Lil Nouns DAO

Summary: We want to create an animated video that takes lil nouns in a three-dimensional world. Our goal build out a story to lil nouns and make them relatable while staying true to the pixelated imagery created in the original artwork. Our primary aim to educate others about lilnounsdao and illustrate how to get involved in the dao.

Project Goals: • To provide an overview of lilnounsdao (auction, discourse, grants, prop-house, on chain proposals, noun ethos, Coordinape, while also highlighting and celebrating projects that are in the lilnouns ecosystem). • To create an engaging experience. • Improve marketing outreach by providing high-value content that furthers lil nouns mission of educating people on lil nouns. • Remove confusion of selecting which funding method is best for someone to choose given their project goals. • Make audience smile.

Past Discussion: https://discord.gg/xjARUcB3tJ channel #lilnouns-video https://discourse.lilnouns.wtf/t/proposal-for-animated-lil-noun-introductory-video/190

Conclusion: Lil nouns branding has been an ongoing discussion and this proposal is a step toward delivering a brand marketing strategy built collaboratively by nounish community members in a decentralized way. This project further hones in answering the question “what is lil nouns ethos?”

Methodology

First stage: pre-production Script and storyboard – initial stages of the production process. Provides a better visualization and helps team members understand flow of the video as well as to improve coordination between team members. There are two scripts in this project. For example, atareh.eth has scripted his narration which he will record describing the educational points we want to convey to the audience. There is also scripting of the animation sequence which is later created into a storyboard sequence of shots to assist in visualizing the final results. Modeling Scene and Characters – Modeling complex characters where the topology assists in creating good movements for the characters. This stage will also include creation of pixel art which is later converted into to a model and then topology optimized for animation. (2-4 weeks) Textures and materials – Creating 2D images that are baked into the material. The largest amount of time will be in regard to materials for visual effects. (3 days to 1 week maximum for all material creation) Rigging and Pre-animation prep: Rigging characters to optimize for performance and designed for natural movements. This can take 2 months however, it will be significantly less because most will be completed prior to going on chain with the proposal (as pre-animation steps are completed at this point and general movements defined).

Second Stage: production Animation: The model has gone through the pre-animation stages. Once we have staged the scene we will be able to animate out the scene. Once we reached this point, I estimate “staging the animation of the scene” should take 1-2 weeks. Lighting: Each scene is slightly different in regard to lighting. The scene that will take the longest to light will be scene 5. (Estimating 3 days - 1 week) Visual Effects (VFX) and composite: Visual effects for this project include dematerialization of lil noun and getting sucked into the computer screen, (lava) volcano erupting and fireworks. I’ve already begun completing the more complex aspects of creating these visual effects so once we bring them into the scene, it shouldn’t take longer than 1-2 weeks.

Third stage: post-production Sound effects: 1 week (or longer if we are including the suggestion to include the dao on decision for which theme song we use. If there are revisions requested by the dao then the time will extend. Rendering: The longest portion of this task is the rendering of the visual effects which include the lil noun being sucked into the computer, and fireworks. I estimate 1 week maximum for all rendering. Post- render edits: This is where we collect all of the rendered shots and compile them into scenes. From here, we will edit the shots within a scene, then we will edit the scenes together. (1-2 weeks). Review and final adjustments: At this point there will be very little left to do. Smaller changes to audio and editing can be made. 1 week We also want to reserve some flexibility with the timeline to allow for interacting with the dao. We want to provide the dao with as much creative input/interaction with the builders as we can.

We’ve begun compiling a list of assets that lilnoun1112 will be pixelating: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SbS8O0oTyYaCdO2lG6ttCk3rD6_ROyRAehqDRKG8k0M/edit#gid=0

On screen recordings needed: prophouse>lilnounsdao>connect lilnouns(dot)wtf> DAO >Submit proposal discord>lil grants> one or two sentences typed in the field saying “we started working on…etc” discourse> we can use the discourse we made for this project and record that lilnouns(dot)wtf> Playground

Current Progress: You can follow progress on this live by looking in the #lilnouns-video channel under projects in the lilnouns discord. We’ve blocked out scene 1 in order to show a pre video video as requested once we brought this proposal to discourse. We are currently in the animating stages for scene 1.

