STIFF - CG short film using USD pipeline, Lumen and Pathtracing

Just because you're stiff doesn't mean you're a stiff. This is a CG short film about an old, unsold and broken wooden mannequin living in an Arts & Craft shop in London with a dream of being a painter to express its creative mind. Although facing doubters and issues, Stiff learns how to overcome his disabilities.
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Creating 'Stiff' has been an incredibly fulfilling journey that allowed me to explore various aspects of filmmaking, storytelling, and visual artistry. As a soon-to-be graduate from Visual Magic in Sweden, my goal was to craft a poignant short film that transcends dialogue, relying instead on the power of visual storytelling to evoke emotions and resonate with audiences.
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'Stiff' is the result of countless hours of dedication and creativity, marking a significant milestone in my journey as a CG artist.
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The heart of the film lies in 'Stiff,' an old, unsold wooden mannequin. Through meticulously structured character arcs and the interplay of protagonist versus antagonist dynamics, I aimed to breathe life into 'Stiff' and his world.
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Silence became a powerful narrative tool, allowing me to communicate emotions and drive the story forward through imagery, composition, and design. By weaving a tale without dialogue, I invited the audience to experience 'Stiff's' world through their own interpretation.
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My approach to shot composition involved a layered technique, prioritizing elements based on importance and screen presence. This meticulous planning ensured that each frame contributed to the overall narrative and visual impact.
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'Stiff' enabled me to embrace all facets of filmmaking, from scripting and storyboarding to animation and editing, granting me insights into each stage's significance and interplay.
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The central character, 'Stiff,' embodies resilience, creativity, and the yearning for self-expression. A discarded mannequin longing to break free from the constraints of his own rigidity, 'Stiff' seeks to transcend his limitations and become an artist. The portrayal of 'Stiff' was brought to life through meticulous modeling, rigging, and texturing, each detail capturing the wear and tear of time.
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The film's environments were equally vital in grounding 'Stiff's' narrative. The vintage Art & Crafts shop, London's cobblestone streets, and the cozy kitchen scene were meticulously crafted to immerse the audience in a world that breathes authenticity.
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Through my exploration of USD (Universal Scene Description) workflow, I seamlessly transferred assets and lighting between software, ensuring continuity and an enriched creative process. Additionally, ACES color management played a crucial role in enhancing realism and elevating the film's overall visual impact.
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As with any creative endeavor, there were challenges to overcome. The journey illuminated the importance of effective project management, the dedication of animating, and the value of adhering to a meticulously structured workflow. Balancing my own expectations with the project's demands led me to newfound appreciation for the intricacies of animation and the delicate art of compositing.
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Ultimately, 'Stiff' is a testament to persistence, creative vision, and a passion for storytelling. It represents the culmination of countless hours, relentless dedication, and a journey that has significantly expanded my skill set and artistic horizons. I am immensely proud of 'Stiff' and hope that its message resonates with audiences, inspiring them to believe in their own potential even when faced with doubt.
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Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more stories and experiences in the future.
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Warm regards,
Michael Tiedtke