Michaela Morton

Michaela Morton - Do You Pledge?

'Do You Pledge?' Is a group capstone project I contributed to with my classmates Rafabelle Kathryn Bastida, Abigail Stone, Bre Kaponga, and Earl Kenneth Maisog.

My research question is: “How can I craft the story of a 2.5D animated film through cinematography and visual symbolism to enhance the film’s emotional core? Simultaneously, thematically communicating reclamation of cultural identity.”

This practice-led research project explores the roles of cinematography and visual symbolism in animated film and their effect on the audience. It asks how one can use these techniques to craft a narrative with the main theme of cultural identity reclamation, while still connecting with a wide audience who may not have the same life experiences. Through the production of ‘Do You Pledge’, I experiment with how colour, objects, and composition can act as symbolism, and therefore control the audience’s perception of the narrative. This project also investigates an experimental blend of 2D and 3D; using juxtaposition of art styles to convey otherworldly presence. ‘Do You Pledge’ demonstrates that the use of certain symbols, cinematic techniques, and art direction decisions can be fine-tuned to change the viewer’s perspective in positive ways. Through these considerations, animated film has great potential to inspire empathy in viewers of all ages and backgrounds, even within an increasingly conservative political climate worldwide.