High Hopes - 3D Animated Short
3rd Year BA Computer Animation Arts
High Hopes is a 2 minute animation inspired by modern era New York City, and dystopian aesthetics, merged with the bright vibrant aesthetics of Mikael Gustafsson and Artem Chebokha. It aims to use symbolism and details within the scene in order to create a narrative. The story is a social commentary on the current political situation in the USA, as Donald Trump has risen to power despite his controversial and discriminatory views. The beginning of the piece has heavy politically satirical themes, whilst the rest of the story has a more serious message of hope and perseverance. The aim was to create a congruous and painterly style with 2D elements integrated in 3D, and also have a smooth transition of moods from the beginning of the piece which is dark and moody, to the end of the piece which is bright, vibrant and hopeful. This mood change is also part of the story, as it symbolises hope rising from the crumbled remains of a battered society, rising up and conquering adversity, and finally emerging stronger than ever.
Synopsis
The story begins in a gloomy run down part of New York City, set in the fictional future, where President Ronald Kemp has destroyed the lower classes by implementing unfair policies for small businesses, strict immigration laws and anti-working-class philosophies. The camera zooms into the window where a child is running around with a balloon, which is a symbol of hope in this gloomy world. The balloon is released and the camera follows it as it rises past the clothing line, it gets caught in a dress, symbolising the struggle against oppression, it breaks free, and continues on its journey upwards. The mood changes as the balloon passes in front of the skyscraper, where the vibrant sky is reflected in the glass. It rises above the skyscraper and the even brighter sky is revealed, and the balloon is shot down, a sense of lost hope, only for many balloons to rise from the rest of the city, ending on a hopeful and uplifting message.
Concept Art
Adobe Photoshop
Propaganda Posters
Adobe Photoshop
Breakdown Reel for the project:
