Concept:

The plot of the animation will focus on an interview I will conduct with my grandfather, an 83-year-old man that was born and raised in rural Mississippi. I have grown up with stories regarding life in the 1950s rural south, and have always been fascinated with the way of life that was permissible back then. Given the (unfortunate) social and political climate within the current United States, I hope that my grandfather's story would be an interesting political commentary on race within the United State's past. However, as a white woman with a white grandfather, I', nervous to delve into such a charged topic from my perspective, and I hope to do so carefully and respectfully. I have not finalized the actual plot yet, however, there is one in mind I am considering. 

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The story I might cover regards my grandfather and his good friend, who happened to be black. He recalls their dynamic many times, and how the difference in their skin tone brought many barriers between them. What's heartbreaking about their friendship, is how two young boys didn't understand how twisted and downright evil it was that they could not play in the same spaces. There's one story in particular where my grandfather recounts how he had to go into their local convenience store and buy them both an ice cream sandwich because he wasn't allowed inside. I believe that my grandfather's stories about the South before the Civil Rights Movement would provide an interesting commentary given the current social and political climate.

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Color palette: 

The palette will not include an array of bright, bold colors. Although color will be included at points, the color palette will take on a more muted theme. Specifically, colors will include black, white, and possibly primary colors. By no means will it be an entirely black and white composition, but vibrant colors will not be a focal point. 

 

Animation style: 

The style of the animation will take on two main styles: gestural and collage. The majority of the moving parts will be created with gestural lines, even leaning towards abstraction. On the contrary, collage-style animation with more ‘blocky’ moving components will be used. 

 

Interior and Exterior space:

While the actual interview is taking place, I want the background to be simple: just a neutral solid background. At most there could be an accent plant or table, however, space should focus on the interviewee (this is in relation to any video footage). In regards to interior and exterior space, I really want to focus on collage. These collages will consist of mixed media materials such as newspaper clippings, receipts, napkins, magazine cutouts, and labels. Overall, space should have a strong mixed media feel as it is my favorite medium. It’s important to note that both the interior and exterior spaces will consist of collage, with the possibility of photographs. 

 

Sound Design:

While some of the animations might be abstract, I don’t want the soundscape to be. The main focus of the animation should be on the story and the visuals, and the audio should only be used to enhance the viewing experience. Sounds will include the interviewee speaking, as well as realistic sounds that align with what is occurring in the story. Further, light, soft music that may shift with different points in the story will be faintly heard in the background.