Short Film 'Wāhi'

A hybrid animation blending 2D and 3D with rich textures, dynamic lighting, and strong storytelling- created as my first film within my Master’s degree.

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INNOVATION
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INNOVATION
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Planning
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Consulting
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INNOVATION
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The Brief

“Wāhi” is a short film that I directed and art directed during my master’s degree at Bournemouth University. The brief required each student to pitch a short film concept to a group of 100 students across various departments. My pitch, inspired by a Māori children’s story I was told as a child, focused on the origin and sacrifice of the moth. The story, which combined themes of nature and transformation, was one of 20 ideas chosen for further development. My project was then selected, and I was assigned a team of three talented individuals, each bringing a unique set of skills to help bring the vision to life.

The Process

The development of “Wāhi” began with refining the story and visuals to ensure it fit within the two-to-three-minute animation format. I worked closely with my team to create detailed storyboards and initial concept art. Once the story was locked in, we began the technical process, which involved building 3D models, creating textures, and rigging characters. This was followed by animating the scenes, then focusing on the post-production process, where I oversaw the lighting design and integration of 2D texture overlays. Throughout, I ensured the film retained the aesthetic of my illustration style, blending 3D animation with 2D elements for a hybrid effect. The collaboration with the team across different stages was crucial in achieving the unique look of the final piece.

The Result

The result of this process is a visually striking short film that blends my illustration style with 3D animation in a way that is both fresh and dynamic. The film showcases the beauty of the butterfly and moth, using 3D lighting to create a rich, layered effect. The combination of 2D textures and 3D animation adds depth and dimension to the scenes, enhancing the overall aesthetic. I’m proud of how the project turned out, as it successfully merged two distinct animation techniques to create something truly unique. The visual style and fluidity of the characters stood out as highlights of the film.

The Reflection

Looking back on the project, I recognise areas where I could have improved. In hindsight, I would have dedicated more time to the sound design and voiceover elements. While the visuals were strong, the audio could have been more emphasised to support the emotional narrative. Additionally, I feel that some of the camera angles could have been more varied to increase the dramatic impact of certain scenes. The film is largely flat in terms of perspective, and different camera positions—such as above or below—could have added another layer of depth to the storytelling. Overall, while I’m proud of the film, these are areas I would refine in future projects.
Short Film 'Wāhi'

A hybrid animation blending 2D and 3D with rich textures, dynamic lighting, and strong storytelling- created as my first film within my Master’s degree.

Animated short film "Wahi™ with hybrid animation, Māori storytelling, and rich visual textures.
Animated short film "Wahi™ with hybrid animation, Māori storytelling, and rich visual textures.
Animated short film "Wahi™ with hybrid animation, Māori storytelling, and rich visual textures.

The Brief

“Wāhi” is a short film that I directed and art directed during my master’s degree at Bournemouth University. The brief required each student to pitch a short film concept to a group of 100 students across various departments. My pitch, inspired by a Māori children’s story I was told as a child, focused on the origin and sacrifice of the moth. The story, which combined themes of nature and transformation, was one of 20 ideas chosen for further development. My project was then selected, and I was assigned a team of three talented individuals, each bringing a unique set of skills to help bring the vision to life.

The Process

The development of “Wāhi” began with refining the story and visuals to ensure it fit within the two-to-three-minute animation format. I worked closely with my team to create detailed storyboards and initial concept art. Once the story was locked in, we began the technical process, which involved building 3D models, creating textures, and rigging characters. This was followed by animating the scenes, then focusing on the post-production process, where I oversaw the lighting design and integration of 2D texture overlays. Throughout, I ensured the film retained the aesthetic of my illustration style, blending 3D animation with 2D elements for a hybrid effect. The collaboration with the team across different stages was crucial in achieving the unique look of the final piece.

The Impact

The result of this process is a visually striking short film that blends my illustration style with 3D animation in a way that is both fresh and dynamic. The film showcases the beauty of the butterfly and moth, using 3D lighting to create a rich, layered effect. The combination of 2D textures and 3D animation adds depth and dimension to the scenes, enhancing the overall aesthetic. I’m proud of how the project turned out, as it successfully merged two distinct animation techniques to create something truly unique. The visual style and fluidity of the characters stood out as highlights of the film.

