Boolean Union Studios


Dark Dungeons Title Image

Project History

 

            We chose to create the Dark Dungeons animation for two primary reasons. First of all, the original comic evidently has a wide appeal, judging by the numbers of parodies that can be found. Dark Dungeons is melodramatic, over the top, and generally ridiculous in its treatment of role playing games. Secondly, as an animation, it promised a relatively simple production. The straightforward plot, limited settings and props, and small number of characters make this production much easier than other scripts we could have produced.

 

Timeline


            The first proof-of-concept renders were produced in September 2009, exploring possible designs for characters and sets, and investigating the feasibility of an animated film. Boolean Union began serious work on the project in September of that same year.


            A working draft of the adapted script was completed at the beginning of October of the same year. During the adaptation process, Bean and Blum designed a more involved intro sequence, which would feature “fantasy” versions of the characters moving through a dungeon. While this opening sequence was more complicated than the alternative, it was more visually engaging and provided an opportunity to demonstrate technical skills in rendering, composition, keyframing, and sound editing.


            By November, the majority of actors had been cast, and dialog recording and lip-syncing began. With the exception of Ms. Frost, Boolean Union personnel filled all speaking roles. BU began searching for an appropriate actress for this role, and in the meantime, began animating other scenes.


            Animation work continued, and new sets were created or adapted out of preexisting components. By March 2010, all of scene 10 was rendered, and work on the title sequence accelerated as new 3d models were created in Maya. Boolean Union held an open casting call on Facebook to fill the role of Ms. Frost. Rachel Mack was finally chosen to fill this role and to do an original reading for the part of Marcie. Also in March, Blum created an official poster to help promote the project.

 

           In June, final adjustments were made to the opening credit sequence. Final renders for the "in game" sequence in the first scene were completed in July. In August, animation and for scenes 2, 3, and 4 was completed. In September, animation for scenes 6, 7, and 8 was completed. In October, animation for all remaining scenes (9, 11, and portions of scene 5) and the end credit sequence was completed. Post-production began in November. On December 1st, 2010, the complete film was released.

 

 

 

 

Project Progress
Scene
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Dialog Recording
Lip Syncing
Keyframing
Rendering
Sound/ Music
Opening
Credits
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Scene 1
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Scene 2
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Scene 3
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Scene 4
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Scene 5
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Scene 6
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Scene 7
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Scene 8
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Scene 9
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Scene 10
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Scene 11
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End
Credits
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Progress Bar

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Last Updated: July 22, 2024