The Tiny Odyssey

A Short Movie by Michael Wiehart

In the midst of our daily routines, it's easy to get caught up in the mundane. But every now and then, it's important to take a moment to let our minds wander and embark on a journey of imagination. This is exactly what Michael Wiehart's animated short film, "The Tiny Odyssey," invites us to do.

What sets "The Tiny Odyssey" apart is its unique visual style. While the film aims for a photorealistic look, it also incorporates dramatic lighting and worn-out textures, giving it a painterly quality. Additionally, the credit sequence cleverly utilizes 2D animation techniques to highlight key moments in the story.

Wiehart single-handedly brought this short movie to life using a combination of Cinema 4D, Adobe AfterEffects, Photoshop, and Illustrator. The result is a visually stunning piece of art that captivates viewers with its attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship.

The technical specifications of "The Tiny Odyssey" are as follows: it is rendered in high definition at 1920 x 1080 pixels, with a length of 1 minute and 23 seconds, and a frame rate of 24 fps.

Since its completion in early 2017, "The Tiny Odyssey" has been showcased at various festivals around the world. It now resides in the digital realm, available for viewing on platforms such as Vimeo and Wiehart's website, visualcomforts.com.

Undertaking this project was not without its challenges. With no production budget, Wiehart had to rely solely on his own time and resources. To ensure the film could be produced without the need for expensive render farm solutions, he had to find animation techniques that he could execute himself.

Despite these obstacles, Wiehart's passion and dedication shine through in "The Tiny Odyssey." Working on the film during nights and weekends, he meticulously planned each step of the process, setting intermediate goals to stay on track.

The story of "The Tiny Odyssey" revolves around an imaginative and adventurous spirit. It takes viewers to a faraway place where the allure of the unknown lurks in the depths of the sea. This short movie is a testament to the power of imaginative play and the wonders that can be unearthed when we let our minds wander.

"The Tiny Odyssey" is a true labor of love, a testament to Wiehart's creativity and determination. It has garnered recognition and acclaim, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in the Movie, Video, and Animation Design category in 2018. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate innovation, practicality, and adherence to professional and industrial standards.

With "The Tiny Odyssey," Wiehart invites us to release our inner Kraken and embark on a journey of imagination. It serves as a reminder to embrace the magic of storytelling and the power of art to transport us to new and wondrous worlds.