Reflection

Looking back on the project, I recognise areas where I could have improved. In hindsight, I would have dedicated more time to the sound design and voiceover elements. While the visuals were strong, the audio could have been more emphasised to support the emotional narrative. Additionally, I feel that some of the camera angles could have been more varied to increase the dramatic impact of certain scenes. The film is largely flat in terms of perspective, and different camera positions—such as above or below—could have added another layer of depth to the storytelling. Overall, while I’m proud of the film, these are areas I would refine in future projects.
Short Film 'Wāhi'

A hybrid animation blending 2D and 3D with rich textures, dynamic lighting, and strong storytelling- created as my first film within my Master’s degree.

Animated short film "Wahi™ with hybrid animation, Māori storytelling, and rich visual textures.
Animated short film "Wahi™ with hybrid animation, Māori storytelling, and rich visual textures.
Animated short film "Wahi™ with hybrid animation, Māori storytelling, and rich visual textures.

The Brief

“Wāhi” is a short film that I directed and art directed during my master’s degree at Bournemouth University. The brief required each student to pitch a short film concept to a group of 100 students across various departments. My pitch, inspired by a Māori children’s story I was told as a child, focused on the origin and sacrifice of the moth. The story, which combined themes of nature and transformation, was one of 20 ideas chosen for further development. My project was then selected, and I was assigned a team of three talented individuals, each bringing a unique set of skills to help bring the vision to life.

The Process

The development of “Wāhi” began with refining the story and visuals to ensure it fit within the two-to-three-minute animation format. I worked closely with my team to create detailed storyboards and initial concept art. Once the story was locked in, we began the technical process, which involved building 3D models, creating textures, and rigging characters. This was followed by animating the scenes, then focusing on the post-production process, where I oversaw the lighting design and integration of 2D texture overlays. Throughout, I ensured the film retained the aesthetic of my illustration style, blending 3D animation with 2D elements for a hybrid effect. The collaboration with the team across different stages was crucial in achieving the unique look of the final piece.

The Impact

The result of this process is a visually striking short film that blends my illustration style with 3D animation in a way that is both fresh and dynamic. The film showcases the beauty of the butterfly and moth, using 3D lighting to create a rich, layered effect. The combination of 2D textures and 3D animation adds depth and dimension to the scenes, enhancing the overall aesthetic. I’m proud of how the project turned out, as it successfully merged two distinct animation techniques to create something truly unique. The visual style and fluidity of the characters stood out as highlights of the film.

Reflection

Looking back on the project, I recognise areas where I could have improved. In hindsight, I would have dedicated more time to the sound design and voiceover elements. While the visuals were strong, the audio could have been more emphasised to support the emotional narrative. Additionally, I feel that some of the camera angles could have been more varied to increase the dramatic impact of certain scenes. The film is largely flat in terms of perspective, and different camera positions—such as above or below—could have added another layer of depth to the storytelling. Overall, while I’m proud of the film, these are areas I would refine in future projects.
Short Film 'Wāhi'

A hybrid animation blending 2D and 3D with rich textures, dynamic lighting, and strong storytelling- created as my first film within my Master’s degree.

Animated short film "Wahi™ with hybrid animation, Māori storytelling, and rich visual textures.
Animated short film "Wahi™ with hybrid animation, Māori storytelling, and rich visual textures.
Animated short film "Wahi™ with hybrid animation, Māori storytelling, and rich visual textures.

The Brief

“Wāhi” is a short film that I directed and art directed during my master’s degree at Bournemouth University. The brief required each student to pitch a short film concept to a group of 100 students across various departments. My pitch, inspired by a Māori children’s story I was told as a child, focused on the origin and sacrifice of the moth. The story, which combined themes of nature and transformation, was one of 20 ideas chosen for further development. My project was then selected, and I was assigned a team of three talented individuals, each bringing a unique set of skills to help bring the vision to life.

