Weekly behind the scenes

Harmony: An unforgettable visual melody

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3 minutes of reading time

With Harmony, students in their final year of 3D Animation and Special Effects at ESMA have produced a moving and poetic short film. Combining musical chimeras, a vibrant chromatic palette and technical prowess, this film takes viewers on a unique sensory journey.

<i> Harmony - ESMA 2023 </i>

A story that resonates

Lully, a musical chimera, discovers that his music has the power to colour the world. Curious and enthusiastic, he sets off to explore his world, populated by creatures like himself: chimeras that embody unique sounds. Together, they embark on a musical journey in which Lully seeks his place. This journey of initiation, tinged with doubts and perseverance, will lead them to find a harmony that is both musical and visual, a symbol of their union and mutual understanding.

“Harmony” is based on a central concept: musical chimeras, small hybrid creatures that combine the organic with the sonic. These characters embody unique sounds which, when brought together, create a spellbinding visual and musical symphony. This narrative choice is rooted in the passion of the student behind the story, for whom film music is essential to the emotional impact of a film.

<i> Harmony - ESMA 2023 </i>

Creating a unique universe

One of the major challenges for the team was to bring this unique universe to life. “Harmony” is not based on any existing references: everything, from the aesthetics to the characters, was entirely imagined. This titanic task began with an intensive pre-production phase in which every element was meticulously designed.

<i> Harmony - ESMA 2023 </i>
The main characters, four “animal-instrument” chimeras, embody this bold blend of the organic and the non-organic. This highly complex idea required a great deal of artistic and technical thought.

How do you give tangible form to musical creatures while maintaining visual and narrative harmony? The challenge was brilliantly met, and is a testament to the talent and ingenuity of our students.

<i> Harmony - <b>Character Mezzo </b> - ESMA 2023 </i>
<i> Harmony - <b>Sol character </b>- ESMA 2023 </i>
<i> Harmony - <b>Octave character</b> - ESMA 2023 </i>
<i> Harmony - <b>Lully character </b>- ESMA 2023 </i>

A meaningful collaboration

To carry out such a project, the team made a point of valuing communication and listening to each other. The team was able to create a working environment based on goodwill and collaboration. Each member was able to express his or her own sensibility, enriching the film with varied and complementary perspectives.

This choice to listen and work together is in keeping with the very message of the film: it is by communicating and working together that we can achieve wonders. Harmony is as much a lesson in humanity as it is a work of art.

<i> Harmony - ESMA 2023 </i>

An artistic and musical success

The world of Harmony would not be complete without its soundtrack, which plays a fundamental role in the story. Composer David ESCUDERO and musician Thierry BLETON have captured the very essence of this musical universe. Their vibrant and moving compositions transport the audience and reinforce the emotional impact of the film. Their work is perfectly interwoven with the animation, creating a superb immersive experience.

<i> Harmony - ESMA 2023 </i>

A team to congratulate

Our warmest congratulations go to Sarah BLAYA, Nicolas BUNET, Amélie GALLEGO, Anouk MARTIN, Shana PAQUET, Roxane PLAYS, Kimberley SOTER and India TABURET. Their dedication and talent have given birth to ‘Harmony’, a project that is a credit to ESMA and 3D animation.

We also salute the exceptional work of David ESCUDERO and Thierry BLETON, who breathed musical soul into this unique work.

Watch Harmony on our Youtube channel: