Story
There was a pair of toads named Cóc Chồng and Cóc Vợ who lived by a pond. During the rainy season, Cóc Vợ laid eggs in the water. These eggs grew into tadpoles. Interestingly, there were a couple of catfish named Trê Chồng and Trê Vợ living under the pond who had no children of their own. They took in the tadpoles and raised them as their own. Cóc Chồng and Cóc Vợ accused Trê Chồng of kidnapping their child, resulting in Trê Chồng being sent to jail. Unfortunately, Cóc Chồng was also unfairly imprisoned shortly afterward due to societal issues. The young toads, now grown tadpoles, were reunited with their biological parents.Trê Chồng and Trê Vợ had to continue living in the murky depths of the pond, but their kindness and love for the tadpoles will always be remembered.
character design
The character design develops through different points of view to tell the story.
According to the authentic story, the fable satirizes and humorously addresses problems that can exist in any society. The characters in the film chosen all have their meanings. The shaggy toad character represents the lower class. Smooth catfish represent the upper class, and smooth catfish skin represents those who live dishonest lives.
The early character design focuses on the message of inequality in society, sticking to the authentic story.
A different film's more emotional perspective highlights the love between a mother and her child, bringing a fresh, modern, and emotional feel for character design.
The final character design.
The amphibian's character design, from tadpoles to baby toads.
Environment design
The fable creates an environment full of traditional charm. The familiar, uncomplicated visuals are the foundation for the film's rural location in Southern Vietnam. Each set in the film unveils additional insights into the character and reinforces the film's message.
Cóc's place
Cóc's house is inspired by a traditional Vietnamese house called Nhà tranh, which is constructed using natural materials like bamboo, mud, and wood. To add a unique touch to Cóc's house, the roof is adorned with a magnificent lotus leaf.
Cóc Chồng and Cóc Vợ have a happy married life; they got some family pictures on the wall and prepared some cribs for their children.
trê's place
Trê's house draws inspiration from a traditional Vietnamese dwelling called Nhà ba gian, typically consisting of a large central room flanked by two smaller rooms. While Nhà ba gian is traditionally made from materials like tiles, bricks, and wooden pillars, Trê's house is uniquely constructed using plants from underwater and small branches.
Trê Chồng and Trê Vợ became husband and wife after a while but were infertile. Trê Vợ obsessed with children, so she often draws pictures of baby fish on the house and the stone slab where she lies.
Nhái Bén's place
"Ông Cử Nhái Bén" is a character with profound knowledge. He often researches, observes things, and records them on dried lotus leaves. So, the set at Nhái Bén's house has many lotus scrolls written down. And the truth about the development process of tadpoles into baby toads is also one of his records.
Initial sketches from various camera angles before finalizing the drawn scenes.
COURTROOM
The courtroom resembles a serene pond with bamboo poles. The rotten bamboo poles symbolize the villain's lack of integrity.
Initial sketches
Storyboard
The comic project at university serves as the foundation for the short film.
The short film was early 20 minutes long but was later edited to make it more concise. Initially, the film frame was planned to be 16x9, but it was eventually switched to a cinema ratio to allow for more creativity in close-up shots and evoke stronger emotions.
Black-and-white scene along with early sketches. The scene depicts the choices made by Trê Vợ as she takes a questionable route to protect her loved one.
Initial animatic.
music and sound
The soundtrack for the short film Trê Cóc draws inspiration from Ru Con Nam Bộ, composed by musician Lưu Hữu Phước. Special thanks to Selena Entertainment for their support in providing the music and sound for the film.
