Scenes from an Urban Sunset
Film Direction & Visual Development | 2023
Scenes from an Urban Sunset is a short film I co-directed with Joaquín Testa at Raxo. I led the storyboard, designed the layouts for every shot, developed the complete color language of the film, and painted all backgrounds digitally in Photoshop. This process took about 9 months to mature.
To me this project was mainly a study of light. The most challenging aspect was painting all the sets and environments and arriving at a look that felt both realistic and stylized, also being harmonious throughout the film.
The no-plot story
The first challenge we encountered was to develop a film that stepped away from the traditional narrative of beginning-middle-end. Although we have different acts in the film, starting from the chaos of the city and slowly progressing to more calmer environments, there is no actual conflict. We aimed to do a mood piece with the city as the protagonist.
Once happy with the story progression, we had to design every scene for painting. For this, we relied on 3D software as the basis blocking to draw on top. Here are two scenes that showcase how we went through the process.
Color design
In terms of color, we started with a rough color script to visualize the entire film. This eventually got changed, but it was a great ally to tackle most of the shots. This also helped us see if the color progression was working or where it needed adjustments. After this, it was time to paint. All backgrounds were painted digitally in Photoshop. This was a very long process of coming and going with each shot, mainly focusing on the shadow and light groups and the temperature of each section.
Social Media campaign
As a part of the social media campaign to promote the short film I painted 3 scenes of people that could live in this city. I tried a more loose and rough approach.
Awards & Mentions
The Motion Design Awards Video of the day - May 31, 2023
Stash Media article
Behance Motion Graphics featured project
The Motion Design Awards Video of the day - May 31, 2023
Stash Media article
Behance Motion Graphics featured project
Credits
ECD: Oscar Rivera
Direction: Manuel Freixas & Joaquín Testa
Storyboard & Colorscript: Manuel Freixas
Background Design: Manuel Freixas & Joaquín Testa
3D art, Composition & Animation: Joaquín Testa & Oscar Rivera
Edit & CC: Manuel Freixas & Joaquín Testa
Sound Design: Yan Carlos Colón & Pawel Orlow
Graphic Design: Juan Paolantonio, Francia Vallasciani & Luciana Miglioranza
Production: Ana Beltrán & Mili Salas Carrillo
A short by Raxo
Direction: Manuel Freixas & Joaquín Testa
Storyboard & Colorscript: Manuel Freixas
Background Design: Manuel Freixas & Joaquín Testa
3D art, Composition & Animation: Joaquín Testa & Oscar Rivera
Edit & CC: Manuel Freixas & Joaquín Testa
Sound Design: Yan Carlos Colón & Pawel Orlow
Graphic Design: Juan Paolantonio, Francia Vallasciani & Luciana Miglioranza
Production: Ana Beltrán & Mili Salas Carrillo
A short by Raxo
