This document provides planning details for a stop motion animation called "Desktop Diaries". It includes character descriptions, style guides for colors, fonts and images, storyboards, scripts, and a production schedule. The characters are everyday office supplies that will be brought to life through stop motion. Color palettes and shapes are analyzed to reflect each character's personality. Equipment, locations, health and safety are also addressed to prepare for a week-long production.

1. FMP Pre-Production
(Planning)
Amy Watson

2. Title of production
The name of my production is called Desktop
Diaries, which is a similar concept to Aardman’s
Creature Comforts, but instead, it’s all about
stationary and how they adapt their qualities.

3. Style Sheet: Colours
Graphy Scene Lady Ruler Scene
Ross Rubbington scene Blades the scissors scene
Stan the stapler scene
Paula Punch scene
Set Colours
These colours are reflections of rough thoughts of
what the set out and scenes of the characters will
look like. From looking at them, they all seem to
give off a happy and joyful vibe, with a different
variety of colours, all which the majority seem to be
bright.

4. Style sheet: Fonts
These fonts will be used as inspiration for the title and intro of
my video. Because it is a kid friendly video, I wanted to make
it seem appealing to may audience, so I decided to make the
font seem innocent and bouncy, something for everyone to
enjoy. From this selection, I feel a sense of happiness and joy
as these fonts feature a somewhat happy vibe.

5. Style sheet: Image styles
These images provide a similar feeling
to my own set up for the video; a simple
desktop upon a simple background with
other objects surrounding the
characters. In order to make it more
appealing, I will need to add more
objects around to make it seem like an
artist’s desk atmosphere.

6. Layout of background and character
position key
This layout image gives me a good idea of how I want the
characters to potion and where would it be best got them to be
filmed. Also it gives me an idea of what best space would work
best for which character.

7. Meet The Gang

8. Stan the stapler
Stan is a depressed stapler. He describes how he is usually punched in the back
of the head as apposed to his role as a stapler. He also describes how the
staples inside him talk all the time, but somehow keep him company.

9. Graphy the pencil
Graphy is a highly skilled artist. She talks about how
creativity works if you put your mind to it and what
the qualities of being a pencil are.

10. Ross rubbington
Ross is the tough one out of the bunch. He talks about
how he talks in a somewhat pronunciation speech and it
reflects on his design, which is stereotypical of him.

11. Paula Punch
Paula is Ross’s right hand hole punch, and she is very tough
and strong in whatever she does. She describes about being
useful as a hole punch and how she thinks it’s cool.

12. Blades the scissors
Blades is the quick speech one of the bunch,. He talks
about how he always has sharp speech and sharp
thoughts to always think about.

13. Lady Ruler
Lady Ruler believes she is the ‘Ruler’ of the
desktop, as well as describing how she keep things
straight and aligning properly. Due to this, she
thinks that she is the best piece of stationary.

14. Location The location I will be using for my
filming will be upon the desktop of my
new filming studio. On top of this
desktop will be non moving characters
such as the pencil box and
highlighters will be present in the
background. I chose this setting
because it supports the overall
theming of the video, which is
stationary, and also, the contrast of
colour make is seem bright and
happy.

15. Equipement
I will be using my iPhone to record the voices and take the pictures of the frames of the
characters in order to get a better quality for both vocals and visuals. Also, it will be an
easier way of export the images onto my laptop ready for editing. Next, I will use my tripod
to place my phone on so that I can get a straight and still view of the scenes so that they
aren’t wobbly or in poor quality.

16. Shapes in Character Design
Triangles are sharp, and exaggerating the
height and length of this shape can present fear
to character and shows the character’s
menacing traits
Squares square off body parts like jaws,
shoulders and even hands, they don’t only
feel strong, but they find it difficult to
move.
Circles are organic and natural shapes.
The rounded out edges and added curves
present a warm and friendly feeling.

17. Stan
Observation: From analysing the design content of Stan, it seems that he has more square traits than the rest of the shapes. This shows
that he is more difficult to move at times, but he has strong traits such as his ability to stick paper and other materials together with the
staples. This is not that much reflective on his character, however he will describe how him sticking pieces together makes him useful.
After that, there are some circle traits, which shows parts that he is friendly and welcoming, which is what he is but he is seen as
depressed and down at the same time. Finally, in terms of the triangle part of his structure, it shows that he can be somewhat feared, but
that could be due to the fact that he staples sharp staples so his friends could be weary of that.
How will this effect the character? Rounding up the observation, I could say that the primary source of personality design is that Stan
is a friendly, strong but struggling character. Friendly because of the circle design as his eye which gives him a cartoon like appearance,
and also his rounded off shape gives him the sense of friendliness, and strong but struggling based on the square parts of his structure:
strong because he has a very strong quality best on his structure, and struggling because he can only move form left to right since he
doesn’t had arms or legs.

