The goal for The Linden Performer was to create a high quality 3D animated short film utilizing combined skillsets to then submit to film festivals. Though our concept went through many iterations, we eventually landed on a story revolving around a sentient marionette with a love for dance being taken advantage of by a puppeteer. The "silent" film then delves into the inherent power dynamic between the two as she transitions from performing in an attic without strings to performing on stage with them. After being celebrated for her sentience at the mid point, the puppeteer takes on a more sinister role than before and starts controlling her out of jealousy. She fights back, and wins.
The abstract ending follows the marionette as she falls into the void, her leitmotif and "tug-of-war" music playing as she embraces her agency.
Our goals for this project were a large success, from the story we told to the process we endured. This was many of our first times working on a short film with a team on such a brutal time-crunch, and we were able to deliver in aesthetics, tone, and technical development (utilization of motion capture equipment and further exploring industry standard programs).
CREDITS
Title Design, Poster, Story Director, Previsualization, Acting (Motion Capture), Animation, Visual Effects, Organic Modeling, Cinematography, Lighting, Color Grading, Sound Design, Editing, Compositing
Film
exhibitions & awards
ASIFA IAD International Showreel, 2025
Donor Appreciation Day Exhibition, College of Arts and Architecture, Palmer Museum of Art, Screening Event and Presentation, 2025
Finalist, Bucks Country FilmFest, 2025
Official Selection, Filmmaker Sessions Volume 10, 2025
Official Selection, First-Time Filmmaker Sessions Volume 8, 2025
Selected Production Contributions
Test Pose
Turnaround
Geometry Node Particles
Test Lighting
Programs
