Summary

Glued is a 2D animated short film exploring the consequences of digital obsession and the loss of genuine empathy in an era dominated by online validation. The story follows Maya, a young woman so consumed by social media engagement that she neglects a stray kitten’s real needs. While Maya is engulfed by virtual applause, another stranger quietly provides the kitten with genuine care. The film ends with Maya isolated in a glowing crowd, symbolizing her disconnection from reality.

Through stylized animation, glitch transitions, and contrasting visual worlds, the film acts as a social commentary on modern disconnection, highlighting the fragile boundary between online validation and authentic human connection.

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Pre-Production

• Concept & Story Development:
  The idea originated as a reflection on modern society’s fixation with likes and followers. Early brainstorming focused on metaphors—digital glitches, distorted cityscapes, and social media notifications—as visual language for detachment.

• Scriptwriting & Storyboarding:
  The screenplay emphasized minimal dialogue and heavy reliance on visual storytelling. A storyboard was created to define key frames: Maya’s encounter with the kitten, the overwhelming flood of notifications, the stranger’s warm gesture, and the final crowded isolation shot.

• Character & Environment Design:
  Maya was designed with neutral tones to contrast with the hyper-saturated glow of her phone. The kitten was kept small, fragile, and textured with softer lines to evoke vulnerability. Backgrounds were drawn in two distinct styles: glitchy, neon-heavy urban landscapes for Maya’s world, and painterly, warm textures for the stranger’s world.

• Animatic & Visual Style Tests:
  A moving animatic was built to set pacing and experiment with transitions (glitches, morphs, dissolves). Color scripts defined the mood shift—from cold and artificial to warm and human.

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Production( work in progress)

• Animation Technique:
  The film was animated digitally in 2D, combining frame-by-frame character animation with stylized motion graphics for the notifications and digital elements.

• Transitions & Effects:
  Unique scene transitions were developed: emojis morphing into streetlights, scrolling feeds stretching into skyscrapers, and glitch dissolves that distort Maya’s perception.

• Sound & Music:
  Sound played a symbolic role—notification dings layered into chaotic cacophony, contrasting with the soft purrs and quiet city ambience in the stranger’s scene. Minimal background score supported the emotional beats without overwhelming the visuals.

• Lighting & Color:
  Maya’s scenes were lit primarily by the harsh glow of her phone screen, while the stranger’s moment with the kitten shifted to a warmer, golden light palette, symbolizing real connection.

 

 

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