"Piel" is a dramatic short film that transformed my career. As the director, I collaborated with ATE Studios to bring this powerful story to life. Using OpenToonz, Blender, Adobe After Effects, and Photoshop, we crafted a visually stunning blend of 2D and 3D animation.
The Genesis of "Piel"
From Trailer Project to Animated Short Film
In 2021, the seeds of "Piel" were sown in the form of a small trailer project. As directors, alongside two dedicated collaborators, we embarked on a journey fueled by passion and creativity.
Inspired by the eerie tales of terror from my grandparents' hometown, the idea for "Piel" began to take shape. These haunting stories, passed down through generations, ignited our imaginations and sparked a desire to bring them to life in a new and captivating way.
What started as a small-scale project soon blossomed into a fully realized animated film. The journey from trailer to "Piel" was marked by countless hours of dedication and hard work. Together, we pushed the boundaries of storytelling and animation, driven by a shared desire to create something truly extraordinary.
As we look back on the genesis of "Piel", we are filled with gratitude for the journey that brought us here. From humble beginnings to cinematic triumph, "Piel" stands as a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and unwavering determination.
Character Creation
Crafting the Heart of "Piel"
The creation of each character in "Piel" was a meticulous process, requiring deep thought and consideration for their backgrounds and motivations. We began by delving into the backstory of each character, exploring their experiences and emotional journeys.
From there, we worked closely with the artistic team to develop distinctive visual designs that reflected the essence of each character. Every detail, from their facial expressions to their clothing and accessories, was carefully crafted to convey their personality and role within the story.
Additionally, we paid special attention to the backgrounds of the characters, ensuring that they seamlessly integrated into the richly textured world of "Piel". Each setting was meticulously designed to evoke a sense of atmosphere and mood, enhancing the overall narrative and immersing the audience in the story's universe.
In essence, the creation of characters and their designs was a collaborative effort that brought depth and authenticity to "Piel", enriching the storytelling experience and leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
Crafting the Animatic
A Crucial Blueprint
The animatic laid the foundation for "Piel", serving as our visual roadmap. It distilled the essence of each scene into key frames, guiding our animation process with clarity and precision. This pivotal stage allowed us to refine the narrative flow and emotional impact, ensuring that every frame of our film resonated with power and purpose.
The Animation Phase
Bringing "Piel" to Life
As we delved into animating "Piel," we opted for a traditional approach, harnessing the power of hand-drawn animation using OpenToonz. Each character was meticulously brought to life by our team of animators, utilizing a technique known as tradigital animation.
With three key animators and two inbetweeners on board, we faced the daunting task of animating approximately 70 sequences in less than two months. This meant producing an average of 2 to 3 animations per week per team—a challenging feat that demanded skill and dedication.
Every animation was crafted with care and precision, with animators pouring their hearts into each frame to capture the essence of the characters and the emotion of the story. It was a labor-intensive process, but one that allowed us to infuse "Piel" with a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship.
Despite the tight deadline, our team rose to the occasion, working tirelessly to meet the demands of the project. Collaborating closely, we shared ideas, tackled obstacles, and supported each other every step of the way.
The result was a collection of animations that breathed life into the world of "Piel," each movement a testament to the talent and dedication of our team. It was a challenging journey, but one that filled us with pride as we watched our characters come to life before our eyes.
Chromatic Visions
Exploring the Power of Color and Backgrounds in Visual Narrative
Initially, "Piel" was planned with traditional 2D backgrounds, but due to the complexity of the scenes and camera movements, we switched to 3D backgrounds using Blender. This decision allowed us to create intricate environments while maintaining visual consistency.
We used a black-and-white texturing approach with a purple atmosphere to enhance the film's mysterious tone, adding a unique visual flair to the backgrounds.
Color symbolism played a crucial role in "Piel." Four distinct colors—pink, blue, yellow, and purple—were carefully chosen, each representing specific characters and their emotions. For example, blue symbolized Chava's sadness, pink represented Hector's intensity, yellow symbolized Jesus' diabolical nature as perceived by Hector, while also reflecting the joy and affection he embodies for Chava, adding complexity to his character. Lastly, purple embodied Martha's mysterious presence and the combination of Chava and Hector's colors.
Throughout the film, these colors recurred, subtly influencing the mood of each scene.In the final scene, as the sky transitions to blue, and Hector's eyes begin to glow yellow, it leaves us pondering: what could this symbolize?
The End?
Reflections and the Personal Journey that Inspires its Narrative
As the journey of "Piel" comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact of telling such a personal story. Like Chava, I too once felt like a monster in the eyes of my father, seeking solace in the happiness and protection my brother provided, much like Jesus. Nights spent yearning for my mother's presence, wishing for a train to whisk me away from my reality—these experiences, woven together, formed the organic essence of "Piel."
Yet, I realize that this is not the end but merely the beginning of this narrative journey. I am proud of how far "Piel" has come, but I know there is more to be told. Each retelling is an opportunity to grow and evolve, to delve deeper into the complexities of the human experience. And so, I embrace the challenge of continuing this story, striving to reach new heights with each iteration.
I've done it twice before; the idea of a third doesn't sound too bad, does it?
This project is dedicated to my mother, Gina, for her unwavering support and love throughout every moment.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals whose invaluable contributions made the "Piel" project possible:
Uriel Cárdenas Aguado
Mario Emiliano Juárez Martínez
José Manuel León Pimentel
Julio Cesar Palma Gómez de la Cortina
Carlos Alejandro Ruiz Anaya
Axel García Luna García
Emilia Fernández Mendoza
Óscar Méndez Ayala
Eduardo Sánchez Ruiz
Gerardo Cabrera
Mario Emiliano Juárez Martínez
José Manuel León Pimentel
Julio Cesar Palma Gómez de la Cortina
Carlos Alejandro Ruiz Anaya
Axel García Luna García
Emilia Fernández Mendoza
Óscar Méndez Ayala
Eduardo Sánchez Ruiz
Gerardo Cabrera
Not all monsters wear the skin of a Nahual