18. Graphy
Observation: The majority of Graphy’s design is square based. This would mean that she would appear
strong but she has a hard time to move. However, the ‘strong’ part about her is that she is a strong artist, and
that her commissions really scream ‘Master of art’. Next, there is both an equal amount of circle and triangle
parts. This shows that she is friendly and warm, but also sharp and menacing. However, menacing doesn’t
cover Graphy, as she is is more friendly and creative within her actions.
How will this effect the character? The part with the triangle would not effect Graphy that much, however, it
would effect her with the rest of the shapes, which do describe her best as warm and strong in her talents, but
as she does not have arms and legs, she cannot move as freely.

19. Ross
Observation: Based on what I have found, it would seem that there is an equal amount of
square parts and triangle parts, which would make Ross seem to be a menacing and strong
character. This is perfect because he wants to feel like a big man gangster, the leader of the
group. The circles of his eyes show the light hearted cartoon side of the chapter designs,
which would appeal all characters.
How will this effect the character? This is effect Ross in a way where it will show him. As
a relaxed, strong and full of himself about his design and personality.

20. Paula
Observation: Looking here, it would seem that Paula has more square qualities than any
other shape, make her the quality of strength. This is perfect because she will describe how
strong she is and how that benefits being Ross’ right hand hole punch. Next, there is an
equal amount of circle and triangle qualities, which makes her both friendly and menacing
at the same time, which is equal to her quality.
How will this effect the character? This will effect Paula in a way where it will describe
her traits spot on, and will show her strength by hearing her verbally and looking at her
physically.

21. Blades
Observation: From looking at Blades’ body type, it would seem that he has equal parts of each shape. The
triangle parts suggest his sharp side, but that is not frequent in his character, the circle represent his happy
side, which is more frequent. And finally, the strong side represented by the squares, which could imply that he
is strong in his ‘blades’, but the majority of his personality is friendly and sharp in thought.
How will this effect the character? This will show that Blades might be know for being sharp physically, but
more importantly, he is sharp within his thoughts and speech more than anything.

22. Lady Ruler
Observation: The most obvious implication here is that Lady Ruler is presents with
more circle parts than square, which shows that she is friendly and warm, which is
indeed her personality. The square parts implies that she is strong, which is good
because she is strong in her thoughts and feelings.
How will this effect the character? The character will be effected in a way where her
personality will reflect the traits of the shapes, as she is positive about herself and
welcoming to others.

23. Colour in Character Design
Colour can be used as visual way of showing the traits and personalities of one’s
characters. For example, the colour blue can represent the trait of loyalty, similar to
Rainbow Dash’s coat colour in My Little Pony, as she represents the element of loyalty in
the show.
Colour is also useful for showing the
feeling and emotion of one’s character
too. For example, the character Joy from
Inside Out is the colour yellow, as well as
a whole vibrant of colours in her looks
shows her happy personality, which is a
good because in the film, she is the
emotion of happiness.
Finally, colour can also show the feeling of
importance, since every character has their own
unique design, the colour addition would help them
feel important overall, which is ideal to the audience.

24. Stan
Blue: This colour resents the calm and loyal section of the pallet, and this reflects nicely
on Stan’s base colour. Also, the term blue may also be used to say someone is sad, and
this too reflects on Stan’s personality.
Grey: In most cases, grey shows the way of knowledge and wisdom, and in secretive
matters, despite being depressed, Stan can be smart and wise at times.

25. Graphy
Black: In colour terminology, black represents power, elegance and strength, so I guess the
strength and elegance does reflect partly on Graphy’s personality, with her strength in
creative ways and elegance in whatever she creates.
White: White shows the purity and innocence of one’s character, so this would match
perfectly on Graphy’s personality, as she is pure of heart when it comes to creativity, and also
innocent and naive in her personality.

26. Ross
Black: Similar to Graphy’s design, the colour black represents power, and that is how exactly
Ross feels most of the time, so it would benefit his personality.
White: With white representing perfection too, Ross believes that he has ultimate perfection
in himself and whatever he does.

27. Paula
Black: Similar to Ross and Graphy, the colour of black represents power, and Paula believes
that’s what she’s all about, but also believes that she is strong in what she does as a hole
punch.
Grey: As grey shows the part of knowledge and wisdom, that is what Paula requires when it
comes to being Ross’ right hand hole punch.

28. Blades
Red: Since the colour red represents energy and passion, Blades’ fast energy in speech and
thought matches this perfectly as he talks fast and thinks fast too in a sharp precise manner.
Grey: Since grey is all about knowledge and wisdom, this could reflect nicely on Blades’ intense
thoughts and speech.

