Platypodes
Platypodes is an animation inspired by a digital Photoshop illustration. In this shot we watch the mycelium covered platypodes swim in unity. Our only distraction… A space cactus … Obviously… We had a lot of fun making this!
Platypodes are incredibly weird creatures. Male platypuses have a spike on each hind leg that secretes venom. They also use electronic impulses to detect their prey under water and navigate the deeps. Cuteness aside, they are one of 5 mammal species in the know world who lay eggs… and give off biofluorescent green-blue glow under UV. If this isn’t reason enough to create a weird animation about platypodes, then nothing is.
Digitally painted concept art.
The audio behind Platypodes was developed by Will Curry. A growing ethereal melody accompanied by hand recorded splashes; synthesized and synchronised to the motion of the platypodes in space.
The platypodes and cactus are modelled, rigged and animated in 3D. A mixture of hand painted textures and physical materials are applied to the models. The background is animated in After Effects. It depicts an imaginative take on space; rich in colourful nebula, floating foliage and shooting stars.
