Short Films: A New Beginning

Followed by some of the presentations yesterday, it inspired me to generate more ideas for both the short film and television series.

So far, these are the ones that I came up with:

Waiting

An abstract-indie styled anime short about Godly living, and purity before marriage. The story follows the lives of Bridget and Samuel, each going through similar struggles, but not knowing that God has destined for those two to marry.

Film length estimate: 3:30

LINEART

COLOURED

LOGO CONCEPT

The story reminds me of a passage in the Bible where it says to flee from youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22); and that is one of the major themes in the story since it focuses on purity before marriage. Furthermore, I recall a film called Pamela's Prayer which is based on the real story of Pamela Buckling who has never dated and has saved herself for marriage. This reference strongly ties with the plot line where Bridget is being bullied for refusing to have a boyfriend.




PRE-PRODUCTION WORK

This is a trailer that I made around 2 years ago for the short film. Although the story is concrete, considering the time length given for the final year animation, I'll have to somehow merge it into 3:30 without diluting the story as the message behind the animation plays a very important role in the animation.

BACKGROUNDS

 

I used a combination of realistic and draw images and added all the effects needed in Adobe Photoshop. While it may seem like a lazy method to some, there are studios that actually use it. An example is an animated advert made for a university in Japan:

A screenshot of realistic imagery using a camera mapping texture in Maya.

Some of the locations are in reference to realistic places such as Llandudno, Wales. However, I am looking to make simple but necessary improvements to the backgrounds considering the new time length of the film.

Furthermore, I'll be using After Effects to put all the effects together; I'll use other software such as HitFilm Express to add any finishing touches if necessary, and finally, I'll be using Premiere Pro to put together the audio, soundtrack and sequences.

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REBUILD

The story is centered on a final year university named Nayokah, who has badly failed in her academics, to the point that everyone (including her family) look down on her as a hopeless cause. Where has she gone wrong? Can she pick up the pieces again?

Film length estimate: 3:00

LOGO CONCEPT

When writing the story, it reminded me of a book I was reading called Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story; and it somehow reflects with the plotline of the film, as he himself did face bullying, and had academic struggles. Furthermore, personal experience has made the story more relatable to me, particularly towards the main character Nayokah. Additionally, an anime short that I watched not only made the perfect story reference, but it has additionally made me rethink on the time length for any animation I produce including Rebuild.

Turnover by STUDIO 4°C

I'm still going to work on the character concept for the time being, but the number of characters is minimal in the story, including two supporting characters.

CHARACTER CONCEPTS

BACKGROUND REFERENCES

Although it is set in a university, I haven't decided on which location to set the story at the moment, but it may likely be a blend of both of the buildings.

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CHAINS

The story is centred around a teenage boy named Levin, who has been bearing all the guilt of his past for a long time. Until one day, a divine solution comes his way.

Film length estimate: 2:57

STORY REFERENCE & CONCEPT

Like the previous ideas, they are all 2D anime-styled films. However, Chains is close to a music video but still has a story to tell. I remember watching an animated music video by an artist from deviantART, which will act a base to the story for the short film:

Furthermore, I'll also make a short rendition of an existing song by Bob Fitts ("He Will Come and Save You"):

BACKGROUND REFERENCES

Because of the dark backgrounds which will be used in the animation, most of the film will be dark grayscale; however, because the theme of redemption is included in the story, the rest of the short film will be coloured.

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FORGIVING FATHER

Joe McCallister lives in a wealthy home owned by his father who is a prosperous landlord and businessman. One day, he asks his father to give him half of his share (making the family think that he is going for a business deal) and runs off to a far distant country where he starts living a wild and flamboyant life.

Film length estimate: 3:30

CHARACTER CONCEPT

STORY CONCEPT & REFERENCE

The short film is based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32); in this film, while it strongly sticks to the theme, it is set in a modern but slightly more futuristic environment. The theme of the story talks about the love and forgiveness of God towards humanity.

BACKGROUND ILLUSTRATION REFERENCES

As mentioned earlier, the environment is modern-day but with a futuristic feel to it. A lot of skyscrapers and tunnels (which are not in the ground).

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Inasmuch as I like all of the four ideas, I'm considering animating either Waiting or Rebuild.