Film Studies and Cinematography Project 1

 

Film Studies and Cinematography

26.09.2025 Week 1

Shiqing Li / 0366582 / Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media

Project 1 Progression 1 (Story Ideas)/ Taylor's University

Week 1:


Pixar Short 1 - Lifted (2006)

Lifted is a funny short film on the outside, but it's meaningful once you think about it. It tells the story of a young alien's first day of work, its tested on how to abduct a human, but he has to face hundreds of confusing switches in front of him. At first, it makes me laugh, but it also feels really familiar.

What makes the story great is how easy it is to connect with the young alien. Almost everyone has been in this kind of struggle before. Nervous, clumsy, trying so hard to do something right, but also being judged by someone strict. The way the alien panics and messes up reminds me of moments when I was under pressure, like during exams or when learning something new.

Personally, I relate to his frustration and embarrassment. I've had times where I wanted to do everything perfectly but ended up failing in front of others. That's why I admire the ending, that even though he doesn't succeed, you can still see his effort.

The film is short and simple, but it works because it's more than just about aliens. It's really about us, about our mistakes, our struggles, and the courage to keep trying. The mix of humor and real-life feelings makes "Lifted" such a strong and memorable story.

"What if?" Statement:

- What if Earth was just a giant training ground for aliens to practise their skills?

- What if the human is not a real "human", it's pretended by a alien to practise yound aliens?


Short 2 - God: Serengeti

God: Serengeti is a short film that looks funny at first, but it carries a dark and powerful message. It shows "God" as a middle-aged man sitting in a small control room, treating the world like a toy. When humans are dying of thirst and praying for rain, he lazily tells his assistant to water them, and the assistant just uses a small watering can.

At first, I laughed because of how absurd it looked. A god casually playing with people's lives. But the more I thought about it, the more it felt uncomfortable. The film makes me realize how fragile humans are, and how powerless we seem when someone else controls everything.

What makes the story so interesting is how it flips the idea of "God." Instead of being loving or wise, this god is careless and bored, almost like a boss who doesn't care about his workers. It made me think about how sometimes life feels unfair, like someone up there is making random decisions about our fate.

Personally, I found it both funny and sad. It's funny because of the exaggeration, a divine being using a watering can. But sad because it reflects how small we really are in the world.

The short is only a few minutes long, but it stays with you. It's not just about God or religion; it's about control, ignorance, and how people keep hoping for kindness even in a world that doesn't always listen.



The Last Drop of Light


Logline

When an inexperienced god was ordered to end a dyingplanet,  he disobeys his mentor to save a single spark of light, and finds out that being a good god isn't about power, but empathy.


Synopsis


When an inexperienced god was ordered to end a dyingplanet,  he disobeys his mentor to save a single spark of light, and finds out that being a good god isn't about power, but empathy. The King of Gods assigned each young deity a fading world to bring to its final end. Among them was Aion, a quiet and obedient god who had never questioned an order. When he arrived at his assigned planet, he found it nearly swallowed by darkness, silent and still. As he prepared to finish his task, a faint flicker caught his attention.


He moved closer and discovered a young girl tending a tiny flame, protecting it with all her strength. Her hope, fragile yet persistent, made Aion hesitate for the first time in his existence. Instead of extinguishing the last light, he gently offered a bit of his own power, letting the flame brighten.


His mentor sensed the act and appeared, demanding that Aion obey the divine rule and end the planet. Aion looked at the girl, then at the mentor who had shaped him, and made a choice. He protected her instead of following the command.


The planet collapsed, but the small spark survived. Later, Aion found that the light he saved had transformed into a newborn star. In that moment, he realized that being a god was not only about endings, but also about compassion and the courage to protect even

the smallest hope.


Theme


                Empathy vs. Obedience


                The Meaning of Divinity


                The Value of Life

             

Character Development: The Young God 

Character Name: Aion (means "eternal time" in ancient Greek)

Personality Traits using "Elevator Test" 

Personality Traits using "Elevator Test" 

The elevator suddenly jerked to a stop, plunging the space into dim, flickering light. The air felt heavy and the four people inside held their breath, tense and unsure what would happen next.

Aion's eyes glimmered. He reached out for the control panel, pressing the buttons lightly, curious about what might happen. The elevator shook again and his heart raced. When he noticed the little girl clutching her small flame, fear in her eyes, his expression softened. He murmured to himself and gently touched the wall, sending out a faint glow that steadied the flickering lights. For the first time, Aion felt a deep sense of responsibility, an instinct to protect those around him.

The King of the Gods stood in another corner, calm and steady, watching quietly. He did not speak or move, but his presence seemed to fill the space, subtly keeping the panic at bay. Even as the humans fretted and shouted, he remained composed.

Aion's mentor frowned, his sharp gaze fixed on the boy. He saw Aion using his light and felt a mix of anger and concern. He gripped his staff, not yet acting, but his aura pressed down with the weight of expectation, reminding Aion of the rules and the dangers of acting recklessly. Beneath the sternness, however, there was care, he wanted Aion to learn, even if it meant guiding him harshly.

