Discover the inspiration behind Jung's work, his thoughts on the future of the animation industry, and the impact of generative AI. In the realm of visual storytelling and animation, artists like Haram Jung are paving the way for new creative frontiers. As a talented animator and director, Jung draws inspiration from Greek-Roman mythology and the allure of Mars to bring us his mesmerising short film, "MARSISSISM." This project takes us on an exhilarating journey through space exploration, blending the enigmatic character of Narcissus with the mysterious allure of Mars.
Haram Jung's "MARSISSISM" draws from the timeless tale of Narcissus, a character from Greek and Roman mythology who fell in love with his own reflection. However, in Jung's imaginative world, this ancient myth merges with futuristic Mars exploration. The story follows a United Space Forces (USF) astronaut on a mission to Mars, only to face a formidable Martian storm. Determined to return to the space station, the astronaut embarks on a harrowing journey, eventually stumbling upon an underground city on Mars.
This underground city serves as a breathtaking contrast to the harsh Martian surface, bathed in a vivid blue hue that symbolises hope and optimism. Similar to Narcissus, the city's inhabitants are consumed by self-love and create idealised Earth-like cities deep within Mars. "MARSISSISM" explores themes of human desires, personal growth, and the potential of terraforming, all within the backdrop of a captivating sci-fi narrative.
In this article, we will delve into Haram Jung's creative process, storytelling, his foray into filmmaking for the very first time and thoughts on the future of the animation industry.
A: "MARSISSISM" is a short film that combines characters from Greek-Roman mythology, Narcissus, and the planet Mars. It follows the adventure of a United Space Forces (USF) astronaut who embarks on a mission to explore Mars and must navigate through a powerful Martian storm.
In the not-so-distant future, a USF astronaut sets off on a Mars exploration mission. However, upon reaching Mars, they encounter a fierce and formidable storm. Determined to return to the space station, the astronaut struggles to escape the storm's clutches, eventually seeking refuge in an unexpected location - the hidden underground city of Mars.
Upon arriving in the underground city, the astronaut is astonished by the breathtaking scenery. There, they discover a society similar to Narcissus, with individuals captivated by their own beauty and self-absorption. The city's inhabitants have created replicas of Earth-like cities, indulging in self-love and retreating into their own worlds.
"MARSISSISM" explores the Mars expedition and the astronaut's journey, delving into human desires and personal growth. This short film presents an emotionally resonant story and a rich imaginative world, offering audiences new inspiration and a touching experience.
The story explores the potential of terraforming within a Martian underground city, showcasing the imaginative idea of turning Mars into a new Earth.
A: I have always had a profound interest in the SCI-FI genre, speculative science, and space science. The desire to explore space and unknown worlds has always captivated me, and I have consistently enjoyed movies and literary works that delve into such themes. This passion for the cosmos has undeniably influenced my creative endeavours.
Moreover, my fascination with terraforming has been a significant part of my interests and research. The concept of transforming other planets or celestial bodies into Earth-like environments opens up vast possibilities for space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life. In "MARSISSISM," I incorporated my curiosity and exploration of terraforming. The story explores the potential of terraforming within a Martian underground city, showcasing the imaginative idea of turning Mars into a new Earth.
Creating "MARSISSISM," I aimed to reflect these interests and preferences. The adventures of space exploration and the journey of the protagonist on Mars embody my dreams and aspirations for space exploration, portraying a world filled with scientific elements and thrilling space explorations.
Additionally, blending the characters of Narcissus from Greek mythology and Mars itself in the narrative allowed me to create a unique world, harmoniously combining scientific settings with emotional elements. The depiction of individuals akin to Narcissus, engulfed in self-love, crafting their ideal worlds in the Martian underground city, provided an excellent opportunity for me to showcase my creativity and express my ideas.
Inspired by various movies and literary works, "MARSISSISM" serves as a medium through which I contribute to this genre and share my own stories. The film aims to convey new perspectives and inspiration, blending scientific aspects with emotional storytelling.
Overall, "MARSISSISM" is a testament to my passion and dedication, a captivating combination of scientific depth and emotional resonance, intended to inspire and captivate others with its new perspectives and visions.
The underground city scene on Mars has left a lasting impact on me and stands out as one of the most memorable moments in the film.
My favourite scene in "MARSISSISM" is the final underground city scene on Mars. This scene captivates me with its striking contrast to the earlier part of the film, which depicted Mars with its reddish tones and harsh environment. In contrast, the underground city is depicted in a vivid blue hue, exuding a sense of hope and optimism.