The Process

The development of “Wāhi” began with refining the story and visuals to ensure it fit within the two-to-three-minute animation format. I worked closely with my team to create detailed storyboards and initial concept art. Once the story was locked in, we began the technical process, which involved building 3D models, creating textures, and rigging characters. This was followed by animating the scenes, then focusing on the post-production process, where I oversaw the lighting design and integration of 2D texture overlays. Throughout, I ensured the film retained the aesthetic of my illustration style, blending 3D animation with 2D elements for a hybrid effect. The collaboration with the team across different stages was crucial in achieving the unique look of the final piece.

The Impact

The development of “Wāhi” began with refining the story and visuals to ensure it fit within the two-to-three-minute animation format. I worked closely with my team to create detailed storyboards and initial concept art. Once the story was locked in, we began the technical process, which involved building 3D models, creating textures, and rigging characters. This was followed by animating the scenes, then focusing on the post-production process, where I oversaw the lighting design and integration of 2D texture overlays. Throughout, I ensured the film retained the aesthetic of my illustration style, blending 3D animation with 2D elements for a hybrid effect. The collaboration with the team across different stages was crucial in achieving the unique look of the final piece.

Reflection

Looking back on the project, I recognise areas where I could have improved. In hindsight, I would have dedicated more time to the sound design and voiceover elements. While the visuals were strong, the audio could have been more emphasised to support the emotional narrative. Additionally, I feel that some of the camera angles could have been more varied to increase the dramatic impact of certain scenes. The film is largely flat in terms of perspective, and different camera positions—such as above or below—could have added another layer of depth to the storytelling. Overall, while I’m proud of the film, these are areas I would refine in future projects.
Animated short film "Wahi™ with hybrid animation, Māori storytelling, and rich visual textures.
Animated short film "Wahi™ with hybrid animation, Māori storytelling, and rich visual textures.
Short Film 'Wāhi'

A hybrid animation blending 2D and 3D with rich textures, dynamic lighting, and strong storytelling- created as my first film within my Master’s degree.

Animated short film "Wahi™ with hybrid animation, Māori storytelling, and rich visual textures.
Animated short film "Wahi™ with hybrid animation, Māori storytelling, and rich visual textures.

The Brief

“Wāhi” is a short film that I directed and art directed during my master’s degree at Bournemouth University. The brief required each student to pitch a short film concept to a group of 100 students across various departments. My pitch, inspired by a Māori children’s story I was told as a child, focused on the origin and sacrifice of the moth. The story, which combined themes of nature and transformation, was one of 20 ideas chosen for further development. My project was then selected, and I was assigned a team of three talented individuals, each bringing a unique set of skills to help bring the vision to life.

The Process

The development of “Wāhi” began with refining the story and visuals to ensure it fit within the two-to-three-minute animation format. I worked closely with my team to create detailed storyboards and initial concept art. Once the story was locked in, we began the technical process, which involved building 3D models, creating textures, and rigging characters. This was followed by animating the scenes, then focusing on the post-production process, where I oversaw the lighting design and integration of 2D texture overlays. Throughout, I ensured the film retained the aesthetic of my illustration style, blending 3D animation with 2D elements for a hybrid effect. The collaboration with the team across different stages was crucial in achieving the unique look of the final piece.

The Impact

The development of “Wāhi” began with refining the story and visuals to ensure it fit within the two-to-three-minute animation format. I worked closely with my team to create detailed storyboards and initial concept art. Once the story was locked in, we began the technical process, which involved building 3D models, creating textures, and rigging characters. This was followed by animating the scenes, then focusing on the post-production process, where I oversaw the lighting design and integration of 2D texture overlays. Throughout, I ensured the film retained the aesthetic of my illustration style, blending 3D animation with 2D elements for a hybrid effect. The collaboration with the team across different stages was crucial in achieving the unique look of the final piece.

Reflection

Looking back on the project, I recognise areas where I could have improved. In hindsight, I would have dedicated more time to the sound design and voiceover elements. While the visuals were strong, the audio could have been more emphasised to support the emotional narrative. Additionally, I feel that some of the camera angles could have been more varied to increase the dramatic impact of certain scenes. The film is largely flat in terms of perspective, and different camera positions—such as above or below—could have added another layer of depth to the storytelling. Overall, while I’m proud of the film, these are areas I would refine in future projects.
Animated short film "Wahi™ with hybrid animation, Māori storytelling, and rich visual textures.