An Example for 3D Animated Character Design Process: The Lost City Antioch

Abstract

The city of Antakya was the 3rd biggest city of the Empire and accordingly the world after Rome with its population of 300- 400 thousand in the Roman Empire period. Having the most magnificent structures of the period with the Hippodrome, Arena,Royal Palace,theatre and baths(hammam),didn’t lost its characteristics until the great earthquakes. One of the most modern cities of the Ancient period due to these structures, Antakya has been an empire centre where art and theatre shows and Olympic games were organized in terms of social structure.With historical, cultural and social life, Antakya has a special importance at the present day just as in the past. One of the best tools for introduction and symbolization of a city is cinema. For the purpose of arousing peoples’ interest and maintaining the audience's attention, an adventure-themed screenplay is written by a person expert in this field. Reflection and fictionalization of the past, animation of the earthquake moment are possible only by the today's computer technology. The magnificence and glorious of a city lost due to earthquakes can be animated again by such technology.This study aims at revitalizing the history, culture and social life of ancient cities with their environmental factors through computer-aided 3 dimensional (3-D) images. This study will be a tool to visualize ancient cities whose historical remaining did not remain intact and existence is known by books, maps, pictures, and inscriptions.Another important feature of this study is the fact that such an animation film that can be considered as feature-length will be the first in Turkey. No feature-length 3D animation film has been shot yet in our country other than the previous short cartoons.This film will be implemented at an animation studio to be established in the university without any concern for economic income. In modeling, fictionalization and montage of the film, academicians, master or PhD students with works and experiences on this subject in the Universities in European Countries will work. Additionally, this will provide to get know better and identify this old ancient city.