3D Computer Animation |

绊 BOND

Mingyue Pang

Synopsis

An agent receives a new mission to rescue her friend who was arrested by the enemy — the AI robot. However, while she was on her mission, her friend launched an attack on her as if she were the adversary. Then, she realized that her friend was under the control of the AI and had become part of their Plan of Nibbling — A plan to replace all the humans with robots. The agent remains steadfast in her belief that her friend will not harm or betray her. So in the nick of time, she decided to sacrifice herself to save her friend, which also awakened the humanity of her friend who was turned into a robot.

The Animation

https://youtu.be/1FSHdoTcSAI

Biography

Each animation is given a unique meaning, which can be an expression of directors’ inner world or their perception of life. In my animation “Bond,” based on my life experience, I would like to highlight the importance of cherishing family and friends. No matter how developed the technology would be, even a computer could calculate a lot of things that the human brain cannot, it is impossible to calculate the affection between people, especially within friends and family. The affection/emotions that include understanding, acceptance, and even unconditional trust is never replaceable by technology. Through my animation, I would like to convey a message that people should cherish the emotions from their close and loved ones and not regret only after losing them.

Background & Storyboard

The background and time setting of the animation is a parallel space during the Republic of China era. This imaginary space is based on the industrial science revolution, and has the rapid development of science and technology. During the Republic of China, human life was vulnerable due to moral degradation, the restoration of the monarchy, warlordism, and the rise of imperialism. As a result, this kind of setting can give me a wide imagination. During the Republic of China period with high-tech development, highly developed technology made most human beings become fragile, and they lived under the control of corrupt governments or dark organizations, including artificial intelligence with self-consciousness.

Character Design

In this animation, there are three characters, agent A, agent B and artificial intelligence robot respectively.

Agent A
The reference of agent A’s appearance design is Yu Manli who is a female agent in the TV series The Disguiser. Agent A has a bun haircut, and wears a tight leather jacket and shorts. This kind of dress is convenient for fighting. Meanwhile, agent A also carries weapons, such as handguns and knives.

The Enemy – AI Robot
The artificial intelligence robot is a dangerous enemy who tries to control agent A. In order to increase its mystery and danger, I design it to look exactly like Agent A. Humans may be replaced by robots. Her clothes will be relatively simple, like some female thugs in the underworld. In the meantime, its body has a green dragon tattoo which many people in Chinese gangdom like using.

Agent B
Since agent B is captured by the enemy, and her appearance comes from some scenes of torture. Therefore, there is lots of blood and stains on her body and clothes.

Environment Design

The environmental reference I choose is Xitang Ancient Town, located in Jiaxing city, Zhejiang Province. This place is close to Shanghai. Agents were constantly in action around Shanghai during the Republic of China. The night scenery and lights of this ancient Town have a sense of decadence with the decline of the society. Even the lighting gave me the feeling of cyberpunk science and technology. Meanwhile, I collected a lot of data on lighting, especially lighting with a sense of science and technology. The combination of technological light and ancient architecture can create the dark side of society needed by animation.

Props Design

Because the main character is a female agent who needs some technology and weapons. At the same time, the animation style comes from the Republic of China era, close to the steam age. The design of props in the animation will combine steam punk with some modern technology. So I add some technology to the story, like motorcycles and guns. I design an exclusive motorcycle for Agent A by referring to some retro motorcycles.