Description:

Counterpart is a hybrid 3D/2D animated short film about an unexpected friendship between a robot and a dog in a post-apocalyptic world.
Through the creation of Counterpart, we explored the research question of "How can I develop a hybrid 2D/3D animation to convey a character-based non-verbal narrative". Our research led us to find a style to blend with the 2D effects in a 3D animation.
Another research question we tackled was, “How to immerse the audience in a post-apocalyptic world using storytelling and visual techniques and environmental design.” Our research led us to find environmental inspirations and analyze the use of design and techniques to tell the theme.
To find the immersion we must discover our style. We created a mood board and did many render tests using 3D software. We decided to go with a more painterly style as it fits the post-apocalyptic theme. Painterly styles are used as a way of capturing history.
To convey the theme of post-apocalyptic is not only to make use of the painterly style but also use the environment layout and imagery. We made use of real-life objects and buildings from what was once clean and repaired to dirty and ruined. We were inspired by the look of Chernobyl and how nature took over technology leaving for more animals to live freely.
This gave the idea of a living animal and humanoid robot dynamic. It’s a dynamic that is rather interesting since both characters are very different. The robot is more intelligent, and in need of survival while the dog is not smart and always happy. This dynamic conveys the story of nature vs technology theme.
This painterly style combined with the environment layout and characters in the story, is used to leave the audience to interpret how the post-apocalyptic world was created.