Director Jake Wegesin and his animation studio Ambient Press (whose work we track here) just released his latest short film, an ambitious and deeply personal journey exploring themes of belonging and determination.

Jake Wegesin: “This project is a kind of autobiography of the last 10 years of my life. It is a reflection on the depression I felt in past years, feeling trapped. And most importantly, it is a reflection on the joy brought by falling into a community that supports me and welcomed me with open arms.

“Following the archetypal story laid out in books such as Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha and Homer’s The Odyssey, Beyond shows the importance of determination and resolve in finding your own way, and pushing through challenges, darkness, and depression to find a place of peace.

“With my short films, it can often be challenging to figure out whether the story or the character designs come first. Oftentimes, the story helps inform what design limitations the character will have, and in other cases, like this one, certain mechanics of the character inform important story points.
 

“I am sure there will be people who connect with this film purely for the technical and visual elements, appreciating the animation for its own sake. I also hope it will connect with people feeling alone and lost.”

 
“As an independent animator, I am always looking for ways to save on time and animating hours without losing the appeal of the characters themselves. In Next Flight Home for example, each bird had seven controls. The goal of having a simple rigging and animation job is a consideration baked into the identity of the character from the start so it doesn’t feel like we are cutting corners in the service of saving time down the line.

“For this film, the character has little blocks for feet necessitating very little animation in articulation or rotation. He has two fingers and a thumb, the minimum needed to point, open, and close a hand. And most importantly, the simulated element, his hood, provides a large portion of the movement.

“This allowed me to create a pipeline for simulation and art direct elements of how it moved while allowing the computer to create natural and complex movement on its own. Maximum output for minimum input without losing sight of the heart of the character.

“I am sure there will be people who connect with this film purely for the technical and visual elements, appreciating the animation for its own sake. I also hope it will connect with people feeling alone and lost, feeling trapped in that same dark place, looking for a way out.”
 
 

 
Production: Ambient Press
Director: Jake Wegesin
Story: Jake Wegesin, Jordan Ruiz

Original Score: Jordan Ruiz