Riding on 2D+3D Technology to
Achieve Aesthetic and Narrative Impetus
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Speaking of animated feature films, the first things that come to mind for most people are Japanese and American productions. However, with the advancement of digital technology, the Hong Kong creative industry has also bred an original animation which gets great publicity and popularity, namely, "Storm Rider - Clash of Evils" - the winner of the Best Digital Entertainment Grand Award in the Hong Kong Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Award 2008.
The animated feature film
"Storm Rider - Clash of Evils" was adapted from the best-selling comic
"Storm Rider" by the renowned comic writer Mr. Wing-shing MA. To add colour
to an already successful story, a new character "Jue" has been introduced.
And with the aid of digital technology, the narrative impetus has been
enhanced, making it more appealing to the audience.
Mr. Gordon CHIN Kwok-tung,
the producer of "Storm Rider - Clash of Evils" said that in the past,
the digital technology of animation mainly focused on 2D graphics, but
"Storm Rider - Clash of Evils" had combined 2D and 3D techniques plus
other special effects to enhance the visual impact and excitement of the
fighting scenes. The sensual breakthrough makes the audience more involved
in the animated film. "The interweaving of 2D and 3D effect for the fighting
scenes is a brand new attempt. The 2D graphics retains the original comic
style while the 3D effects well enhances the vividness of the scenes,
showcasing the momentum in martial fighting," said CHIN.
A Breakthrough
That Recognizes Traditional Brotherhood in the Martial World
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| "Storm Riders - Clash of Evils" skillfully blended 2D and 3D effects to take aesthetics to new heights. |
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CHIN thinks that "Storm
Rider - Clash of Evils" has made a breakthrough from the traditional animation
framework and used 2D technique and 3D background to exemplify the complicated
love, hatred and brotherhood in the martial world, as well as chivalric tenderness.
"When compared to other big productions in China, the Chinese elements of this
movie are deep inside the heart, because it is not just about Kung Fu moves,
but also the chivalry, loyalty, filial piety, justice, Zen and morality," explained
CHIN.
Nonetheless, every second
of an animation is made up of 24 frames. To successfully depict the change of
mood and emotion, the drawing skills of the animators and digital technology
must match perfectly. CHIN admitted that the animator's 2D style had strived
to be as loyal to the original as possible, whilst the usage of 3D technology
mainly focused on the background, taking the film's aesthetics to new heights.
This is a milestone for the Hong Kong animation industry.
