Blender Guru

6 Amazing Animated Shorts

Posted on 16. May, 2009 by Andrew Price in Articles

Of all the different genres within the 3d industry, I’ve always found animated shorts to be the most enjoyable. It allows a group of artists to get together and do what they do best: be artistic. When you take away the strict guidelines usually set out by a client or boss, you have the potential for some pretty impressive results.

So whether it’s the stunning visuals or great storytelling, these are the short films that stuck with me well after the credits roll.

6. Kiwi!

Made by Don Permedi as part of his thesis animation, ‘Kiwi!’ quickly turned into a cult hit as people around the world fell in love with the adorable kiwi and his quest to fly. With over 22 million hits, and a #1 ranking in the Top favourited Animation and Arts category, ‘Kiwi!’ is one of the most watched 3d animations worldwide. This is just further proof that in order for an animation be liked and accepted by people other than your 3d buddies, you need a great story. It’s something we’ve all been told countless times before, but with the evidence right in front of us, it’s hard to ignore it.

There’s a good interview with Don here where he talks about the processes he took in making the film. Be sure to also check out his equally impressive showreel.

5. Burning Safari

Fun, fast and never a dull moment, Burning Safari packs a powerful punch from start to finish. I wish I knew more about this film but sadly I do not speak french and can’t even tell you the name of the studio. (Someone want to help me out?)

4. Yankee Gal

Set in World War II, Yankee Gal shows a pilot’s dream-like moments between life and death. The amazing visuals combined with the superb audio effects, make for an amazing short that stays in your mind long after it’s finished.

3. Cubic tragedy

This film gets a mention because as someone that does a lot of 3d modelling, I can’t help but laugh raucously at it’s inside jokes. It might not make all that much sense to the general public, but it definately strung a cord with the 3d crowd, winning first prize at the 2005 siggraph short movie festival.

2. Bunny

1. Ark

This gets better everytime I watch it. The lighting, visuals and animation are all fantastic, but it’s the story that blows me away. I won’t say anymore for fear of spoiling it, but it’s got to be one of my favourite animations of all time. More at TheArkFilm.com

I hope you enjoyed this list. I plan to post more in the future, so if there’s a particular film you’d like to see mentioned, drop me a comment below!

Tags: inspiration, list