Mountain Mountain

• Main Author: Cheu, Grace Li Qing
• Other Authors: -
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Arts and Humanities; Animation; Traditional; Experimentation; Storytelling
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/177379
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The aim of this project is to explore a mode of storytelling through communicative lyricism with the use of mixed mediums in order to push the boundaries of animation. The objectives are achieved through nuanced and subtle writing with the use of experimental and traditional animation techniques. The project expands on the metaphorical theme of “mountains'' in a way that is specific to the Singaporean context and demonstrates a unique visual style. Overall, it offers an unorthodox approach to filmmaking which allows for intuition and exploration. The main findings of the project include methods of engagement with different mediums such as watercolour, acrylic, pastel, pencil and digital painting and various techniques in combining digital and traditional mediums. It was found that rather than complying to a strict production pipeline, leaving room for exploration and the development and modification of style in the project greatly advanced the artistic direction of the film. The use of mixed mediums was especially effective when digital refinements such as small animations or touch-ups in colour and texture are added to traditionally-painted backgrounds. The unorthodox approach to filmmaking offered in this project might benefit aspiring filmmakers who value lyrical storytelling and have strong inclinations towards the indispensable quality of traditional mediums in terms of visual style.