Not sure why?

Its been a while since I've uploaded anything onto here, its been a bit hectic for me. Anyway I have been doing work, and I have been able to do it all on my nice big fancy computer <-- Which has been made by me!

It had to be done

Ok after a lot of tossing and turning last night, I couldnt sleep properly at all and the reason is because of this still life project. I knew I hadnt worked my best, i did at the beginning but slowly I've just gotten more lazy. So today I kicked myself into gear and re done the scene and surroundings, no longer is it just a rubbish picture I took on my phone, it has been completely re modelled:

I've used my own kitchen as a reference, like the surface and side boards. I didnt want to go over the top with the plates and knives as they're just a background feature although while I was modelling I did a quick render and got this cool shot:

I really like the reflection from the steel border, especially as you can see how much detail i've put into the loaf of bread. Anyway I'm gradually becoming more proud of my work again like I was at the beginning, just think I hit a rut at one point, hopefully will pull it back before the deadline.
I still have to sort out the lid and the fact it looks a little lifeless.

The Arena

 So here is a quick little arena I made in 3ds max, not sure how to replicate this in After effects. It won't be as glossy or reflective, it will have move of a cartoonish feel. Although I might have the 3d balls from this scene, and add points on them, so the audience knows that each equals points, though not sure how in going to show that these weighted. We'll see!

Above From the start line, below a close up of the 50 point ball.

After Effects for the Chess player

Above: Good evening. Middle: ...White Please. Below: Black

So here is a the next section, the switching on of the Unbeatable computer, and the computer deciding which side to be. I did one for each as at the time I decided to that the evil computer will prefer black, it will also allow the robot hands to start first... This is where the frustrations begin!
I did it in After effects, which I'm very glad I've started using more as i can now use it as practice for my final olympics piece, which is after this project. I like the glow of the letters, and it again helps set the scene. Sorry not uploaded my sketches yet, completely forgot.

Opening Scene Extended

This is the extended version of the opening which i will be using. It sets the scene better I feel, as it shows the whole chessboard, the hands, and the computer. It also does justice to the reflections, and is a little longer so audience can digest it better. I prefer it, its now 15sec worth of video, and doesnt feel so rushed, and it opens nicely into my next scene: The hands waking up.