Making animation film with hybrid technique : conceptual framework, production and reflections

Abstract

This thesis presents the process of making a short animation film from start to finish - from the conceptual base to the production process - and exploration beyond film media. The animation, titled MAMIMIMUMEMO, was made with the intention to explore the theme of alien, otherness and disability, using a mix-media method between motion graphics and traditional hand-drawn animation. The overarching topic of disability, how it is constructed by and through media representation, and where it stands in contemporary culture is discussed, standing as the main theoretical starting point that kickstarts the development of the short film.

Confronting the topic of disability directly is not the goal for this film. Instead, the animation is an exploration for the author to explore visual structures through which otherness is perceived by having aliens as a metaphor for disability: how they interact, coexist and thrive with the world around them. Animation becomes the medium to explore structures of representation - rather than depict the subject literally - a meta commentary on how difference is constructed via visual media.

Positioning contrasting animation styles together proves useful to further reinforce the central theme while also adding artistic value to the work. Commercial tools such as Adobe programs and Procreate Dreams were used to develop distinctive stylised visuals for the film. This implementation lays out insight gained regarding technique and tools to achieve media hybridization.

The final work’s success in its message delivery is examined based on audience reaction, documented through private screenings and surveys. From these findings, key takeaways are established on how to improve narrative construction and storytelling methods in a concept-based workflow.