GLOBAL – MAY 2011 – “Plum Flower Deer”, an animated short film created by Crush art director Yoho Hang Yue, was originally intended as a piece for F5, a design festival in New York two years ago, but did not compete or get screened there.
Yoho and his wife Queenie, also an art director, developed the story about a pair of Plum Flower Deer (native to parts of China) who are separated by death due to an act of man but are rejoined in spirit. The Plum Flower Deer is one of the most auspicious animals in Chinese culture and is often called “a divine creature.” The deer’s dots seem similar to that of plum flowers, thus, its name was taken from it.
The Plum Flower Tree itself has been the subject of innumerable paintings and poems, representing courage and elegance. The film was draws from Chinese tradition and art. Its closing poem, by 12th century Southern Song Dynasty Chinese poet Lu You, tells of the rebirth of spring and the courage of the plum flower through winter.
“We wanted to bring this story to life using modern tools, but we wanted to keep the timelessness of the poem intact,” says Yoho Yang Yue. “It is an ageless story that draws on the rich legacy of Chinese culture.”
The film took two years to complete and create. Yoho used After Effects, Cinema4D and shot elements to give the painting movement. Crush contacted creative director Didier Tovel at Apollo Studios in Toronto to create a score and sound design that captures the mood of the visuals. The score takes its cues from traditional Chinese music without falling to a shallow pastiche, and still maintains a contemporary feel.
Crush is a fully integrated production company specializing in concept, design, visual effects, editorial and post production.
CREDITS
Story, Design & Animation: Yoho Hang Yue
Production Company: Crush
Additional Story & Art Direction: Queenie Zhu
3D Modelling: Jacques Dell, Yoho Hang Yue
Sound & Music: Apollo Studios
