Animation & Motion Design
David McLoughlin
Calico
The goal for my final year project was to create an animated short with a structure similar to that of an animated pilot. The main concept of this project is the theory of alter egos. A person’s alternative personality or ‘your other self’. What if shadows were a personification of your alter ego? A way of overcoming obstacles that would normally seem impossible.
What if this phenomenon could be used for good?
What if this ability was given to a dog?
Calico is a dog who has spent most of his life imprisoned in a secret laboratory with other dogs and experimented on by an evil scientist. He attempts an escape and gets thrown into solitary confinement. Just as he was about to give up all hope of freedom, his alter ego awakens……
The style of the characters is derived from classic Disney animation, to reflect the style of artists such as Aaron Blaise, Glen Keane and Borja Montoro. The soundtrack reflects the actions and emotions throughout. My aim in this pilot animation is to compel the audience to want to discover what adventures Calico and his shadow will have in the future.