The Global Search for Education: Director Morning Wu on Animating Monsta

This month audiences can screen Monsta on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is curated for the Planet Classroom Network by Planet Classroom.

Monsta from director Morning Wu is a short animated film about a villager’s encounter with a monster that isn’t as dangerous as it first seems. Between the painterly animation style and the sweet characters, Monsta is an adorable little romp in the woods that everyone is sure to enjoy.

The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome Director Morning Wu.

What did you enjoy most about making this animated short film?

This project was delightful overall since it was short and sweet. The pre-production, figuring out the design, the look, and the story, was a fulfilling process. Making the animatic was also one of my favorite steps: a lot of problem-solving, figuring out timing, and putting sound and images together. I also improvised the design as I animate, so it was very satisfying to see the final product.

What is your favorite part of Monsta?

I’m fond of the character performances in Monsta, their silly expressions and body language communicated well. One of my favorite scenes is the chase, the main little guy’s running gesture was so fun to animate!

What was most difficult about your creative process?

Rendering the impressionistic painterly look was quite time-consuming, but I love the frame-by-frame paint strokes. Condensing the story into under a minute was also a challenge.

Do you plan on creating more animated films in this style in the future? If so, what are you working on now?

My next traditional animation project will have hand-drawn sessions in a similar style to Monsta, while other sessions will ideally be in stop motion style. I had the first draft in 2019 and have since gone through many revisions. It’s a short film about a little sheep named Aloe. It is the story of Aloe’s journey of chasing dreams and the things she lost on the way. However, I would like to finish two other shorts before this one about Aloe, so hopefully, I can get to it soon!

Thank you Morning!

C.M. Rubin and Morning Wu

Don’t miss Monsta, now streaming on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is curated for the Planet Classroom Network by Planet Classroom.