Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions
Why did you create this movie?
How did you create this movie?
How long did "Alien Song" take to create?
How did you come up with the movements? Did you have any reference?
Why don't you make a longer version where Blit "survives" and finishes the song?
Is there any Blit Wizbok merchandise available?
When will there be more animations featuring Blit Wizbok?
Why did you create this movie?
"Alien Song" is the third in a series of studies in which I have been trying to learn the fine art of character animation. It was a strictly personal exercise, though its popularity seems to be elevating it beyond that.
How did you create this movie?
That's too much to explain here. Better check out the Making of Alien Song.
Who is Blit Wizbok?
Just your average green alien trying to get by. He was born in the summer of 1998 and I have been revising and improving him ever since. He is an original character that I created for my own learning and amusement, but let me assure you that I have the utmost respect for him, and he is well taken care of. He has sustained no permanent injuries and is ready for more adventures.
Is Blit male or female?
Blit is definitely a "he", though he may be prone to the occasionally drag routine.
How long did "Alien Song" take to create?
The animation and lip-synch took me about 250 hours on my spare time. Keep in mind that this was a strictly personal project, and that I had no self-imposed deadlines. I am also still new to the animation process, and if I had it to do again now I could probably complete it significantly faster.
What software was used?
All the modeling, animation and rendering were done in Animation: Master version 7.1 on the Mac and PC. It's great software and it's cheap! For help with timing the lip-synch I used Magpie Pro . I processed the final renderings in Adobe After Effects to add film grain, softening and lens flares. The final movie was converted to mpeg format for the web using a freeware ap called AVI2MPG.
Who sings that song?
"I will survive" is performed by Gloria Gaynor and is copyright 1978 PolyGram Records. Incidentally, Miss Gaynor's publicist contacted me and apparently she is pleased with my work! There's even a link to it on her web site at GloriaGaynor.com.
How did you come up with the movements? Did you have any reference?
I didn't have any reference for the animation in this clip, nor did I use any kind of motion capture technology, as some have accused. I did have to act out some of the gestures in front of a mirror to figure out the mechanics, though. I guess you could say I was channeling my inner diva...
Are you gay?
Nope.
Why don't you make a longer version where Blit "survives" and finishes the song?
First off, I just don't have the time. As stated above, the 45 seconds you've seen took me about 250 hours. Second, I like the shock and comic irony of the abrupt ending. It's always best to end with a bang! There's really nothing later in the song that begs to be animated anyway.
Is there any Blit Wizbok merchandise available?
Why yes, as a matter of fact! I've got a bunch of stuff available on cafepress.com. Click here for the selection.
When will there be more animations featuring Blit Wizbok?
I don't know that there will be. I don't have a lot of spare time to do my own animation these days, and when I do I'd rather focus on new ideas and characters. Still, you never know, so keep checking back!
