Cobra Yu - Animation DemoReel - 3D Character Animator and Game Animator, Unreal Filmmaker - The Rookies 2024

Cobra Yu - Animation DemoReel - 3D Character Animator and Game Animator, Unreal Filmmaker - The Rookies 2024

Hello everyone,  welcome to enjoy my 2024  Animation Demoreel - it's packed with character acting, game animation, cartoon animation, and unreal cinematic animation! I really enjoyed animating them, and I hope you guys will be moved and happy watching them as well! 

I'll also explain the process and inspiration for some of the shots separately, so feel free to scroll down! 

Please remember to give me a high five if you like it a lot!

3D Performance Animation Shot -【 Betrayed 】- Cobra Yu

For this shot, I aimed to depict a warrior hero in a state of intense emotion, a mix of righteousness, determination, and anger, all directed toward the traitor. To achieve this, I shoot a lot of references for the performance. The initial focus was on the character's body mechanics, particularly the sequence where he bows his head in contemplation and then swiftly rises, seizing the shotgun with a powerful force. This movement, in its tempo and amplitude, mirrors the character's unwavering determination.

Simultaneously, the character's expression was intricately detailed. At the start, in stark contrast to the later action, the character's contemplative gaze and slight head shake signify his internal struggle, his calm and collected nature resisting the impulse to act upon realizing the betrayal.

Before looking up, the character's eyes should have gazed at the traitor across the room, which adds to the sense of immersion for the audience, explaining that the traitor is right across the room from the character, directing the audience's attention, and setting the stage for what is to come. Finally, as the character lifts the shotgun, the character's emotions rise to a peak, as the character's eyebrows go from raised to falling quickly, reflecting his anger and decisiveness. Having the character stroll with the gun in hand adds to the atmosphere and storytelling, leaving the viewer to wonder about the subsequent episodes.

I enjoyed this shot! I hope you guys enjoy it too!

FPS Game Animation Shot - First-Person Shooting and Reloading - Cobra Yu

Hello everyone, I am thrilled to share my latest project: 

a First-Person Shooting and Reloading animation with the Golden Desert Eagle.

【Animation and gaming are intriguing and fun, but the reality of war is harsh. I hope for a peaceful world where every child can enjoy the joy of gaming safely at home.】

I have spent countless years playing FPS games. From CS to CrossFire and now the Call of Duty series. Creating this first-person shooter animation has truly been a dream come true.

I enjoyed every aspect of the process, from playing with the timing to the reloading pose. I am particularly proud of the reloading part; I love the clean and powerful quick-reload style. I also researched numerous reference videos, explored firearm mechanics, and searched for the perfect sound effects to enhance the realism.

This project represents my growth after one year of deep learning 3D animation. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

3D Performance Animation Shot -【 It's Coming 】- Cobra Yu

This shot was inspired by Prometheus. I intercepted one of the audio clips of the conversation that the two scientists sent to the architect's ship when they found many of the architect's bodies in it. But I applied it to a completely different scene—space.

The choice of the Leo model was not arbitrary. His space suit was a perfect fit for the story I wanted to tell, adding depth and authenticity to the scene.

Imagine empty space. As an astronaut, you are floating outside the ship repairing it. When a giant meteorite hits you quickly, and you can't dodge it, what kind of face would you make to the camera?

The reference video for this animation was a personal endeavor. I held up my cell phone and captured the character's complex emotions, which were then meticulously translated into the animation. Details such as the character's shrinking eyeballs in a fit of panic, potential blinking, and gasping for air were all carefully observed and incorporated, bringing the character to life and intensifying their fear and panic.

Please don't forget to give me a high five if you like this shot!

Game Cinematic Test For Mihoyo - Cobra Yu

This animation is a test I did for Mihoyo. Although they already gave a rough animatic, I designed the character's movements pose myself, modified the timing and pacing, and added enemy and attack effects to enhance the atmosphere.

Because time was scarce, I spent just under seven nights completing this shot. So many details have yet to be polished, but I'm more than satisfied with the overall result.

Body Mechanics Animation

To reinforce my practice of personalizing my character's walking and running, I created this shot followed a reference I shot myself. It's of a big guy with a heavy, powerful stride, carrying a rifle into an enemy camp alone. First, he walks hard to get past, then raises the rifle and fires it into the sky, and finally cowers back and darts away from the scene at a run. This shot involves a lot of body mechanics, overlapping, and anticipations. 

I had a lot of fun animating this.

FPS IDLE and Emote Animation

FPS games have always been a favorite of mine, and I also particularly enjoy realistic character animation.

In this animation, I wanted the character to look cool. She opens her automated helmet to review her weapon, then switches poses, and the glass of her helmet falls with it - that's cool! She keeps nodding her head and tapping her feet to the beat like she's listening to music.

Game Emote animation

For the character emote animation, I selected the model of Kratos, the main character of God of War. My concept was to portray a heroic character taking a moment of rest, symbolized by him lighting a match on his leg and puffing on a cigar. While this may not align with Kratos' original story and background, I believe it effectively communicates my creative vision.

I only had one night to finish this animation. I have yet to polish it, but I wanted to share it.

Walking, running, and sprinting animations.

Unreal Film - 【 No Way Out 】- Cobra Yu

This Unreal Film is a film I made independently about a year and a half ago. I was responsible for the entire process except for modeling and textures and some animations. I did all the other things from the pre-production and story design to the voice-over and rendering.

Of course, after a year and a half of learning 3D animation, my skills have improved by leaps and bounds. Currently, I'm working on my MFA thesis project movie, which is a story about war and children. 

Anyone interested can contact me!

Thank you to everyone who supported and appreciated my art work!

Also, a big thank you to the people who helped me on my animation journey: Prof. Bill Tessier, Prof. Chris Gallagher, Prof. Bernardo Warman, Alexis Wanneroy (the head of animation at Fortiche), and so on. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to progress in my animation skills and passion for creating. They have helped me tremendously in my animation studies, and I will always be grateful to those who helped me!

Finally, thank you again!

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