We’ve also typed up a script that the lil nouns will perform:

List of Scenes

Scene 1 [introduction/LoL delegates and illustrating auction process] The video begins with a lilnoun car pulling up to a lilnoun house. The lilnoun car has a bunch of nouns in it and one lil noun (lil noun pencil). The nouns are dropping off lil pencil and we follow him into the nounisouri where we meet a bunch of lil nouns who are hanging out and doing things in the nounisouri. The pencil lil noun walks into the nounisouri and starts writing about what he’s been discussing with nouns on a chalkboard while other lil nouns watch… one lil noun raises his hand to ask a question. Meanwhile, a panda lil noun sits at a table where he sips a coffee, we follow the panda as he hops off his chair (which is oversized for him because he is lil) and he carries his coffee over to the computer where he works. He boots up the computer and opens the browser to [lilnouns(dot)wtf]. He checks the auction and see’s a lilnoun that he loves and reacts by throwing his hands up and then touching his lilnoun face/adjusting his glasses. Shots will flip between closeup of lil noun as he puts in a bid and the computer screen showing a new counter-bid[gradually speed up the shots as the time of the auction runs out]. As the auction nears it’s end the Panda is growing more excited and nervous hoping he will win the auction. At the end of the auction where he wins and a new lil noun appears in the room magically from a bunch of small particles. The lil noun quickly glances over to look at his new lilnoun and they hug.

Talking points (Narration): • Every 15 minutes, a new lil noun is born. The auction is open and anyone can bid. Submit your bid on-chain • If someone bids more than you before the auction ends, your ETH is refunded back to your wallet. You have the option to bid higher. • If someone bids in the last minute, 1 minute is added to the auction time to give everyone an opportunity to send new bids • At the end of the auction, if you have the highest bid, the lil noun is yours! Settling the auction mints a lil noun to your wallet, and begins a new auction

Scene 1 Summary: This demonstrates the lilnoun auction process and briefly highlights the role of a delegate.

Scene 2 [finding the right sort of funding for the project] The Panda then stretches his legs and walks around the room [while doing a subtle dance] as he makes his way over to his work area in the nounisouri where he has three projects. [these three projects are later used to highlight the most appropriate method for submitting each respective prop] Each project is slightly different, there is a small project [science fair volcano], a medium project [tbd] and a large project [robot arm]. Panda begins tinkering with the science fair volcano [small project]. It erupts and creates a giant mess! He works some more and fixes it. He pulls out a camera and takes some photos of the volcano and then loads the photos into his computer. He enters a chat window and begins typing. While he is typing he is de-materialized into a bunch of small particles which are then sucked into the computer screen. A fellow lil noun standing nearby reacts to him being sucked in the computer screen and looks over with a quick head jerk[setting changes]. The panda then appears in a gymnasium where we that the room is full of other lil nouns who have their projects on display and are talking with other lil nouns about them/getting feedback. He carries his project over to an open booth and sets it up while he is getting prepared lil nouns come and speak to him to ask him about his project and provide feedback. The scene ends with a shot of the panda shaking hands with another lilnoun. [everything in the scene de-materializes and the panda materializes back to his seat in the nounisouri.

Scene 2 summary: brings up the topic that there are many ways to be funded/the art of choosing the best funding method for your project is an art.

Talking points (Narration): • Projects in lilnouns DAO are bucketed into three categories depending on how much funding is needed: small, medium and large • For small projects, you have the option to apply for prophouse funding, which runs new auctions every 2 weeks. This is usually for projects under 1-2 ETH • For medium-sized projects, applying for small grants is the best route. Small grants can get you up to 10 ETH in funding • For large projects that require more than 10 ETH in funding, the best route is to go on-chain.

