Creatively driven process: using a virtual production workflow to achieve a creative vision

My thesis is a case study on the process of creating my thesis film Aglaea, an animated short movie created with the use of virtual production techniques. In this paper, I focus specifically on my virtual production workflow and how it impacted my decision- making. I concentrate on balancing the technological and practical constraints with the story and creative vision I set out to achieve while letting each aspect influence the others. ❧ Aglaea utilizes performance capture in conjunction with a game engine. It differs from many animated films in that the final video material is exported directly from the game engine, allowing me to incorporate real-time visual effects that respond to the performances of the actors. Visually, my goal was to achieve a stylized, rich aesthetic reminiscent of more traditional computer generated (“CG”) animation. Though I delved into many technological endeavors, I aimed to create a compelling, honest story with believable characters. In addition, the technology has helped facilitate the creation of this story, while the story itself has also affected the workflow supporting it. The film is loosely inspired by the Greek mythological Graces, who are three sisters said to bring happiness to others. I have reimagined the Graces as entertainers of the heavens, and have focused my story on the youngest sister, Aglaea. The film tells the story of Aglaea’s journey towards self-confidence and maturity, shown through the development of her celestial light talent as she is stranded on the human world. During the film, Aglaea transitions from feeling overshadowed by and dependent on her sisters to seeing herself as their equal, but with her own unique identity.