This week, we dove straight into story.
After deciding to use 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) as the backdrop for our scenes, developing a narrative felt like the most natural next step. We created a short, symbolic and abstract love story, which we plan to present as a music video. Every element is intentionally crafted to complement the dreamy, slightly surreal atmosphere of 3DGS environments.
On the technical side, we’re exploring AI-driven motion-capture solutions while also running manual mocap sessions using a physical rig. Since our team isn’t animation-focused — and animation itself isn’t the core of this project — we’re intentionally keeping character animation efficient so we can devote more time to building rich 3DGS environments and objects.
With the story and storyboard in place, we’ve begun mapping scenes and assigning tasks. In broad strokes, we are:
- Setting up scenes and virtual cameras in Unreal Engine to get ready for “filming” later
- Placing and refining 3DGS models
- Motion-capturing two performers to embody our main characters, Shadow and Light
- Developing shaders that define Shadow and Light’s visual styles
- Preparing smaller 3DGS assets as environmental details
- Soft-locking the tone of the music
Tools: mocopi by Sony, Blender
Progression of Sound
Here’s a quick “listen” comparing how the music has evolved alongside the project. Oliver, our sound designer, shared that he’s stepping outside his comfort zone by composing a piece centered on love — a new direction for him creatively.
Original scene version:
Current storyboard version:
Story Outline
Below is the narrative outline using the Pixar story structure (the full storyboard is available on the Media page).
Once upon a time, there was a Shadow, alone in their bedroom.
Every day, Shadow visits the supermarket.
Until one day, Shadow drops an apple — and meets Light.
Light picks up the apple and returns it.
The supermarket dissolves, and suddenly Shadow and Light are in love.
Because of that, they begin dating.
The romantic stage:
Shadow and Light stroll through a botanical garden, appearing as giants — as if they are the only two people in the world.
The transition:
They walk down a hallway. Outside the windows, joyful scenes unfold while the hallway itself feels like spring. Gradually, the outside world turns bleak, and the hallway shifts into winter. At the same time, their brightness levels change: Light dims, while Shadow grows brighter.
The conflict:
On a dark, snowy night, Shadow and Light face each other in a silent stand-off. Light is nearly translucent. Shadow has dimmed back to their original shade.
Until finally, they separate beside a giant Mechanical Clock.
Light walks away. Shadow stays.
The clock dissolves, symbolizing the end of their shared time.
Resolution:
Shadow is alone in the bedroom once again.
3/16-3/20/2026