The visually arresting short film merges stunning animation with a deeply philosophical narrative, sparking conversations about gene editing, the future of species coexistence, and the ethical dilemmas of technological progress. We sat down with KvLiam to delve into their creative process, inspirations, and thoughts on what this bold vision means for society.
Regular Day is a reflection of our ongoing experiments with nature and how they could shape a future that feels both surreal and plausible. Humans, in their pursuit of natural fusion substances, genetically modify numerous species. These altered creatures exhibit extraordinary intelligence and physical traits, but they also blur the line between humanity and the animal kingdom. This story explores a world where humans and animals evolve to become more like each other. It raises questions: Have we advanced too quickly? Are we truly prepared for a future where biological systems are transformed and social structures integrate cross-species relationships?
I’ve always been more fascinated by the relationship between humans and nature than by the classic sci-fi focus on alien worlds. Many films about the future prioritize technological advancements, but Regular Day imagines how humans might adapt and integrate into the natural world instead. This perspective allows me to explore questions of identity, coexistence, and humanity's place in the broader ecosystem. It’s a subtle, introspective take on the future—one that’s deeply personal yet universally relevant.
Crafting a believable fictional world was no small feat. I began by envisioning a near-future setting shaped by groundbreaking genetic technology. The first step is establishing a comprehensive worldview. You need to define key aspects like the technological level and societal structures of this world. Then, imagine the ripple effects of these advancements.
For Regular Day, this meant imagining how genetically engineered organisms would change ecosystems, economies, and even human behaviour. One particularly striking scene involves characters trading resources while wearing clothing made from natural materials—orange peels and flower petals—highlighting how deeply humans have integrated with nature. It’s an interesting dynamic. In this world, people use their own characteristics as trade commodities, treating their bodies almost as assets.
Imagining things that don’t exist is inherently difficult. How do you ensure a fictional world feels fantastical yet logical? Striking that balance—where it sparks imagination without breaking immersion—is one of the hardest parts.
From a technical standpoint, I employed a new character animation process. I created human models using Daz, then proceeded with animation production in Cascadeur. Afterward, I imported the animations back into Daz, exporting them as Alembic animations for rendering, ensuring the preservation of the model's details to the fullest extent possible.
Collaboration also played a key role in shaping Regular Day. The music producer, from ZingAudio, was a first-time collaborator. He completely understood the world I was building. Music and sound design are integral to the storytelling, and his work elevated the entire project.
It has to be the scene with the scales. Two characters stand on opposite sides—one with flesh, dressed in orange peel, and the other with a body made of purple sweet potato, adorned with flower petals. It’s visually striking and conceptually rich. The scene encapsulates the film’s core themes of integration and trade-offs. It reflects how humans have become deeply intertwined with nature, treating their unique traits as both tools and commodities.
I think of this scene as a kind of evolution from the visual experimentation I first explored in INFECTION. That project taught me how to use small details to communicate bigger themes, and I built on that idea here.
During the production of Regular Day, I gained some understanding of gene editing technologies like CRISPR. It’s fascinating—and alarming—to think about how close we are to some of the ideas in the film. The question is, how do we regulate these advancements without stifling innovation? It’s a delicate balance.
By exploring these themes through animation, I hope to spark conversations about the ethical dilemmas of rapid scientific progress. There are no definitive answers in the film. Instead, it’s an ambiance—an opportunity for each viewer to reflect on their own ideas about the future.
Creativity. It’s about crafting something unique and meaningful, even when dealing with speculative or abstract ideas.
AI can assist with efficiency, but it doesn’t invent truly original art—it builds from what already exists. In my creative process, AI typically serves as an assistant. I consider it as a tool for improving efficiency, but it cannot bring entirely new art or creativity because it operates by merging existing art forms.
I don’t want to give viewers definitive answers. Instead, I hope they experience the world I’ve created and walk away with their own reflections. It’s not just about the future of technology—it’s about how we, as humans, adapt and find our place in that future.
