On July 14th, amidst a backdrop of suspense and excitement, Tencent Video's highly anticipated original animated shorts collection finally lifted its veil, launching with its debut works "Save Me" and "Lantern Blade" under the "Stop-Motion Animation Series". These shorts, exclusive to Tencent Video's JUMP Card, mark the beginning of a journey into the realms of fantasy and creativity. Featuring 12 animated shorts crafted by a diverse group of 12 directors from around the world, the collection is structured around three main themes: "Stop-Motion Animation Series", "Young Directors Series", and "Great Artists Series".
Innovative Storytelling through Classic Animation
Imagine finding a message in a drifting bottle inside a public restroom toilet – it reads "Save Me" (救我) alongside precious diamonds. Between the struggle of desires, would you choose to rescue the one in distress or wait for more diamonds? This is the premise of "Save Me", a whimsical tale that navigates through twists and turns of wuxia adventure and mystery. Meanwhile, "Lantern Blade" (灯笼刀) dives into the realms of traditional martial arts and Lovecraftian horror, bridging Eastern and Western elements to convey universal values of truth and beauty.
Upcoming in the series, "The Inn of Heroes" promises a modern-day comedic take on martial arts, blending warmth and chivalry amidst the mundane lives of its protagonists. On the other hand, "Stormy Bridge: Kunlun Mole" (风雨廊桥:昆仑摩勒) is set against the tumultuous backdrop of Tang Dynasty, employing a gripping black-and-white realistic style akin to cinema, unraveling the survival amidst chaotic times.
Reviving Traditional Art with New Stories
The term "Stop-Motion Animation" itself carries a rich legacy in Chinese animation history, and Tencent Video's revival of this art form injects fresh vitality into it. Each work in the series, produced by Tencent's Star Dynamics Studio and Mengdong Studio, showcases meticulous craftsmanship and imaginative storytelling. "Lantern Blade" particularly blends traditional martial arts with cosmic horror, appealing across ages and cultures with its enriched narrative and stylistic fusion.
In contrast, "The Inn of Heroes", a labor of love employing over 250,000 meticulously captured photos, celebrates craftsmanship in stop-motion animation, offering a glimpse into the dedication and skills of its production team over three years.
Promoting Diversity and Originality
The ongoing "Daydream Animation Short Film Series" exemplifies Tencent Video's commitment to nurturing young Chinese animation talents and incubating high-quality original content. Following the success of their 2021 Chinese Youth Animation Directors Support Program, Tencent has been pivotal in guiding a new generation of creators to explore imaginative realms and elevate the industry's creative standards.
The upcoming "Daydream Animation Short Film Series" promises diverse offerings, including "Shanhai Lu: Mirage Chapter", blending Chinese folklore with steampunk aesthetics, "Candy Fantasia", a healing candy-themed musical adventure, "Word Array", a tale of demon-slaying through the power of words, and "Shen Xian Qu: Time Bell", a stunning journey through time and space in ancient China. Each piece reflects a unique artistic expression driven by the ideals of animation.
Tencent Video's "Great Artists Series" stands as the pinnacle of this initiative, emphasizing collaboration between Chinese and international directors to explore profound themes through animation. Notably, "TAISU project", spanning CG to hand-drawn animation, delves into the metaphysical journey of protagonist Aita and the mysterious power of "taisu", offering a fresh narrative approach that respects life and contemplates the world's complexities.
Driving Innovation in Chinese Animation
Guided by a strategy of "Technology + Art", Tencent Video continues to deepen its investment in the Chinese animation industry. The launch of the original animated shorts collection underscores Tencent's unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and creativity. Importantly, nearly every story in the 12-part collection draws from traditional cultural elements, showcasing Tencent Video's leadership and cultural stewardship in the online video platform landscape.
As Tencent Video continues to unveil more captivating original stories every Saturday and Sunday, viewers can expect an ongoing showcase of creativity and imagination that pushes the boundaries of animation.
Embracing Cultural Heritage in Modern Animation
The release of Tencent Video's original animated shorts collection not only signifies a commitment to innovation but also a celebration of cultural heritage. By integrating traditional Chinese elements into modern storytelling formats, Tencent Video bridges the gap between past and present, appealing to both domestic and international audiences.
"Stormy Bridge: Kunlun Mole" exemplifies this approach by immersing viewers in the turbulent era of late Tang Dynasty China. Its stark black-and-white visuals evoke a sense of historical authenticity while presenting a narrative that resonates with universal themes of survival and resilience. This fusion of historical backdrop with contemporary animation techniques underscores Tencent Video's ability to reimagine traditional stories for a modern audience.
Similarly, "The Inn of Heroes" injects humor and warmth into the martial arts genre, portraying the daily lives of martial artists in a contemporary setting. Through its meticulous stop-motion animation, this series not only entertains but also showcases the artistry and dedication of its creators, highlighting the enduring appeal of traditional craftsmanship in animation.
The "Daydream Animation Short Film Series" (白日梦动画短片集) further expands on this foundation, offering a platform for young Chinese directors to explore diverse themes and styles. From the fantastical realms of "Shanhai Lu: Mirage Chapter" (山海戮·蜃景篇)to the whimsical journey of "Candy Fantasia", each short film in this series brings a unique perspective and artistic flair, pushing the boundaries of what animation can achieve.
In the "Great Artists Series", Tencent Video collaborates with renowned directors like Li Wei and Weng Ming to create visually stunning and thematically rich narratives. "TAISU project", for instance, delves into existential questions through its exploration of time and mystical forces, demonstrating Tencent Video's ambition to elevate animation to an art form that transcends cultural boundaries.
Fostering Innovation and Talent
Beyond artistic expression, Tencent Video's original animated shorts collection serves as a catalyst for industry innovation and talent development. Through initiatives like the Chinese Youth Animation Directors Support Program, Tencent Video nurtures emerging animators and encourages them to push the boundaries of creativity. By providing a platform for experimentation and originality, Tencent Video empowers creators to explore new techniques and narratives, ensuring a vibrant future for Chinese animation.
The success of Tencent Video's original animated shorts collection also underscores the platform's role in shaping the future of animation entertainment. By combining technological advancements with artistic excellence, Tencent Video not only captivates audiences but also sets new standards for storytelling in the digital age.
As Tencent Video continues to unveil new chapters in its animated shorts collection, viewers can anticipate a diverse array of stories that blend tradition with innovation, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of Chinese animation. Whether through historical epics or modern-day comedies, each animated short promises to inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
In conclusion, Tencent Video's original animated shorts collection represents a bold step forward for Chinese animation, blending cultural heritage with modern storytelling to create a tapestry of creativity and innovation. As these stories unfold, they not only entertain but also educate and inspire, showcasing the limitless potential of animation as an art form.
