Lost Echoes
OVERVIEW
Delving into the intricacies of dreams, I envisioned them as onion-layered stages, shaped by personal experiences, echoes of joyous aspirations and concealed fears, symbolizing the forgotten chapters of our subconscious.
YEAR
2024
ROLE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
PRODUCER
WRITER
DESIGNER
ANIMATOR
VOICE ACTOR
SERVICES
3D DESIGN
3D&2D ANIMATION
POST-PRODUCTION EDIT
About the project
The concept of "lost echoes" was born out of a poetic refection on the lingering nature of dream memories, suggesting that these nocturnal impressions softly reverberate in the recesses of the mind, much like faint echoes that persist in silence. This metaphor lends a delicate touch to the profound impact dreams can have on our working consciousness.
This narrative is not merely an exploration of dreams but a personal odyssey, delving into the layers of the subconscious, a reflection on the delicate nuances of the mind, and an intimate journey of how and why my dreams carry my innermost thoughts and emotions.
Inspiration
I found myself consistently dreaming during moments of calm, when stress and exhaustion are absent, and life unfolds in its routine simply. In these instances, my dreams tend to take on an unusual and eventful nature, prompting me to ponder their significance. Why do these dreams manifest? Could they be reflections of my deepest desires - longings I wasn't aware of, or perhaps desires that my subconscious hesitated to acknowledge consciously?
Research & Storyboard
Dream Journals
3D Process
While re-reading my dream journals, I discovered a recurring pattern in the dreams I vividly recall- they often center around my close family and relatives engaging in seemingly mundane activities together. However, there are instances where the emotional impact of a dream remains intense, even if the details elude my memory upon waking. In one such semi-lucid dream, I could control my actions and interactions, yet the overwhelming emotion stemmed from a poignant realization- my own death.
As a disembodied soul, I observed my family's reactions without their awareness, prompting profound reflections on the fears that may underlie these dreams. Could they be manifestations of my deepest desires or unacknowledged fears? The fear of parting from my family, the anxiety of being excluded and the dread of missing out on their growth while living abroad? Having returned to my home country, Indonesia after 4 years during my school break intensified these emotions, unveiling the growing distance and fear that, the longer i stay away, the more detached I become from the familial bonds I cherish.
The majority of this film was crafted using Cinema 4D and Redshift, with extensive compositing and post-production effects applied in After Effects.
Throughout the pre-production phase, I delved into various lighting configurations and color schemes to shape the film's aesthetic. The styleframes below offer a glimpse into my creative journey, showcasing the exploration of diverse moods through techniques like volumetric fog, varied materials, and more.
Production Schedule
I experimented with Unreal Engine to visualize the scenes with the bedroom, aiming to differentiate the shots depicting reality (presented in various aspect ratios) from those existing within the dream world. I considered using a different render engine apart from C4D's Redshift to evoke a distinct atmosphere.Hence, I replicated the bedroom setup in both C4D and Unreal Engine to assess their coherence and potential contrasts. While the Unreal shots ultimately didn't make it into the final cut due to time constraints, feasibility concerns, and maintaining overall cohesion, the exploration of Unreal Engine was an enjoyable and enlightening aspect of my creative process.
The Sound Designer, Alex Han, and I collaborated closely to achieve the desired sound and music for this film. We utilized Frame.io to upload her work-in-progress (WIP) files, allowing me to pinpoint specific timestamps and provide clear feedback on what aspects were effective and where improvements could be made. This streamlined communication ensured that we were aligned on the vision and enabled us to refine the audio to meet the film's needs. Sound was a very important aspect in this film, so we were glad that it turned out well.
As Producer of my film, I managed all aspects of the project timeline, from pre-production through post-production.I utilized FigJam extensively for workflow organization, including production scheduling, visual references, and detailed shot tracking. Within FigJam, I also documented self-critique notes for each shot, maintained a repository of C4D and Redshift tips, managed seven script iterations, and developed brainstorming mindmaps.To ensure a clear overview of all shots and maintain equal focus on each within the strict deadline of my graduation showcase, I employed Notion for managing administrative tasks and tracking progress."
