I wanted to challenge myself with this piece by taking on a larger project, directing my own short film. I’ve always enjoyed creating comedic stories, but for this one, I wanted to push the boundaries of what’s considered comfortable, testing how far I could take humor within the limits of a classroom project. My goal was to create something entertaining, original, and entirely my own.
This project also marked my first time stepping into a leadership role as director, an experience that strengthened my confidence and helped me grow as both a storyteller and designer.
I began the project by writing the script and translating it into a storyboard to visualize the pacing, composition, and tone. My goal was to emulate the perspective of a traditional puppet show, gradually transitioning into a more dramatic setup as the story unfolded. The storyboard helped guide the filming process and establish clear direction for each shot.
Working closely with a classmate, I developed the visual style and personality of each character through multiple design sessions. Once the designs were finalized, another teammate crafted the physical puppets by hand, experimenting with materials and color to match the characters’ personalities while ensuring they worked well on the green screen.
Final Puppets
Prototype Puppet
Filming was one of the most challenging and rewarding stages. With limited equipment, I learned to set up a small green screen studio using a few lights and my kitchen table as the stage. Directing my classmates as first-time puppeteers and voice actors required patience and flexibility, but it also helped me grow as a leader and storyteller.
This project taught me the value of planning and collaboration. Having a clear roadmap before production kept the process organized and prevented unnecessary setbacks. Just as importantly, I learned how essential it is to rely on the strengths of others. Each teammate brought skills I didn’t have, and their contributions elevated the final result far beyond what I could have achieved alone.
In the end, the project exceeded my expectations. Careful planning and strong teamwork allowed us to bring the story to life exactly as I envisioned it and gave me a lasting appreciation for creative collaboration.