Rebirth

"Rebirth" is an eight-month-long solo thesis project that I completed, taking full responsibility for every aspect of the film's production, including the story, storyboard, previs, character and environment designs, models, textures, rig, animation, compositing, color grading, editing, and sound design. Throughout my junior year, I spent a considerable amount of time exploring and developing the story for my thesis. The original plot of the story is two sisters escaping from a devastating war. The protagonist's sister made the ultimate sacrifice, buying her time to escape, and giving her an enchanted necklace possessing magical healing powers. Several years later, the main character returned to the ruined land and used the necklace's magic to revive the deserted homeland.

Eventually, I keep on making notes and adjustments to the story. I find the relationship between the daughter and father more complex and interesting than the relationship between two sisters. What struck me as particularly interesting was the challenge fathers face when trying to express their love for their children. Should they shelter their children from the harsh realities of life, or prepare them for the world by exposing them to the truth? This fundamental question served as the driving force behind the central conflict in my film, and I believe it resulted in a more engaging and thought-provoking exploration. 

Introducing the main protagonist, Princess Ping Yang (present):

Her name and characteristics are based on a true historical figure, Princess Ping Yang during the Tang Dynasty.

Princess Ping Yang, known for her intelligence and courage, rallied heroes to support the Jinyang uprising in 617 AD. She led her "Women's Army" to launch a rebellion at Sizhou and captured Chang'an with Li Shimin. After the Tang Dynasty was established, she was conferred the title of Princess and many honors. Pingyang passed away in 623 AD, and was posthumously given the title "Zhao". She was the first Tang dynasty princess to receive a posthumous title and the only woman in Chinese feudal history to receive a military funeral, symbolizing her life of glory and heroic death.

Princess Ping Yang in the short film “Rebirth” is a loyal and brave girl that has the courage to enter back to her ruined homeland destroyed by a devastating war. Once an innocent girl with a hidden talent for healing magic, Princess Ping Yang now finds herself living in turbulent times where she must hide her vulnerabilities and instead don armor and carry a gun for her own safety.

Princess Ping Yang's armor is a unique fusion of traditional Chinese robes from ancient times and Ming Dynasty armor, infused with elements of fantasy-style armor.

Early Sketches:

Final Concept Art:

Princess Ping Yang (past):

The immature Ping Yang is an intelligent, curious, joyful young girl.

She was especially proud of her magical healing abilities, which she loved to demonstrate to her father. But living in a time of great turmoil and warfare, Ping Yang quickly learns that she cannot remain a sheltered princess forever. She must confront the harsh reality of her world and find the strength to make a difference.

Princess Ping Yang's dress is a unique fusion of Tang Dynasty women's dresses and is infused with elements of fantasy style dress.

Early Sketch:

Final Concept Art: 

Princess Ping Yang's father, King Yuan:

His name was inspired by the real historical Princess Ping Yang’s father, King Li Yuan.

King Yuan is a central character in the short film “Rebirth”. Despite his strict and serious demeanor, he has an unwavering love for his daughter and is deeply impressed by her talent for healing. However, living in a time of chaotic warfare, he knows that simply possessing healing skills is not enough - it is also crucial to understand the harsh realities of the battlefield.

Early Sketch:

Environment: Destroyed Forbidden Castle

Ten years had passed since the brutal war ravaged Princess Ping Yang's homeland, and she now she has the courage to return and survey the damage firsthand. As she made her way toward what used to be a magnificent castle, her heart raced with anticipation. Once a symbol of grandeur and might, the castle walls had been painted a brilliant red and adorned with shimmering gold accents. However, what now lay before her was a mere shadow of its former glory - a haunting heap of rotten wood and decay, barren and desolate. The sight of the ruins brought a wave of emotions crashing over the princess as she stood there, taking in the dismal scene before her.

Environment: Forbidden Castle

The Forbidden Castle was inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing. The Forbidden City is a breathtaking wonder of ancient architecture that has captivated the hearts and minds of people across the globe. It is known for its magnificent array of single-floor buildings adorned with savage red walls and shimmering golden rooftops that gleam brilliantly in the sunlight. Yet, what if the Forbidden City could be expanded into a towering masterpiece of not just one, but two floors? And thus, the idea for the Forbidden Castle was born.