Bass Model Evolution

One of the interesting aspects of this production is the use of hybrid animation combining 3D elements into the 2D animation. To keep the bass guitar drawing "on-model" in the climax our resident modeler, Dennis McCoy, created a model in Maya to be brought into Toon Boom to be animated and rotoscoped.

We started with a model sheet:

It's bassed (PUNS!) on the 4000 series Rickenbacker Bass Guitar which has an iconic look and sound. A few modifications were made for ease in animation.

Dennis' first model was fantastic. In fact, it was TOO GOOD! All the detail and complexity was unnecessary and our team of animators might become confused as to which details need to be drawn.

With some adjustments, the model became more basic and animation-ready.