Wingnut
2 minutes 35 seconds, Released December 2003
Synopsis
"Wingnut" was my final MFA thesis project at the Academy of Art University where I studied lighting and visual effects in the Computer Arts department. "Wingnut" is a story of an old robot who learns the harsh realities of life and comes to see himself for who he is while feeding robot birds. "Wingnut" finally discovers hope and redemption in the mysterious company of a real bird.
The themes of the film are inspired by own personal experiences in coming to know God. The story concept itself is based on many visits I made to my grandparents house in Brooklyn, NY, where my grandfather spent most of his time feeding birds in the park.
Tools
Technically, "Wingnut" was my attempt (and I stress attempt) at lighting a park location at three times of day, culminating in a graduated transition from dawn to morning. Here are the tools I used:
- Softimage XSI to create the 3D imagery
- Adobe Photoshop for texturing
- Mental Ray for rendering
- Composited with Adobe After Effects
- Performed the original soundtrack/foley effects
- Finishing on Avid Xpress
- Sound design and mastering was accomplished on a Pro Tools automated console