The scene begins as the protagonist arrives at the underground city after enduring a powerful storm and numerous hardships on Mars. Unlike the harsh conditions faced earlier, the city is now a breathtaking sight with its glowing blue lights and an atmosphere filled with hope.
The underground city's buildings and architecture are awe-inspiring, showcasing advanced technology far different from the Martian soil and rocks. Each structure is equipped with terraforming systems, creating an Earth-like ecosystem. The city seems like a piece of Earth transplanted to Mars, and its inhabitants, like the mythological Narcissus, seem to create their ideal worlds driven by self-love.
For me, this scene embodies the essence of "MARSISSISM," skillfully blending scientific elements with emotional depth. It beautifully conveys the promise of future space exploration and the quest for life beyond Earth. Thus, this particular scene has left a lasting impact on me and stands out as one of the most memorable moments in the film.
A: While producing the movie "MARSISSISM," the most challenging aspect was directing a lengthy Full 3D animation project for the first time.
The first difficulty I encountered was communication with the team. Each member, including staff and artists involved in the production, had diverse professional backgrounds and roles. This necessitated seamless communication and efficient collaboration. To address this, regular meetings and constant communication between different departments were crucial to resolve issues effectively.
The second challenge was coordinating schedules. Full 3D animation projects involve numerous stages and processes, requiring each step to align perfectly in terms of time to ensure smooth progress. It was not easy to synchronise the schedules of various departments and meet deadlines, requiring flexibility in dealing with delays and changes.
The third challenge was managing multiple aspects of production simultaneously. From storyboarding, character design, animation, modelling, to lighting, various tasks needed to be executed in parallel, demanding continuous supervision and management to ensure everything proceeded smoothly.
Despite the difficulties, I endeavoured to overcome these obstacles to complete "MARSISSISM." Through these trials and experiences, I witnessed personal growth and discovered new inspiration and creativity. "MARSISSISM" stands as a cherished work embodying my passion and effort. I hope that these experiences will propel me to become an even better creator in the future.
A: During the production of "MARSISSISM," I had the opportunity to collaborate not only with familiar colleagues but also with new talents. Working alongside these fresh minds brought a refreshing and valuable perspective to the project.
Collaborating with the new team members exposed me to novel ideas, innovative techniques, and unique skills. I was inspired by their passion and dedication. Their willingness to approach problem-solving from different angles injected new energy into the production process.
This new collaboration provided me with remarkable learning and growth opportunities. Observing their approaches and acquiring cutting-edge skills deepened my insights into animation and filmmaking. We exchanged knowledge and techniques, supporting each other's growth throughout the journey.
The diverse experiences and abilities among the team members created an enriching environment. The collaboration encouraged us to interact and explore new possibilities together. Beyond enhancing the overall quality of the final work, this experience enriched my personal journey as a creator.
All in all, the experience of working with new people on "MARSISSISM" was fantastic and rewarding. Their fresh perspectives and innovative techniques expanded my horizons and deepened my understanding of animation and storytelling. The creative cooperation we engaged in to successfully complete this project felt like a magical journey.
A: During the production of "MARSISSISM," I learned a lot of new skills and techniques related to animation, visual effects, and filmmaking, which were invaluable to the project. However, the most profound realisation I had was the significance of the love and support from my family and friends.
Throughout the production period, whenever I faced challenges and obstacles, my family and friends were always there by my side. They believed in and supported my dream and vision wholeheartedly. Amidst the complexities of the filmmaking process, the time spent with them became a source of strength and inspiration for me.
This experience goes beyond filmmaking and has taught me the importance of cherishing the time spent with loved ones in all aspects of life. Their presence has been a profound and cherished experience that has enriched my journey during the making of "MARSISSISM."
A: As a visual storyteller, one of the most crucial aspects for me is creating visuals that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also grounded in realistic and historical authenticity. While visual appeal is undoubtedly important, I believe that going beyond mere aesthetics and incorporating elements of realism and historical accuracy enhances the credibility and impact of the storytelling.
By drawing inspiration from real-world phenomena and historical events, I constructed narratives that captivate audiences and allow them to immerse themselves more deeply in the storytelling.
A: I believe that sound and special effects play a crucial role in enhancing the overall impact of my work. While strong base artwork is essential for creating a compelling piece, sound and special effects can take it to the next level, elevating the overall experience for the audience.
