Julia Eirecka Batutay
"Counting Fish" is an animated short film about a woman who relives her past through dreams and memories. In transforming into a fish she finally understands what she has been supressing for all the years she's been living in solitude.
The main objective with my short film was to create a story personal to me and for others to relate to as well. This film was based on my own personal experiences and connection with the lives of other people I have encountered. My aim was to take both of these aspects, merge them through the animation in hopes that it can connect to a larger audience as I believe it is a feeling and emotion to be shared.
While this project for me has served as a tool for expression I explored my love for character animation and enjoyed the process of storyboarding, designing, producing and directing this film.
I have learned many skills while directing and producing my final year film project. I initially doubted my ability to take the role as a director when pitching the idea for this film. As I began to develop, communicate with collaborators and lecturers, my confidence started to build as a director and I gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to become one.
This project has come with numerous obstacles and struggles, but it has also taught me how to overcome them. I have had to adapt and learn many skills during a short period of time but have learned essential skills that are now a part of my main frame of work.
Through the inspiration from my friends and family, my experiences of life alongside them are the reason why I create and enjoy what I do.
Hey! I'm Julia, an animator who mainly specialises in 2D and enjoys all aspects of the animation pipeline. I directed my short film "Counting Fish" for my final year at IADT. Through producing this film I have explored my love for creating compelling characters and bringing their stories to life.
