IN THE WEST,
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE; 
AND IF THERE IS A CHOICE TO BE A CHICKEN; 
THERE IS ALSO ALWAYS A CHANCE TO BECOME...
A LEGEND 

A FILM BY HENRIQUE BARONE

vancouver film school. 2011

REFERENCES & CONCEPT

The main idea for this short was to make something with a specific mood, so I could study classic shots and educate myself with the cinematography language. Therefor, I decided to do a Western. Mainly I took shot references from "Back to the Future 3" and "Rango".

The other thing I absolutely love and wanted to explore more in this short, is the Graphic Style of the 50s, like UPA or Warner Bros. I'm amazed by how simple they are and still say everything.

CHARACTER DESIGN

STORY & STORYBOARD

At the beginning it was a big challenge to explain the idea of "every decision you make, you left another one behind" and how I would bring it to the screen on a cinematography way, which would make it very clear. Otherwise the short would be very confusing with people splitting randomly on the screen. I had an idea of using a Voice Over to conduct the story, but it couldn't be neither a boring voice nor a too explanatory text. It should be a very catching and deep text. The words came up to me almost magically, and I was very lucky to find Ron Selmour, who recorded these words the next day, doing a job I will be forever thankful. his delivery elevated the short to a level I’d never expect.

“Here in the west
Life is tough

Almost always alone
You become your own best buddy
Which is weird…even confusing
Because at the same time
You’ll find yourself as your own worst enemy.

In fact
It's always about the decisions you make
On every single step
And, if there is a choice to be a chicken
There’s also always a chance to become
A legend. 

The truth is
You can’t do anything to stop it
Maybe you can come back
But for whom are you fighting for?
Are you the good guy?
The bad guy?

In the end
It's all about finding yourself
And I guess
that’s just how i like it

Here in the west
Life is tough”

ANImation