Short Films and Performance

Minimal performance in Short Films

With the 3D animations I am learning right now, the key in my learning is to the enhance the technicality, methodology and skill behind the animation. Therefore, the minimal amount of performance can include simple movements of a character to suggest a basic story. This will exclude lip sync, advanced body movements of an advanced character design etc. SIMPLE. Where the script of the action and performance are at their most basic and minimum. In this situation, it is important to rely on what you are using to tell the story. For example, music that follows with the action and sounds effects that indicate a personality to the character.

In the first of these short film animations in ‘Little Things’ (video linked below), much of the story was off screen and implied by the audio and elements the audience are given to interpret.

By designing animations such as this the creator is relying heavily on the appeal principle to engage the audience. This includes a characters style of movement and their portrayed personality. Since the narrative is simple, this makes the audience care for them and draws more attention to the character in the performance. Especially if you imagine a concept sci-fi city environment, and one character on the empty street, their focus and importance would not compare the the environment (in this case it is mostly because of what amazing concept there is to look at, but you get my point).

Other examples of short films:

Many of the short film genre centre around a concept, a message or ‘slice of life’ style. While there are also some that have a short narrative and the character, these tend to not be as good as the ones I have previously stated as it is hard to portray a story that short but also include everything that is needed to make a good story.