Storyboard progress

Unfortunately, I'm still in the process of developing these boards, but I wanted to at least post this progress. I'm enjoying the effort to push the perspective, but still find it a labor to keep my horizon line low. Also, I'm trying to rework the "crossing the line" that's happening here, but I think having Peter get up and walk may be my best bet to justify that change. Any comments greatly appreciated.

Layout/Setting work

Here are some screenshots of the classroom I'm constructing. I have yet to put in the props, instead focusing on the major furniture of the scene. You might notice the controls on the first two chairs. I plan on having the characters interact with the chairs, so I went ahead and attached the controls for ease of animation.

Story Treatment #1

Peter is calmly having fun playing trains by himself. He discovers the satisfying “click” that follows when he connects the two magnetic couplings. Mitch stands in the background, eyeing Peter suspiciously. He decides to take Peter’s fun for his own. As Peter drives the trains back and forth, Mitch steals the caboose and sticks his tongue out at Peter in defiance. Peter, hurt, decides that it would be better to move on to the other train than to retaliate. Mitch, seemingly ineffective in gaining attention from Peter, decides that this stolen fun isn’t what he thought. He kneels by Peter. Peter protects his other toy from being stolen by holding it closer. Mitch backs away slyly, seeing that he won’t be able to steal directly this time, and sits. Peter, trusting that Mitch wants to play together this time, begins to relax. Peter builds using the spare tracks, and Mitch inches closer to the second train. Before Peter realizes that his figure-8 track is on a collision course, Mitch takes the bridge piece Peter needs and begins to play with both trains. Peter, stuck with a worthless flat track, looks around for his train, only to find Mitch playing with both! Mitch laughs in triumph, but Peter turns away, upset. Mitch is shaken – he didn’t think Peter would take it this personally. Mitch offers the train back, but Peter shrugs his shoulder away. Mitch leaves the toy and goes off screen. Peter sees the toy, sniffs, and picks it up. He still doesn’t have the track piece he needs, though, so he looks defeated. Mitch returns with a bridge piece and sets it over the straightaway. Peter realizes his repentant nature, and grabs a connecting piece. Mitch does the same, and both place their connectors. As the train rolls up the bridge and descends, credits roll. 

Value/Color Study

I wasn't happy with my original (admittedly hasty) color job. I decided to go back over my color choices, changing them to match both the characters and the situation. Peter wears a purple shirt and slightly faded blue jeans; he doesn't stand up for himself too much, but stays calm and cool. Mitch wears an orange shirt with khaki jeans; he's rambunctious and energetic, but has some serious insecurities. Lastly, orange and purple are complimentary... Peter and Mitch just might be able to overcome their differences and become real friends.

T-pose drawings for future 3D modeling.

Some Character Expressions For Peter and Mitch