The visionary team at MixCode Studio, led by the talented Julien Chen turn ideas into unique visual experiences.. Their recent masterpiece, "The Forester," for Pause Originals 2023 takes us on a journey beyond 2050, exploring a world where technology and nature collide in a heartwarming tale of land restoration.
We had the privilege of sitting down with Julien Chen to delve deeper into the creation of this unique animation and to discuss many other things.
A: "The Forester" is a story that revolves around a forestry robot stationed in a wilderness area. It embarks on a time-demanding mission of afforestation, but things take an unexpected turn when it encounters a mysterious ancient relic. This encounter triggers a strange and magical event filled with lush greenery and unexpected surprises.
A: We were driven by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the idea of exploring the future of technology, specifically in the realm of reforestation. Drone reforestation technology has gained significant traction in recent years, and we were curious about its potential evolution.
Importantly, we wanted to depict a future that wasn't dystopian or apocalyptic but rather hopeful and vibrant. To achieve this, we opted for a 2D/3D hybrid style with hand-painted textures to infuse humanity and emotion into the scenes. We also added a nostalgic vibe in post-production to make the character feel like an old friend from childhood.
A: My personal favourite scene is when the character gets unexpectedly launched into the air. It's a moment that captures the essence of both losing control and experiencing newfound freedom simultaneously. There's a sense of exhilaration and wonder that I find deeply satisfying.
A: The production of "The Forester" presented its own unique set of challenges, particularly due to the outbreak of the pandemic. We had to navigate through lockdowns, remote work, and the uncertainty that came with it. For several months, our team had to collaborate from afar. The pandemic reshaped how we interacted and perceived both life and work. However, we were determined to stay faithful to our original vision, infusing the project with laughter and creativity despite the challenges.
A: Indeed, collaboration was vital for "The Forester." We worked closely with a creative writer who helped us gather and organise background information. Through discussions, she provided us with breakthrough inspirations, and together, we constructed this unique and somewhat absurd storyline. Collaborating with someone new brought fresh perspectives to the table, which was invaluable.
A: During the production, we experimented with various tools, and surprisingly, we found that some of C4D's native render engine tools were a perfect fit for our needs. Additionally, we relied on our artists' hand-painted textures and the meticulous adjustments made by our compositors to achieve the final appearance of the project. It was a process of exploration and discovery that ultimately contributed to the unique visual style of "The Forester."
A: The pandemic-induced trend of remote work taught us a lot about communication and collaboration when physical proximity is not possible. We also learned the importance of being comfortable in our own company, as it allowed us to stay focused on our creative goals even in challenging times.
A: Curiosity, humour, and endurance are at the core of our creative process. Curiosity drives us to explore new ideas and concepts, humour adds an element of lightness and relatability to our stories, and endurance enables us to see our projects through to completion.
A: Sound and special effects play a significant role in our work. In the case of "The Forester," the sound of the plastic chickens, a crucial element in the film, was recorded using actual toys to ensure that the squeaks had the desired effect. These audio elements enhance the immersion and emotional resonance of our animations.
A: We have a penchant for collecting various memes on the internet and sharing them among the team. It may sound unconventional, but some memes are surprisingly inspiring. For example, the "Duck Army" video on YouTube was a key source of inspiration for the climax of our story, adding the final puzzle piece to our project.
A: MixCode Studio started as a desire to create something fun and unique, with just two people. Over time, as we encountered different experiences and individuals, the studio gradually evolved into the diverse team it is today. Our motto is "LET'S BREAK THE RULES, MAKE THINGS POSSIBLE," and we firmly believe in the potential of creativity.
A: For us, success is not solely about receiving recognition and appreciation for our work, although that's certainly important. Equally significant is ensuring that our team members are positively inspired and feel a sense of accomplishment. It's about striking a balance between creative fulfilment and external recognition.
A: Well, our proudest project tends to change over time as our team evolves and trends shift. However, if I had to choose, I would say that "The Forester" for Pause (no kidding!) is a project that holds a special place in our hearts.
We had numerous discussions about the story, contemplating what the future might hold if we projected ourselves into it while maintaining a sense of humour. Visually, we employed many enjoyable techniques, aiming to make each frame exude the aesthetics of concept art. It's been an incredibly enjoyable production experience, and it solidifies our passion for animation.
A: Here are three examples of work that have left a lasting impression on me:
Mori Building Brand Movie - DESIGNING TOKYO: This piece masterfully combines storytelling with stunning visuals to capture the essence of Tokyo's urban landscape.
BURBERRY "Open Spaces" is a brilliant example of how fashion and animation can intertwine to create a captivating narrative.
Earth Crisis: This animation is a powerful reminder of the environmental challenges we face and the role animation can play in raising awareness.
A: Generative AI has already made significant strides in the animation industry. It has become a valuable tool for sparking creativity, generating ideas, and even assisting in the production of textures and materials. However, it's important to note that the final production of each project still relies on the hands of the designers. They leverage their aesthetic experiences to refine and shape the materials generated by AI into a visually appealing work. This hands-on approach allows us to stand out from the abundance of AI-generated works that share similar styles.
A: With the continuous evolution of hardware and software, the quality and speed of real-time rendering are consistently improving. This advancement will lead to even more immersive experiences, bridging the gap between the virtual and real worlds. Technologies like AR and VR will increasingly integrate into people's daily lives, offering new avenues for storytelling and visual experiences. Visual artists and designers will have more platforms to showcase their creations and explore new dimensions of creativity.
