Zora's Flight to the Sky City

Original 3D Animated Teaser | Solo Project

Zora: Flight to the Sky City is a self-initiated 3D animated teaser developed as a complete end-to-end project. The project originated from a group assignment in RTA300, where core assets and the initial workshop environment were created collaboratively. I later continued the project independently, refining the environment and rebuilding the production as a solo piece with a clear artistic and cinematic direction.

I led the project from narrative restructuring and visual development through to final animation and post-production. The teaser introduces Zora, a young inventor, inside her workshop as she prepares her airship for launch. The story is driven by atmosphere, lighting, camera movement, and subtle character performance rather than dialogue.

Scope of work

I was responsible for all major aspects of production, including:

Story development and narrative refinement

Character design, modelling, texturing, and animation

Designing and building a robot assistant character, including modelling, texturing, and rigging

Refining and modifying the workshop environment originally created during RTA300 to support the new lighting and story direction

Prop adjustments, material improvements, and screen updates

Previsualisation and shot planning using Maya Camera Sequencer

Full character animation, including blocking, polish, facial animation, and mechanical motion

Lighting and look development using Arnold, balancing atmosphere and readability in a dark environment

Animated HUD and screen graphics created in After Effects and integrated into the 3D scene

Rendering optimisation and troubleshooting across local and render-farm workflows

Final compositing, colour correction, editing, and sound integration

Outcome

This project demonstrates my ability to take an existing foundation and transform it into a cohesive, cinematic 3D sequence through independent direction, problem-solving, and full pipeline execution. It reflects my interest in character-driven storytelling, atmospheric lighting, and immersive world-building, and serves as a key portfolio piece showcasing both creative and technical skills.