Adrift
year
2023
Client
University Project
My Disciplins
2D Animation
3D Animation
Modelling and Sculpting
Illustration
Sound Design
Music by
Richard Kristen
About
During my fifth semester, under the guidance of Professor Börries Müller-Büsching, I had the opportunity to develop this project. It was a fortunate collaboration that allowed us to work with Richard Kristen from the sound studio Kristen and Schmidt, who crafted the score for this film. Together, we aimed to create an atmospheric portrayal of a desolate underwater realm, echoing the themes of entrapment, especially of highly intelligent marine creatures in the present day.
Synopsis
Floating in nothingness without direction or purpose. Existence at bay either in a physical space or a mental prison. Like a fish out of water or whale in a tank. What it means to fear support, accepting it with the risk of vulnerability and the ability to be empathic towards others even if they lack the tools to help escape out of your own prison. „Adrift“ distills those feelings while simultaneously dealing with the immensely frustrating reality of large sentient animals held in captivity for our own amusement. Dive in but don’t forget to come back up to inhale the air.
Stills
Stills from the finished film.
Background Art
I carefully selected perspectives to convey both the emptiness of the abandoned aquarium and the claustrophobic nature of the emotions it evokes. Within the darkness, numerous details reveal glimpses of a forgotten history, scattered throughout the visited halls.
Character Design
While developing my main character, I decided to emphasize her resemblance to the orca she encounters along her journey. Her eyes lack pupils, resembling those of the creature. Her hair, black with white ends, mirrors the distinctive markings found on the orca's body. Additionally, her feet are unusually large, reminiscent of fins. Wearing a long shirt, she has a weary appearance, as if she is lost in a dream, blurring the lines between reality and the fantastical realm she finds herself in.
In regard to the orca, I portrayed him as larger and more robust, creating a striking contrast to the slender main character. This choice extends to other animals encountered throughout the film.
2D Animation Process
The main character is fully animated frame by frame, granting me complete control over her movements and enabling me to authentically replicate the fluidity and grace, particularly in underwater sequences.
3D Animation Process
I sculpted and rigged two versions of the orca.
Ultimately, it was crucial to me that the texture of the model aligned with the overarching illustrated style, while also conveying a sense of weight to evoke the presence of a large, melancholic creature, rather than pursuing a strictly realistic approach. While wild orcas exhibit a remarkable elegance and speed in their movements, it is their inherent freedom that sets them apart from my creature.