A: I consider films to be the pinnacle of multimedia art and thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in them. Films combine various artistic elements such as visual aesthetics, acting, music, and sound design to create a cohesive and captivating artistic piece. The multi-faceted nature of films greatly appeals to me.
When I watch movies, I find myself escaping from reality and entering a whole new world. These cinematic works convey diverse stories and emotions, presenting intriguing plots and character developments that evoke deep emotions and insights.
The beautiful visual scenes, harmonious music, impactful performances, and immersive sound design in films profoundly inspire me. They stimulate my desire to create better works, igniting an infinite wellspring of creativity and imagination, infusing fresh ideas into my own projects.
A: The journey of becoming a freelancer began due to unexpected circumstances. Initially, I had been searching for a full-time job in LA, but everything changed with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world adjusted to remote work, I, like many others, found myself adapting to this new way of operating.
During this transition, I discovered the benefits of remote work, which allowed me to maintain a strong connection with my family and friends in Korea. This newfound flexibility opened up opportunities to collaborate with renowned international companies and artists, transcending geographical boundaries and engaging in exciting projects.
I strive to be part of projects that embody high quality and artistic value, evoking profound emotions and resonating with people.
A: In my business, success means encompassing various aspects. While financial gains and business growth are important, there are deeper values that hold greater significance for me.
Firstly, it involves participating in meaningful projects and leaving a lasting impact through my work. I strive to be part of projects that embody high quality and artistic value, evoking profound emotions and resonating with people. By communicating through my creations and conveying emotions and impressions, I aim to positively influence people's lives.
Secondly, achieving recognition as a global artist is a significant goal. Collaborating with artists from around the world, blending diverse cultures and visual styles, and drawing inspiration from various sources are key elements in my creative journey. Being a global artist means engaging with audiences on a global stage, exchanging ideas with diverse individuals, and embracing the beauty of cultural diversity.
A: The project I am most proud of is K/DA - 'I'LL SHOW YOU.' It has received a lot of attention and appreciation from people, and it was truly an honour to work with such a talented team. This project allowed me to showcase my creativity and skills, and the collaboration with team members was inspiring. It boosted my confidence and artistic growth, and I cherish the experience of working together to bring our shared vision to life. It has been a rewarding journey that motivates me for more challenges and successes ahead.
Q: What are three examples of work that you admire the most?
A: I have two perspectives on generative AI. Firstly, I believe it has the potential to revolutionise the industry. Generative AI is rapidly advancing, and models trained on vast datasets can produce remarkably intricate and creative outputs. This can significantly enhance productivity and offer new ideas and visions in various fields such as art, design, music and filmmaking.
Secondly, there are concerns about AI's progress potentially replacing some human labour. Nevertheless, I believe that when used with balanced regulation and in harmony with human creativity, generative AI can lead to even greater achievements. By leveraging AI tools while preserving human ingenuity, we can achieve more efficient work processes and productivity.
Personally, I had an impressive experience using MidJourney AI. Its ability to swiftly generate a rich variety of images was truly noteworthy and positively impacted my creativity. Applying such AI tools to projects allowed me to produce a substantial amount of high-quality images in a short time.
A: The future of the 3D animation industry looks promising, driven by technological advancements and creative innovations.
Here are my key trends that I look forward to:
1. Generative AI and automation will play increasingly important roles in the animation process. AI-based tools will assist artists in generating complex scenes, character animations, and special effects, enhancing productivity.
2. 3D animation will become more integrated across various media platforms, such as films, TV programs, video games, advertisements, and online content. This integration will enable seamless storytelling and increased audience engagement.
3. Advancements in software and tools will enable new artistic styles and experimentation. Artists will have the freedom to push boundaries and create unique visual aesthetics.
4. Remote and collaborative workflows will become more widespread, allowing teams from different regions to work together efficiently. Cloud-based solutions and real-time collaboration tools will facilitate the production process.
5. The animation industry will continue to globalise, fostering collaborations among studios and artists from diverse regions and cultures.
A: Being able to submit my work to Pause Originals, a place I had admired since my college days, was a great honour for me. The process of creating that piece, collaborating with my fellow colleagues, and putting in the effort together was enjoyable, and we shared both challenging and happy moments.
I am truly grateful to my family and friends who have supported me throughout this entire journey. Without their encouragement and backing, I believe I wouldn't have achieved such a significant success with this project. Their support has become a tremendous source of strength for me, providing me with belief and motivation.
Through this journey, I was able to grow and evolve as an artist, and it has ignited a strong desire within me to pour even more effort into creating even more stunning works in the future.
