Steadfast Tin Soldier
in Collaboration with Timmy Zhou
Summary: animation, interactive,live performance, Max msp, Adobe CC
Role: Director, Editor, Animator
Date: December, 2019
Arduino Sensor
Task
Our task was to take a traditional tale or story and perform it in the style of Object Theater.
Concept
We chose the Steadfast tin soldier and wanted to create a "movie-theater" experience because in recent times (covid) most of us can't remember the last time we sat and watched a film.
For the animation film itself, we wanted a collage-y and stop-motion feel. Here's our moodboard:
Design
The characters had to look odd, but still maintain their true descriptions (i.e. the tin soldier is missing a leg from the knee down). All elements were collaged together using various images.
Animation
All the elements were transfered into Adobe Animate to animate frame-by-frame and get the stop-motion look.
Music/Audio
The music was generated in Max msp by Timmy, recorded, and then edited into our film in Premiere Pro.
Live Aspect
Our final task was to put this film into a virtual "theater" and allow the audience to interact, chat, and feel as though they were there in person.
We came up with the idea to make a discord with the "entry" room that would then lead you into our Figma file that allowed audience members to move their avatars into their chosen seat. They could also grab snacks and live chat in the message box while they waited for the show livestream in Twitch.
Outcome
The live show was a success and allowed people to interact as though it were real life. We had good laughs and enjoyed the performance.
