing for a final duel. What I like about this shot is the real bright effulgence coming from Gilon's sword. It's a nice way to balance the shot with the glare coming through the window on the far right. I wish I had added more detail to the figures, and I wish I added a whole lot more detail to the surroundings themselves. As it is the shot works, but little touches here and there would have helped to make the chamber look more like the inside of a bell tower.

Completed on: 11/24/2004

Medium: Pencil and pen sketches on regular paper, coloring completed in Photoshop

Info: The second in a series of shots I did for the third movie storyboard in the Beyond Darkness series while in my scene design class. Nothing special here except a full shot of the villain with his back to the hero. The real big thing here was basically the lighting because I knew the focus would definitely lie on the figure so I had to somehow channel the viewer's eye toward him. The end result is what you see now. I'm pleased with how soft the light came out (especially around the edges).

Completed on: 11/26/2004

Medium: Pencil and pen sketches on regular paper, coloring completed in Photoshop

Info: The third in a series of shots I did for the third movie storyboard in the Beyond Darkness series while in my scene design class. An extreme close up of the villain as he slowly turns around to face his challenger. This shot wasn't too challenging as I already had the profile illustration finished before so all I needed to do was throw in a background, add lighting, and maintain the same color scheme from before. The angled shot (there are a few in this storyboard) also makes everything a bit more interesting to look at. That's what I hope anyway :)

Completed on: 11/24/2004

Medium: Pencil and pen sketches on regular paper, coloring completed in Photoshop

Info: The fourth in a series of shots I did for the third movie storyboard in the Beyond Darkness series while in my scene design class. I don't know if you can get any closer than this close up. Another shot where I used an angle to give an otherwise static image some motion and life. This tight shot of the hero's eye is meant to show his surprise and shock as the villain overpowers his mind with visions of past, present, and future. I used my own eye as a starting point and reference because I find that drawing from life yields the most accurate results.

Completed on: 11/24/2004

Medium: Pencil and pen sketches on regular paper, coloring completed in Photoshop

Info: The fifth in a series of shots I did for the third movie storyboard in the Beyond Darkness series while in my scene design class. This shot came out much more interesting than it originally started. When I began the dream sequence in the storyboard I knew I wanted to use a few previous shots once more but in a distorted style to give the impression the hero was witnessing scenes which occurred seconds ago once more in his mind. Here the hero sees Vragar from behind again, but here he's doused with a hellish light which reveals his true nature. The angled perspective also helps to give a more uneasy vibe to the shot. I was really pleased with this outcome.

Completed on: 11/26/2004

Medium: Pencil and pen sketches on regular paper, coloring completed in Photoshop

Info: The sixth in a series of shots I did for the third movie storyboard in the Beyond Darkness series while in my scene design class. Yet another illustration which didn't take me too long to do. My favorite part is probably the glowing sun which has an unmistakable eeriness about it when combined with the image of Vragar. While still under the influence of the sorcerer's mystic powers the hero sees his enemy up close and beckoning to him. As Vragar's eyes begin to glow more fiercely he orders the protagonist to give up his struggle and surrender to darkness. The hero fights on regardless trying to force the visions of the demon from his mind.

Completed on: 11/26/2004

Medium: Pencil and pen sketches on regular paper, coloring completed in Photoshop

Info: The seventh in a series of shots I did for the third movie storyboard in the Beyond Darkness series while in my scene design class. Keeping with the molten color selection of the entire four panel dream sequence I also used the sun in the background as I did in the previous shot. Here the villain shows Gilon what he can become if he sides with him and gives up his struggle. An image of a battle scarred warrior who is demoniac in his mentality and skill registers in Gilon's mind. It is not what he desires. A promise of power and skill can't sway him and force him to deviate from his destined path.

Completed on: 11/26/2004

Medium: Pencil and pen sketches on regular paper, coloring completed in Photoshop

Info: The eighth in a series of shots I did for the third movie storyboard in the Beyond Darkness series while in my scene design class. Now the vision the hero experienced slowly begins to fade away. Here the surreal golden glow is still very prominent but already the villain is seen as he truly is; facing the hero with his arm outstretched trying to muddle his consciousness. The strength of the light here was what I was happy with. The colors are highly saturated and because of that I feel the shot is more interesting.

Completed on: 11/24/2004

Medium: Pencil and pen sketches on regular paper, coloring completed in Photoshop

Info: The ninth in a series of shots I did for the third movie storyboard in the Beyond Darkness series while in my scene design class. This one was obviously easy since all I had to do here really was to change the lighting and coloring. The pose and background were already done in the previous shot. Now the last of the fiery vision fades away dramatically leaving behind the cold bell tower with the two men inside staring each other down while the icy moonlight streams into the dark chamber. Vragar's palm is still outstretched, the chaotic sorcerer ready to unleash a blast in a split second. When I animate this movie I imagine this could be a really cool transition from the fiery eighth shot into this icy and cool color scheme. One of my favorites from the third storyboard due to the lighting and little details in the character.

Completed on: 11/24/2004

Medium: Pencil and pen sketches on regular paper, coloring completed in Photoshop

Info: The tenth in a series of shots I did for the third movie storyboard in the Beyond Darkness series while in my scene design class. If I said I really liked the ninth shot then I looove this one! It's my favorite from the third storyboard because the shot itself is very simple (the villain casting a spell on the hero), but it came out as I envisioned in my head with all the fancy effects I had in mind too. I had more time to try different things because I had the previous shot as a starting point and not a white screen. The blurring effect was still relatively new to me so I'm glad I didn't completely ruin the shot before it got anywhere. As far as the lightning bolts go, I painted and painted until I got something which I was happy with.

Completed on: 11/24/2004

Medium: Pencil and pen sketches on regular paper, coloring completed in Photoshop

Info: The eleventh in a series of shots I did for the third movie storyboard in the Beyond Darkness series while in my scene design class. This is the last shot of the movie with the hero charging fearlessly into his final fight. I used it as a basis for one of the shots in the dream sequence as well due to its strong pose. Here I actually took a picture of myself with my digital camera to get the pose I wanted, imported it into Photoshop, and simply painted over it. It's a technique I had seen some of my friends trying in school, but I had used it sparingly myself. I must say it is actually very helpful and taught me a great deal about posing and little details I sometimes overlook. And I'll mention again that it's important for any artist to sample a wide variety of creation techniques, art styles, and supplies. You might think you hate doing something a certain way, but give it a shot regardless.