Hypatia's Mathematical Maze
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BBC Teach
In a fantastic collaboration with Particle 6 Production, we were asked to create a series of short animated films for BBC Teach, following the adventures of Olivia and Hassan as they're challenged with maths problems to find their way through Hypatia's mathematical maze.
Character Design
Hypatia: A wise and charismatic mathematician, who oversees the maze.
Olivia and Hassan: Two curious and brave students who navigate through mathematical challenges.
Archimede: Hypatia's clumsy yet endearing assistant, adding a touch of humour and lightheartedness.
Storyboard
After Particle 6 Production created the final scripts, I started by examining them and then the storyboarding process begun in collaboration with the animators.
Background Design
Each episode required new background, therefore I had to create new locations as they were called for in the scripts, taking into account the action of the characters and the mood of the scene.
I usually create the design sketch (line work and colour pallets) in Illustrator and I use Photoshop or Procreate for textures, shading and final details.
EP1 - Adding and subtracting using mental methods
In a mythical temple full of obstacles, Olivia and Hassan learn simple mental maths and apply it to work out the passcode to open the door.
EP2 - Adding and subtracting using written methods
Having been transported to a floating library, Olivia and Hassan's ability to solve large equations using written methods is tested.
EP3 - How and why we round numbers
Olivia and Hassan are taught how to round to the nearest 1000, 10,000, and 100,000 when a disgruntled magic carpet demands money from them.
EP5 - Multiplying by 10, 100 and 1000
When Olivia and Hassan find themselves on the roof of an enormous skyscraper they learn how to multiply by 10, 100 and 1000 and work out the number of windows on the building.
EP6 - Mental multiplication
While exploring a jungle, Olivia and Hassan learn the true nature of square numbers as being created when two of the same number are multiplied together.
EP7 - Factors, multiples and primes
Trapped in a desert together with Archimedes, Olivia and Hassan learn what common factors, multiples, and prime numbers are.
EP8 - Multiplying using written methods
Finding themselves in space, Olivia and Hassan watch mathemagician Hypatia perform long multiplications in the sky by bending the stars.
EP9 - Dividing using written methods
Olivia and Hassan learn how to perform long division in order to free gridlocked traffic on a bridge.
EP10 - Recognising and comparing fractions
Olivia and Hassan are enjoying themselves in a world made out of pizza and learn how to work with numerators and denominators in fractions.
EP11 - Adding and subtracting fractions
Amongst the ruins of an ancient city, Olivia and Hassan learn how to add and subtract fractions.
EP12 - Multiplying and dividing fractions
In a mysterious crystal cave, Olivia and Hassan get to work dividing and multiplying fractions in order to find their way out.
My Services
Art direction/ Storyboard / Illustration
Credits
Client: BBC Teach
Agency: Particle 6 Production
Animation: Paul Rayment, Tudor Calnegru