This animation is what directly inspired the art style for this project. I love how seamless it is from the painted backgrounds to the 3D animation
Two other films that inspired me are Adam and Dog and Princess Mononoke. I love the huge landscapes that feel magical and larger than life. I also love the feel of both films. Neither are afraid of having empty space for the character to think, feel, and explore. Although I don't really have time in a 30 second film for this, it is still something that influences my ideas for my thesis. I also love that neither film is aimed towards kids. The reason why Princess Mononoke is my favorite film is because it is completely serious with a strong message. I don't like how animation isn't taken seriously because it is thought of as being for only kids, so I would love to combat that stereotype with a more serious film of my own.
Character influences
Gender: When I first started to create this film, I tried to think of the kinds of characters that wanted to see in more films as well as characters that I would want to animate. I immediately knew I wanted to create a female lead to be the protagonist of my story. I can't think of any animated films that have a female lead who isn't at least accompanied by a male character. I wanted her to be strong and independent... but not in the traditional sense.
Emotions: Every hero character that I can think of (regardless of gender) is the hero because they are masculine, have a lot of physical strength, and generally emotionless. Even the characters that are unexpectedly thrust into the role of being a hero are generally quick to accept it and just do it. This leads to my next character influence. I am really passionate about mental and emotional health. I have seen many loved ones deal with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and these two things along with being emotional in general have negative connotations. I want to bring all of these things into my main character by making her strong because of her emotions. She isn't strong because she is never anxious, scared, and afraid, shes strong because even though she has fears she overcomes them for herself and the greater good. I feel that is much more relateable than an infallible character anyway.
Creatures: I have always loved animals my whole entire life, and once I became an animator, I have always wanted to get better at creature animation. If I can, I would love to have a creature in my short to animate!
Gender: When I first started to create this film, I tried to think of the kinds of characters that wanted to see in more films as well as characters that I would want to animate. I immediately knew I wanted to create a female lead to be the protagonist of my story. I can't think of any animated films that have a female lead who isn't at least accompanied by a male character. I wanted her to be strong and independent... but not in the traditional sense.
Emotions: Every hero character that I can think of (regardless of gender) is the hero because they are masculine, have a lot of physical strength, and generally emotionless. Even the characters that are unexpectedly thrust into the role of being a hero are generally quick to accept it and just do it. This leads to my next character influence. I am really passionate about mental and emotional health. I have seen many loved ones deal with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and these two things along with being emotional in general have negative connotations. I want to bring all of these things into my main character by making her strong because of her emotions. She isn't strong because she is never anxious, scared, and afraid, shes strong because even though she has fears she overcomes them for herself and the greater good. I feel that is much more relateable than an infallible character anyway.
Creatures: I have always loved animals my whole entire life, and once I became an animator, I have always wanted to get better at creature animation. If I can, I would love to have a creature in my short to animate!