Good Luck Yin-Jiin Lin
During the winter of 2004-05, animator Yin-Jiin Lin accompanied by her small dog Peri visited QAS for about 9 months to shoot her animated film, ‘Bittersweet’ We asked her a few questions before the two of them returned to their home in San Jose California.
You came to QAS from far away, why ?
I couldn’t find a 35mm animation stand back in San Jose. Everything has gone digital, plus “animation co-ops” don’t exist in the states, and so here I am.The artwork for your new film is beautiful, thousands of colourful handmade paintings. I understand the artwork took nearly two years to complete, tell us a bit about your new film......
Bittersweet is a 5 minute traditional hand-drawn cell animation, shot on 35mm film. The story is about an old man who inadvertantly breaks a relic which reminds him of someone he has lost. I used Caran d’arche water-soluble crayons on frosted cel. For some scenes the same background was used, while other scenes were trickier to render. Lots of hours, thousands of crayons, colour schemes and transitions galore. The great thing about using the water-soluble crayons is that if you make an error you can just lift it with water. The frosted cels have enough tooth and flexibility that blending and layering colours is super malleable and saturated.
You must be extremely patient to endure such a process, have you experienced any frustrations during the creation of your film....
Yes, lots of frustration and a fair amount of cursing. Just ask poor François who had to listen to me. He helped shoot and thank goodness for his help.
What was the inspiration for Bittersweet ?
I was intrigued by the myriad of emotions encapsulated in the word Bittersweet. The old man is stuck in life while his dog still maintains spontaneity and joy. When he breaks the vase, he is flooded with memories of the loss of his mother. These memories overwhelm him once again, his dog come to help.
What has been a highlight during your stay in Calgary ?
The highlight is you guys. While working on a long-term project it is easy to get discouraged. The project seems never ending at times. If it wasn’t for the awesome staff at both QAS and EMMedia, I wouldn’t have a locked picture track. I am currently trying to get a video transfer made so that James (my sound guy back in San Jose) can create sound digitally.
Does San Jose get snow?
What do you think of Canadian winters?
San Jose gets no snow. The summers are so hot the crayons melt and it is hard to get fine lines. Canadian winters .... hard, coooold ..... I wear half my wardrobe per day, is this normal??
Peri has become a fuzzy monster, her feet freeze up, and she needs to wear sweaters to go out when its colder than minus 20c. However Peri loves the warm attention and atmosphere at QAS.
Thank you Yin-Jiin Lin, You have been a true inspiration to the members, and we will miss you. From all of us at QAS we wish you the best for a smooth post production - we look forward to seeing your wonderful new film.
Richard Reeves & Yin Jiin Lin