Another influence on my animation project has been various Disney films, but most notably Beauty and the Beast. When trying to create my own dance sequence for the end of the film, I began looking at a number of sources before finally taking a look at the ballroom sequence in Beauty and the Beast.

Having been so influenced by Disney films while writing the original story for my animated short film, I felt it was only natural to take a look at how the film draws you into the dance between Belle and the Beast. Although I did not try to crib any of the choreography of the scene itself, simply watching how the scene plays out helped me to sort out my own dance sequence in my storyboards.

While working on pre-production for my major animation project, I've been looking at a number of different animated television shows and films. But I think, in terms of art style, one of the biggest influences so far has been Adventure Time.

I feel Adventure Time's simplified character designs have had a very strong influence over the art style I've been using on the project as it often reminds me of a child's illustrations for a fairy tale-type adventure. As a result, I feel that the art style perfectly suits the kind of story I am trying to tell.

Gulisa Character Design

Here's a coloured version of Gulisa in both her servant clothes and her dress for the ball. Just a quick colour job, but it's close to how I envision the final animation (Though definitely a lot more clean-looking!)

Character Designs

Hey there! Here's a bunch of character designs for my animation project, the tentatively-titled "Ashes to Ashes, Cinders to Cinders". Most of these designs were basically me trying to figure out the Prince's outfit and Gulisa's hair (Gulisa being the female lead if I haven't mentioned it before). 

Animation Project Script

Sorry for not uploading this earlier. I've had this done a while, but I forgot I hadn't uploaded it while I was working on my storyboards. So without further ado, here's the script for my main Animation Project! Unfortunately, I'm not sure how to fix the formatting...

FADE IN:

EXT. FIELD - DAY

GULISA and the PRINCE dance and spin around in the center of the field. As they spin the sun begins to set behind them. As they slow to a stop, GULISA and the PRINCE look into each other’s eyes and stare. They begin to lean in to kiss.

CUT TO:

INT. ROOM - EVENING

The MOTHER swings open the door, banging it. GULISA, who is holding a broom close to her, quickly begins to brush the floor. The MOTHER watches her for a moment and then shuts the door again.

CUT TO:

INT. WASHROOM - EVENING

GULISA is sitting in front of a basin with a washboard, furiously scrubbing down her clothes.

CUT TO:

INT. KITCHEN - EVENING

GULISA is washing dishes over the sink. She glances out the window in front of her to see the palace lit up. GULISA glances over to see her MOTHER is asleep in her chair. GULISA glances back towards the window and scratches her chin.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET - EVENING

GULISA leaps out the front door in her dress and begins to race down the street towards the royal palace. 

CUT TO:

INT. PALACE - EVENING

GULISA arrives at the palace and stops to catch her breath. She glances around the room and spots the PRINCE. Slowly, GULISA approaches him and gets his attention. She offers her hand to the PRINCE, who accepts her hand and begins to dance with her. The two spin and dance around the hall, eventually coming to a stop. The PRINCE dips GULISA down, allowing her to look in a mirror. Noticing that the PRINCE casts no reflection in the mirror, GULISA pulls herself up and stares at the PRINCE, who grins and bites down as GULISA screams.

FADE TO BLACK.