29. Lady Ruler
Pink: Pink is all about love and compassion, so this would reflect nicely on Lady
Ruler’s character, as she is all about gaining love from her friends as she believes she
is the ‘ruler’.
Blue: As blue represents calm and loyal traits, Lady Ruler can be loyal to her friends
whenever they’re in bother, and also can be calm in her own way.

30. Storyboard

31. Storyboard Analysis
Within this storyboard, I have tried to explain the process in brief detail as best as I
could, but more importantly, I have tried to give a brief visual show of what the
scenery will look like in the outcome of the video. Also, I have tried to explain about
the duration and angle of the scenes as well as the chronological order visually with
the pictures in order to help me remember how I would like everything to go.

32. Shot List
This is the shot list I have made in
order to help me get an idea of
what I would like to happen within
my production as the time goes
on. I tried to explained as best as I
can about the time, shot type and
description of the scene. I found
this really useful because it helped
me feel more organised than ever
and helped me feel more prepared
and confident for the production
ahead.

33. Scripts
I have made these scripts so that the cast will have a
good idea about what they are required to say in the
recordings. Also, I will ask them to improvise as they go
so that it is free speech but with required topics.

34. Mise en scene
Setting: the setting of the scenery for all
shot within the video will take place upon
the desktop of my desk in my new studio,
where the characters will be spread out
equally so that it’s not compact.
Costume: There will be no costume
required for this production, as the
characters are all made out of stationary
pieces
Lighting: The lighting for the scene of my
video will come form natural sunlight from
the window behind me, as it will project
nicely onto the set, especially on a nice
sunny day.
Movement of figures: The movement of
figures will be very simple and quick as
they have no arms or legs, they will
simple slide or turn on the surface instead
of complex movement.

35. RIP-O-MATIC
On Website/Channel

36. Structural Break Down
Intro Transition
Transition
Transition
Transition
Transition
Transition
Transition
Stan scene
Graphy
scene
Ross
Scene
Paula
scene
Blades
scene
Lady Ruler
scene
This breakdown will
help me get a good
idea of how I would
want to video to play
out.

37. Contact info
Name Role Email Address
Harry Docwra Stan the Stapler
Harry-
Docwra@student.yorkcollege.a
c.uk
Daniel Morland Ross Rubbington
Daniel-
Morland@student.yorkcollege.a
c.uk
Amy Watson
Graphy, Lady Ruler,
Blades the scissors,
Paula Punch
Amy-
Watson1@student.yorkcollege.
ac.uk
I will use these contacts to ask for permission to help out out in my work.

38. Health and safety
Problem Solution
Eye strain or back pain may occur when
working.
Take regular breaks to reduce pain or
change position.
Trip hazards
Clear the area and be alert to potential
hazards.
Headaches from being stressed or feeling
overwhelmed
Plan out schedule to reduce stress. Use
strategies such as breathing techniques or
count to 10.

39. Contingency planning
Potential Issue Solution
One of my cast members might fall
ill before the date of production
vocals
Record other vocals so it saves
time and wait until that person gets
better.
The weather may not be applicable
for the background lighting of my
set
Wait until a preferable day to film
and check the forecast for the
future date
A virus might interfere with
production on apps such as
Dragonframe
Complete reflection and wait for the
issue to fix to save time.

40. Schedule
Week Tasks
Equipment/Software/C
ast
Working hours
1
Creating the animatic for the video, then
upload to website for presentation. Make
eye and mouth pieces for characters.
Sketchbook, Dragonframe,
Plasticine and playdough 09:00am - 16:30 pm
2
Start filming Graphy, once that is
complete, upload and edit, then
move onto Ross.
Phone camera, tripod, pencil,
studio desk, Dragonframe, Rubber 10:00am - 15:00pm
3
Complete Ross’ interview, then
upload and edit., Once that is done,
move on to Paula’s scene.
Phone camera, tripod, hole punch,
studio desk, Dragonframe, Rubber 10:00am - 15:00pm
4
Complete Paula’s scene and upload,
move onto Blades’ scene and upload
and edit.
Phone camera, tripod, hole punch,
studio desk, Dragonframe, scissors 10:00am - 15:00pm
5
Start and complete Lady Ruler’s scene
then upload and edit all scene till finished.
Record character voices
Phone camera, tripod,Ruler , studio
desk, Dragonframe, Dan, Harry,
Myself
10:00am - 15:00pm
6
Make intro for video, then
assemble all the pieces
together for the final result.
Sketchbook, Dragonframe, iMovie 10:00am - 15:00pm
7 Complete Reflection PowerPoint 09:00am - 16:30 pm