Missing U

Missing U by Brooke Wagstaff, Senior Thesis film at Ringling College of Art and Design.

Who?
Brooke Wagstaff (responsible for everything except the voice of U)

What?
An animated tale about the letter I, a lonely author who lives life with a sigh. Upon discovering that U is missing, I goes on a perilous adventure to find him. As she journeys through increasingly unfamiliar territory, I is forced to face her fears and grow as a character.

Why?
This film is my senior thesis in Computer Animation, so it was strongly influenced by my college’s departmental restrictions. For example, our initial animatics could be no longer than two minutes. I knew that I wanted to explore a believable character arc for I within that restriction, and the journey format allowed there to be an implied passage of time. I also knew that I wanted to make a film that demanded animation (vs. live action). I greatly admire Sylvain Chomet, Henry Selick, Hayao Miyazaki, and Adam Elliot, taking inspiration from their work.

How?
The film was made entirely in 3D, but was styled to mimic other types of animation as a way of emphasizing the complexity of I’s journey. I knew that I wanted her to end up in a lush and fully realized world, so she starts at its polar opposite — a flat room without color, perspective, light, or form. The environment becomes increasingly complex the further she travels.

Next Project?
Right now I’m between projects, but I’m constantly making notes and doodles about what I’d like to work on next.

Which animated film would you like to have made?
Mary and Max, Coraline, The Illusionist — so many!