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Big Bang Behind Bars:

The article kicks off with a dramatic explosion detected by the prison security system, setting the high stakes and chaotic atmosphere.
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Time Waits for No Guards:

All the prison’s systems spring into action, emphasizing the critical nature of every decision and the importance of sheer milliseconds.
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Machine POV:

Interestingly, the entire account unfolds from the perspective of an emotionless computer system, adding a unique twist to the narrative.
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‘Panoptic’ Takes the Stage:

Aptly titled ‘Panoptic’, this riveting cinematic experience is the topic of the blog post on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

Recap:

A truly innovative and thrilling way to keep you scrolling, Skwigly Animation Magazine’s latest blog post has given us a gripping snapshot of ‘Panoptic’. This short is a heart-pounding, hair-raising presentation that takes us into the chaotic world of a prison security system after an explosion. Every decision – vital; every millisecond – crucial. But here’s the plot twist: we’re viewing all this from the emotionless lenses of a computer. How’s that for a digital revolution?

Hot Take:

Alright, who forgot to tell the machines that emotions make the movie? Jokes aside, ‘Panoptic’ sounds like someone made a thriller, mixed it with some Matrix-like machine point-of-view, then sprinkled a pinch of Shawshank Redemption for good measure. It might be digital and unfeeling, but hey, maybe this is what the future of 3D animation looks like. Talk about intense codependency…literally. So buckle up, gear-heads! Looks like we’re in for a wild ride…if the computer decides to let us in, that is.

Panoptic portrays a thrilling prison break story from the unfeeling eyes of a computerized security system, where every decision and every millisecond is pivotal.

The inspiration behind it…

I drew inspiration from the cinematic genre and animated storytelling styles. Real-world security systems, predictive technologies, and the suspense from classic prison break stories also influenced my style. I enjoy playing with familiar animated elements to narrate dynamic and engaging stories.

Getting to know the creator…

Katie Finn (Image: NFB)

As an animator, my passion lies in narrating stylized, unconventional stories from non-traditional perspectives, focusing on the interaction between form and content.

The creative process…

Panoptic was brought to life at the NFB’s animation studio in Montreal, utilizing digital animation software like TVPaint, After Effects, and TouchDesigner. I designed a multitude of assets and implemented compositing to piece everything together.

Image: NFB

The creation of the short film wouldn’t be possible without the support from a talented crew, the valuable insights from Hothouse participants and mentors, and everyone who gave their time and attention throughout the process.

Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/showcase/panoptic/