Match cuts! ✂️✂️✂️
Such a great way to create a very visually satisfying and powerful transitions in no time. This small project was inspired by Ben Marriot's animation course, where entire chapter was dedicated to this funny transition techinqe.
Let's take a look at the process!
Let's start with the character designs. My imagination went in the direction of martial arts, because match cut is a very dynamic and powerful technique, just like the swift kicks and punches of karatekas! I designed two characters based on similar shapes and proportions because I wanted the match cut to come out as smooth and fluid as possible.
I knew that the movement would be quite complicated, so I decided to use a self-shot reference. Fortunately, my partner used to train karate 😂!
I tweaked the footage a bit to fit my preferred timing.
Then I very sketchily outlined the keyframes and main elements of the movement.
A long and trial-and-error-filled process of getting my characters into motion began. I wanted the loop to be seamless. After a while, I noticed that I was satisfied with the movement but lacked impact when changing characters. It all seemed quite flat.
That's when I came up with the idea of highlighting the movement with a dynamic background that would make the impact more noticeable.
All put together, a subtle texture on top aaaaand... there we got it!