Project Deconstruction

Using Element 3D (After Effects plugin), i wanted to experiment with simple 3d models, and create a short story with no spoken words or text. Using only music and visuals, i wanted to explore the emotions of two characters as they navigate the smooth and rough terrains of love.

Finding Free Models

At first i wasnt sure which direction i wanted to take. I played with a few different OBJ models downloaded from TurboSquid.

Textures and meaning

I wanted the pair to seem like they complimented each other. I pictured the male as being very rough around the edges. Broken. Once beautiful, now tarnished. For the female i imagined her as being well polished and smooth like clean granite or marble. You can see the progression of the texture throughout.

The Ring
Arguably the most important part. I looked at several styles of rings, and to hint towards mid-century times, i went with a simple ring, with a bit of tarnish/imperfection – as this might have been the most affordable and easiest to forge.

The Serpent Dagger
The dagger is a metaphor for greed and jealousy. Like a snake these feelings creep in and cut like a knife. I went with a polished copper gold to show how strong and precious these feelings can become and how hard they are to resist.

The Victim 
Is it he, or she that suffered the blow? We will never know.
You could say the rough texture indicates the males skull, however in the end they were both worn down and broken.

Lighting

For lighting i wanted to use blue for the ambient and purple as a symbol for growing passion. As they meet, we see the passion lights him up and we follow their hands as they embrace the rig, the purple becomes more intense and flows over them.

Post Production

Adding atmosphere to the scene brings the character to life.
Subtle snow/dust, and light leaks for some flare.

Til'Death

Love lasts for a time.
Jealousy and greed are not far behind.