About

Cliche: No matter where we are, those who we love are never far behind.

The Plot
In this short story, a little girl searches a fantasy for something long thought lost to her.



The Characters

Wilhemina Pepperidge- A young girl lost in the world searching for her source of comfort. During the Great War (WW1), her father was killed in combat. Now she searches for him in the one place she may see him again... her dreams.

The Beloved- An otherworldly being that is mysteriously connected to our little protagonist. Dressed in garish costume, he heeds to Wilhemina's calls of distress when she is in peril.

The Ghoulies- Haunts found in the fantasy that try to keep Wilhemina from her goal. Representative of the fears of reality in her young mind, the ghoulies seek to drag her into a poor horrific reality... she can't have her beloved father.



Inspiration

As a person who has lost a parent, the pain that comes with it tends to impact my state of mind. Every now and then, I dreamed about my late mother, reminding me that no matter where my life leads, she'll be there to watch over me. This inspiration was the source of my idea. What I had hoped to achieve was a sense of closure now only for myself, but the audience as well.

Influences

What was intended for the film was a dreamscape that was not entirely consistent but still identifiable.  Dreams are never realistic when we remember them, certain things look outlandish and yet we can recognize them. As a basis for this, I looked towards Wilsor McCay's Little Nemo in Slumberland as inspiration for the surrealism. The piece is also to certain extent a period piece, utilizing WWI and Victorian Era decor and art as part of the style.

- Little Nemo (for its surrealism)



                                            Part of the film focuses on pictures to help add
                                            the age to the setting.

                                          Graveyards for the more dreary settings in the film

Eastern influences from fables and folklore

are used. I personally enjoy incorporating multiple cultures

and this animation gives the opportunity for such

                                                      Inspiration for Wilhemina's design
                                                  
     
                                             Another dreary graveyard for the supernatural
                                             settings in the film.  

                                          Settings for the Victorian style of the film

Inspiration for Wilhemina's father's design

                                                       Another Victorian frame for the film