Credits
Story / Storyboard Illustrations
Elpida Panourgia
Editing & Animatic
Elpida Panourgia
Production
Elpida Panourgia / Bournemouth University / United Kingdom / 2014
Animatic Sounds
Elpida Panourgia
Music
«My Mother» by Nikos Spiliotis
Concept
The destructing effects of the technological world on every individual’s life and the need we feel to stop, reflect and turn towards nature to find peace and fulfillment.
The Story
Gerard is an average middle-aged man of the future, who steps into the cue of the tube every day and waits patiently to be transferred to his place of work, without making a single step. His actions, even his face look like everyone else’s. The building he works also looks exactly like all the other grey cold buildings in the city, which remind more of the keys of a computer keyboard, rather than lived places. Gerard also has a work like everyone else’s, sitting in front of a computer desk. However, Gerard is not the same like everyone else. He feels overwhelmed by the hostile environment he lives in and everyday stares outside the window reflecting on his way of life. One day Gerard has a psychological break down at work. His mind and body cannot control all the stress and sadness he feels about his grey life. In that moment he decides to take a big step out of his old life and into his new desired calm life. Gerard starts walking through the city on the opposite direction than everyone else is going. As he walks the buildings become smaller, until they actually vanish and small trees appear. Gerard reaches a shore and stands still. With his eyes closed, he takes a deep breath and smiles. Now his whole face and smile are different from everyone else’s. He is finally back in nature and to his own unique identity.
The Storyboard & Animatic
Gerad’s Dream story and storyboard were created by Elpida Panourgia in 2014 during her studies in the MA 3D Animation program at Bournemouth University, UK, as a concept for a 3D animation film. The story and cinematography of the Gerard’s Dream storyboard were inspired by the work of the French filmmaker Jacques Tati and his unique artistic approach to important issues such as technology, the modern life in the city and people’s alienation.
