My Senior Film at Pratt.
Each frame, background, and effect were carefully hand drawn to bring the world of Breadheads to life for your viewing pleasure.
Starving soldiers divide a measly last meal when sick allies arrive at their base. Their affliction takes a turn for the worse and one of the Allie's head turns to bread. For the moment, ravenous eyes and murderous teeth are kept at bay by the command of the Sergeant. The breadhead soon dies, his head immediately rotting beyond edible. When the other ally transforms into food, the starving soldier's desperation forces the battle between hunger and humanity.
Borrowing directorial cues from German expressionism, harsh angles and stark shadows aim to deliver an ever-present sense of danger and tension. Bolshevik Revolution posters were the starting point for the environment and art direction of the film. As the palette developed, the blacks and neutrals were replaced by monochrome shades of reds and pinks. Flat, sharp design gave way to the many values of this monochrome scheme, which allowed more depth to the cluttered, industrial space. Fluid and overstated animation not only references the silent acting of the time period portrayed, but also attempts to deliver content to a low dialogue story.
Hunger, transformation, and cannibalism themes state the malleable perception of "human." While the allied refugees remain in their original form, the bunker soldiers are accommodating, concerned; humane. Seconds after the transformation, the former allies in need become a welcome meal. Less glamorous faces of desperation are at first kept checked by the scorn of fellow man. Once the dead meal rots, only one morsel remains to curtail the agony of hunger. Breadheads closes upon a scene suggesting no authority short of force can stay the hand of true desperation.
Website: codywalzel.com
Blog: codywalzel.tumblr.com
Festival and Award Selections:
Stash Magazine 103 Feature- 2014
International Animation Festival CHILEMONOS- 2013
Cartoon Brew Pick of the Day-2013
Animae Caribe International Animation Festival- 2013
Golden Orchid International Film Festival- 2013
Newgrounds Front Page Feature- 2013
Montreal and Quebec City International Festival Selection- 2013
Freeky Creek Film Festival- 2013
Indie Demand Film Festival Selection-2013
Channel Frederator Network Feature-2013
Mad Artist's Publishing Selection-2013
Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival- 2013
Jury Prize Selection- SIGGRAPH MetroCAF Film Festival- 2013
Anim'est International Film Festival- 2013
Beloit International Film Festival- 2013
Bang International Film Animation Competition - 2013
Jury Prize Selection SoDak Film Festival- 2013
Animated Eden Film Festival- 2013
Vimeo Staff Pick- 2013
Shorts Non Stop International Film Festival- 2013
Adobe Design Achievement Awards Semi Finalist- 2013
Animation Block Party- 2013
Dirt City Flixxx- 2013
Pratt Show Manhattan Center- 2013
Wallabout Film Festival- 2013
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