Research
At the very beginning of our research, we chose the different molds we wanted to use for the film. We tried several versions with different shapes and colors. Then, we created some environments and changed the molds' colors depending on the placement. We also did some research on the movement it could have. In the end, we preferred to keep the molds in their true colors to maintain the authenticity and realism.
Then we started introducing Shim into the scenery and landscapes. He had to be present, but the mold had to remain the main character. Shim also had to have colors that weren't too saturated so he could blend into the scenery like a chameleon.
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When all the initial research was done, we had to focus on the first garden and the jungle. We needed two gardens with some mold in common but still very different in terms of color, contrast and shape.
We first created two color palettes to help us get a preview of the colors.
Then we created two concept art pieces.
A first garden with very vivid, saturated and bright colors, but set in the dark environment of the fridge's interior.
The jungle is filled with darker, desaturated colors to mirror Shim's anger and sadness, while keeping his artistry and aesthetic sense.
The first garden was harder to conceptualize, as we took inpiration from english-style gardens with strict composition rules.. We visited the Jardin des Plantes in Montpellier to get a view of the real thing. Denis, the curator, also guided us in our ideas.
Concept art
After setting the general brightness for our inside shots, we got started on some concept art of the first garden ; then the rest came easily.
Photobashing
We did some photobashing to make our concepts as realistic as possible. This really helped us understand and visualize what our film would be like, as well as to get a feel of the macro effect. We also saw lots of documentaries on mold in order to extract interesting macro shots and interpret them in photo bashing.
We learned to photobash on the fly but with some dedication we were able to produce some very satisfying work.
