✧ Michelle Huynh ✧

The main storyline was to cut an apple as it was a basic movement that could be expanded on. It grounded the viewer so the editing can be jarring. Thumbnail sketches and a list of items to be used were made.When setting up the camera, shots were set up to hide certain angles so tape could be put down as markers to move each leg/item. Everything was recorded in short bursts; actions were repeated of different combos in jackets and items, and still shots were about five seconds long. All clips were then compiled and edited frame by frame, some shots were sped up/zoom-in post-production.

The first step was making thumbnail sketches for all the possible different environments. Along with venturing into lighting, brushes, and studies of how a cat walks.

Each 2D-drawn cat was drawn with a different brush and had eight frames. The 3D model was brought in from a free online source, textured to match the 2D ones, and rigged in Blender.The backgrounds were drawn in three frames, distinct by using only the gouache, pencil, and pixel brush. They're based on by different sources like Jujustu Kaisen, Loona, and dreams.The shadow was edited in using a multiply layer of three frames along with Little Meow Meow's frame rate being purposely different than the background. Everything was then compiled and edited in Adobe Premiere. The music is instrumental of Daechwita by Agust D.

After a satisfying storyboard was created, a script was written to do the narration of the piece. The voiceover was quickly done and edited as compositions/assets were being created at the same time.When creating assets, it was important to plan all moving objects to be on different layers. The art style was inspired by comic books/webtoons so tonal dots and colors go beyond the lines. Everything was then exported into After Effects.3D objects and the camera tool were used to create a scrolling effect with panning on the side. The hardest part was animating the bonefish to swim and feel alive. All parts of the fish were in 3D to give it more depth. Camera blur and turbulence effects were key in making everything come together.Sound effects were added last including morning and night background noises.

A storyboard was created with the idea of a fully fleshed-out game to be created. However, the pacing for the video didn't work and several thumbnails had to be scrapped.Assets were then created to be imported into Adobe After Effects. Compositions were created based on moving subjects ie the background, the mouse, and the love interest. The entire video was then overlayed with pixelated graphics to achieve the gaming look. Music and sound effects were added last. The song playing is an 8Bit cover of Cupid by Fifty Fifty.

Ideas were played a lot based on food puns. The original concept was a mouse and cat concept but the cat didn't match well with the mouse.Assets were then drawn out in parts. Backgrounds and subjects were drawn on a much bigger scale than the video format so everything stayed clean and crisp despite how many movements the subject had.Plugging everything into After Effects, a lot of keyframes and motion curves were used. The audio was added last and to make it light-hearted the person speaking is audio of Isabel from Animal Crossing speaking.

The project involved a planned multiple-day shoot, with numerous thumbnails created to expedite setup. The team divided into those interested in acting and those preferring behind-the-scenes roles. The actors went through their lines and rehearsals, while the background crew focused on lighting and sound.The director organized the film schedule, arranged the set for the actors, and provided basic recording instructions to the background crew. Over two hundred shots and audio recordings were reviewed, and quick mockup edits of the final video were created for team critique and updates.For the finishing touches, a music producer was brought in to create original music for the film. The entire production was then converted to black and white to achieve a 1950s aesthetic.The project was inspired by films like, Singin' in the Rain (1952), All About Eve (1950), and The Wizard of Oz (1939).

About

Michelle is a freelance Asian-American artist based in Virginia. She has skills in a multitude of different media. From videography to animating, her works are a reflection of what she wants to project to the world; to learn more about storytelling through art and having fun with making them.Michelle is currently getting her bachelors from VCUArts in Kinetic Imaging.Contact:
huynhmichelle888@gmail.com