logline
A girl struggling with stage fear and anxiety battles her inner demons while waiting backstage for her turn to perform, haunted by memories of past embarrassing experiences. Despite her physical symptoms and doubts, she finds a source of unexpected strength to help her face the challenge.
Animated clips
I have used 2d frame by frame animation technique to make this short film. It is coloured in Callipeg app and composed later in Adobe After Effects.
Character Design
Based on my personal school experiences, I chose to model the character design after myself. The initial stage involved determining the most appropriate treatment for the short film. My aim was for the film to evoke a sense of authenticity and emotional rawness, making it relatable to the audience.
The next stage involved identifying which facial expression would best convey the character's shyness and timidity, as well as their lack of assertiveness.
Following that, I proceeded to determine the body shapes and features that would complement the character's personality. My intention was to create a character that appeared fragile, yet also composed and in control, concealing her true emotions at all times.
To determine the character's background, I examined her school uniform and identified the type of school she attended. I wanted to avoid emphasizing the character's economic status, so I selected a uniform that was commonly worn, striking a balance. Additionally, the color of the uniform was crucial, and I opted for blue as it contrasted with the warm, red backgrounds, making the character stand out even though she was attempting to blend in. This color also symbolized the way other students were able to adapt and blend into their surroundings, whereas the character was not able to do so.
The next step involved experimenting with the character's gestures to determine how she would move, as well as how her accessories would interact with her movements.
YOUNGER CHARACTER
Taking inspiration from the costume of Jhansi Ki Rani for the fancy dress competition, I experimented with different outfits for the character. I aimed to strike a balance between a visually appealing costume and practicality, considering the animation complexity and the fact that the character is a 6-year-old girl who wouldn’t be able to handle a complicated costume.
In addition to the costume, I carefully considered the portrayal of the character. I envisioned her as a vibrant and enthusiastic individual, radiating positivity and excitement. Despite wearing a fierce costume, she would emit affection and warmth, adding depth and charm to her character.
Designing the younger character was relatively easier in terms of selecting features, as I didn’t have to introduce new elements. However, it presented its own challenges in terms of ensuring that the younger character captured the essence of curiosity and innocence, contrasting with the older character’s introverted and timid nature.
Visual Development
My aim was to effectively convey the character's emotions through the visual elements of the film. To achieve this, I experimented with different mediums and textures, assessing what worked and what did not. In addition to color, comprehending the composition was also crucial to emphasize the character's presence and emotions within her environment.
I have also added easter eggs which will be more understandable during the second viewing of the short film, after the audience understands the situation.
Prop Design
