Abstract

Fruffeltin is a short 2D animated film following the journey of a goofy children’s book character trying to win back the affection of a child after being replaced by a fighting video game. The film’s core message regarding mental health awareness is illuminated through the visualization of character-driven animation, juxtaposing environments and symbolic details. The concept stems from my own personal growth trajectory and reflection upon it within the framework of animated creatures and robots. The narrative follows Fruffeltin, a children’s book character with three leaves on his head, who lives to make a young boy laugh by performing silly tricks. When the young boy’s attention is drawn to a video game instead, Fruffeltin sets out on a mission to regain his attention within the futuristic video game world. Out of his element, Fruffeltin finds himself struggling to perform his usual tricks and is further hindered by the older brother, who uses his game robot to interfere in the process. Fruffeltin has to determine whether to stay in this world and win back the boy’s attention in the face of these mounting obstacles.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Computer animation--Themes, motives; Computer animation--Technique; Animated films--Themes, motives; Animation (Cinematography); Fictitious characters--Drama; Computer war games--Drama; Mental health--Drama

Publication Date

12-12-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Film and Animation (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Film and Animation (CAD)

Advisor

Peter Murphey

Advisor/Committee Member

Thomas Gasek

Advisor/Committee Member

Jonathan Seligson

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

FILMAN-MFA

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