Scene 3 [illustrating prop house/submitting his project for funding using pro] Now that the Panda has gotten feedback from other lil nouns, he is ready to submit for funding. The lil noun paces back and forth for a moment and sips his coffee. Then walks over to the computer again. He pulls up the browser window and loads up prophouse. He again is de-materialized into the computer and reappears in a new location - a room full of doorways. Each door representing a different house (lil nouns, nouns, mfers, sharks, nounjapan, nounpunks, etc.) He walks into the lil nouns prop house and as he walks through the doorway he finds himself in a room that resembles a museum. He then finds a place after being guided there by another lil noun and sets his project up for display. [sets his project down and then presses a remote control that puts a HUD around his project highlighting different features of it. Once he sets up his project, he begins looking around the museum and voting on other projects he likes. Each time he votes, a green check mark appears over his shoulder and follows him around as he looks at each project. He finally comes to the end of the museum where he approaches a ballot box. Once he reaches it, he does a lil hop and grabs the check-marks that have been floating above him while he walked through the museum and then places the check-marks into the ballot box. [fade out/in] The scene is of a stage where the ones who have one the round of prop house are being celebrated for winning. But unfortunately Panda didn’t get selected. He walks toward the exit of the museum which is a revolving door and while he pushes himself through the exit, the scene de-materializes and the panda re-materializes back in the nounisouri. Scene 3 Summary: Shows a small project getting funding using prophouse. discusses how small projects would be best directed toward this funding method.

Talking points (Narration): • If you have a small project that doesn’t need a lot of funding, or you’re running a short pilot, you can decide to apply for prophouse funding • In prophouse, ideas are submitted and apply for a fixed amount of ETH. Community members can vote for their favourite ideas. The number of projects that gets funded depends on the amount of ETH available for that round • For example, if there is 10 eth total, and each successful project gets funded with 2 eth, then the top 5 vote getting proposals will automatically be funded. Scene 4 [illustrating discourse and prepares audience for scene 5] The lil noun materializes back into the nounisouri from the browser. At this point, a bunch of lil noun friends come to visit him and encourage him to keep trying after not receiving funding from the prop house round. He is relieved that they’ve been so helpful and nice and feels welcome amongst friends. They all do fancy handshakes as they huddle around. Then Island lil noun notices from the corner of his ⌐◨-◨ and see’s the medium sized project that Panda was working on. He gestures to everyone “we can try and help to fix it!” [text box pops up over his head then disappears again]. They decide they want to try and fix it but they don’t know how! “where do we start?” they ask one another [textbox over the head of one of lil nouns]. They begin to try a few ideas but no luck. Wondering what to do next, they walk over to another lil noun who is sitting reading a book {void lilnoun} and ask him to look at the project. He joins the group in collaborating on the project and after a few questions and suggestions [lil nouns interacting using body language to describe things about the project]. Then all of a sudden a light bulb appears over Panda and he knows how to fix it. He shares his idea with his lil noun friends and they all begin collaborating together to make it work. Once they’ve fixed it, they take a bunch of photos of the project and head over to the computer again where they open discourse in hope to discuss their project and get feedback once again. [Panda gets de-materialized again] and he finds himself at a round table full of other lil nouns. He explains his project to everyone who then begin clapping and standing up from the round table. [Panda de-materializes again and reappears back in the nounisouri where he excitedly shares the positive feedback with his friends]. Talking points (Narration): • If you don’t get funding, it’s okay! take feedback and incorporate it and continue forward • Often, other lilnouners are a great resource and can be very helpful to get you over hurdles. • Don’t be shy to seek feedback and assistance from other lilnoun members. They might give you feedback, could help unblock you on a specific task, or join your team! Team work is dreamwork • A great place to get feedback is discourse - post your idea there.

Scene 4 Summary: distinguishes between two options that lil nouns have to engage in discussion the dao (discord and discourse). Highlights inclusivity when working and seeking out feedback from others.

Scene 5 [grant scene] He runs over to the table where he has paper and a pencil. He starts writing and in big letters writes proposal. He begins writing, and out the window you can see the sun starting to go down. [fadein/out with moving lil nouns all around the table where he works indicating time is moving]. Aerial shot of all lil nouns huddled over a table with blueprints and plans sprawled out on a centrally lit table/in a dimly lit room indicating they are working in the late hours of the night [fade in/out of shots with lil nouns moving in the shot between each fade and the blueprints being added to more and more over time [the scene gradually lights up brighter as the sun rises again]. They finish, and set the blueprint on an easel and all the lil nouns take a group photo next to it. They then head over to the computer where they review the checklist for a grant request and clicks request grant. Some time goes by again using fadein/out effect we’ve used throughout this scene and a popup window showing they were not approved appears on the computer screen. They were unsuccessful and have to try again.

Talking points (Narration): • For lil noun grants, you can submit a proposal in discord + discourse. • While prophouse is great for small projects and pilots and for individuals, small grants can help fund a pilot or small project with a team • The small grants committee decides whether your grant will either be approved or needs a bit of restructuring to get feedback • If you don’t get grant funding, that’s alright. Get some feedback and try again! Scene 5 Summary: Provides an introduction into a funding option where you might apply for a grant. Highlights the grant proposal process as well as collaboration. Distinguishes between how prop house may better fund an individual working on a proposal and how grants is better equipped to fund a small team. Also will touches on the point that lil nouns can be funded in the request for a grant[the grant in the scene will have a request including lil noun].

Scene 6 [Transition scene: introduction into Large project] At this point all the lil nouns in the nounisouri are exhausted and lying around on the couch. The lil nouns pause from the work and go outside to play on the playground. On the playground, there are lil nouns building new lil nouns to be included in auctions in the future. After the lil nouns come back into the nounisouri, the scene shows a lil noun who is sitting on the couch throws a paper airplane, another is playing paper football with another lil noun. The paper airplane flys through the air and hits panda in the head and all of a sudden, panda has an idea! He begins digging through spare parts lying around the nounisouri. He plugs the parts into the large project and it works [ the project begins lighting up ] [Over the shoulder shot of the project looking down at the lil nouns and the reflection from the lights illuminating the faces of lil nouns as they stare up at the project]. [fade out] Talking points (Narration):

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Scene 6 Summary: Demonstrates lil nouns trying again after narration just hinted at the topic. Discusses creating new lil nouns. • On the lilnouns website, try playing around and generating new lilnouns. • The playground gives you a chance to generate your own lilnoun (for fun) - see which traits are available, and find your favourite lilnoun head • You can also upload your own art as a trait to see what it would look like as a lilnoun. Some time in the future, the lilnounsdao will be accepting new traits for lilnouns (just like nounsdao just did). Your art could be featured in lilnouns!

Scene 7 [illustrating DAO on chain] All the lilnouns are huddled around the computer screen, each squishing themselves closer to the computer so that they can see. The lil noun moves his mouse to click on the DAO link in [lilnouns(dot)wtf] while his lil noun friend has hands pushing up and down on his shoulders [excitedly/gently pushing]. He clicks the link and this time all the lil nouns de-materialize into the computer and appear in a courtroom setting where a gavel lil noun is leading a discussion with a ton of lil nouns in a stadium like seating (looks maybe like a Colosseum) around a center stage. The lil nouns walk out onto the stage pulling their large project out on a wagon and wheeling it over to the gavel lil noun. They reach gavel lil noun and each shakes his hand gracefully. [A shot of the audience cheering]. The gavel lil noun raises his hands [ and the jumbo-tron behind him has the word VOTE! pop up] indicating to all the lil nouns in the stadium that it is time to vote. We start to see lil red and green signs with an X or a check mark indicating their vote appear throughout the audience. More green than red lights appear and the vote is passed and fireworks go off. The gavel smacks the podium and the vote is over. They won and they all de-materialize again into the nounisouri. One lil noun walks up to the chalkboard and writes Day 1 and underlines it. The end. Talking points (Narration): • For large projects, you get to submit a prop onchain. • Currently, you need 3 lilnouns to submit a prop onchain. This limit increases with each 1000 new lilnouns minted (i.e. when lilnouns # reaches #3000, 4 lil nouns will be required to submit a prop on chain). • The proposal should have sufficient detail on what it is you’re trying to do, how this benefits the lilnouns DAO, how much funding you’re requesting, and the wallet address where the requested ETH should be transferred • If this is your first time creating transactions and you need help with creating transactions for the proposal, feel free to ask someone more experienced in the DAO for help. There are many willing hands available. • When you’re ready to put your proposal on chain, head over to lilnouns(dot)wtf/dao and submit it • (can show the full process of going on chain) Scene 7 Summary: Highlights how to submit proposals on chain