The little girl huddled in a corner, holding her flame tightly. Her body trembled as the elevator shook, but she did not cry. She watched Aion, and when she saw him steady the lights, a small hope stirred within her. She lifted her gaze slightly, her eyes bright with determination and trust. Even in her smallness, her courage shone, a quiet light in the dark.

As the elevator settled, the lights stabilized. Aion exhaled, a small smile touching his lips as he glanced toward his mentor, nervous but proud. The King remained silent, but inside, he considered that maybe order and kindness could coexist. The mentor's expression softened slightly, realizing that understanding often comes through experience rather than strict instruction. The little girl's steady eyes reminded everyone that hope and courage could live even in the smallest and most fragile forms.



Character Description 1

Aion (The Young God)

 

Internal and External Features – Aion (The Young God)

External Features:

Aion appears as a teenage boy, around 16-17 in human years. He wears a long, glowing robe that seems slightly too big for him, symbolizing how he's not yet mature in his godhood. He has a silver-white hair that shimmers softly like moonlight, and his eyes change to bright blue when is using his power, at other times it seems like light grey. His appearance makes people feel warm and radiant, but he shows childish energy in how he moves, such as being curious and a little clumsy.

Internal Features:

Aion is a curious, bold, and innocent young god. He was endlessly fascinated by the human world and touches or experiments with everything he sees. Because he's divine, he isn't afraid of any danger, which makes him reckless but brave. However, in front of his mentor, an older, more powerful god, he becomes cautious and easily flustered. When he makes mistakes, he nervously peeks at his mentor's expression to judge how bad the situation is. He's embarrassed when scolded, but forgets quickly, showing how pure-hearted and unguarded he is.

Aion is deeply empathetic. Even though he tries to follow orders, he can't ignore suffering. When humans are in pain, he secretly helps them, even if it goes against divine rules. His personality is a mix of naive courage, gentle rebellion, and hidden compassion.

Wants and Needs – Aion (The Young God)

WANT:

Aion wants to finish his mission and prove that he can be trusted as a true god. He comes to the dying planet believing that his job is to end it quietly and perfectly, just like his mentor expects. He wants to show that he can control his feelings and follow divine rules without question.

NEED:

What Aion truly needs is to understand that life, no matter how small, still matters. When he sees the last human praying under the fading light, he realizes that compassion is stronger than rules. He learns that being a god is not about ending things perfectly, but about protecting what still has hope. His real growth comes when he chooses mercy over obedience, keeping the planet"s final light alive even when it means disobeying his mentor.


Internal and External Obstacles – Aion (The Young God)

Internal Obstacles

  1. Naivety and Overconfidence
    Aion believes he understands how the world works, but his knowledge is shallow. His innocence makes him careless with divine power, and his overconfidence often leads to small disasters.

  2. Fear of Disapproval
    Despite his courage, Aion fears his mentor's disappointment. This fear keeps him obedient even when he knows something is wrong.

  3. Moral Conflict
    Aion's empathy clashes with his duty. He struggles between doing what is right and doing what he's told. This internal battle drives much of his emotional journey.

  4. Guilt and Self-Doubt
    After witnessing the harm caused by his actions, Aion becomes burdened with guilt. He questions whether he deserves to be a god and whether his compassion is a weakness.

  5. Identity and Purpose
    Aion doesn't fully understand what kind of god he wants to become. Throughout the story, he searches for meaning, to find a balance between divine duty and human feeling.

External Obstacles

  1. The Mentor's Authority
    Aion's mentor is a higher god who values order, control, and emotional detachment. The mentor constantly tests Aion, expecting obedience rather than compassion. His strict control limits Aion's freedom to act on his own beliefs.

  2. Rules of Divinity
    The divine world has clear laws: gods must not interfere too closely with human lives. Aion's natural curiosity and empathy often lead him to break these rules, putting him in conflict with the system that raised him.

  3. Training Trials
    During his tests, Aion faces complex tasks controlling weather, balancing life and death, and observing human emotions all under his mentor's watch. His mistakes can cause chaos or suffering in the human world, which makes him doubt his ability to become a "good god."

  4. Judgment from Other Gods
    The older gods mock his inexperience and idealism. Their cold laughter and criticism make Aion question whether kindness has a place in the divine realm.

  5. Physical or Emotional Injury
    At one point, Aion experiences pain or "injury" for the first time not because his body can be hurt, but because he feels the emotional weight of guilt and loss. This becomes a turning point that changes how he sees power and responsibility.

Character Arcs – Aion (The Young God)

At the beginning of the story, Aion is obedient, cautious, and eager to do his job correctly. He believes that being a good god means following every command and finishing his tasks without emotion. When he is sent to end a dying planet, he approaches it calmly, seeing it as just another duty to complete.

However, when he notices a single human still alive and praying, something changes inside him. For the first time, he hesitates. His heart fights against the orders. This small moment of doubt becomes the start of his transformation. Aion tries to save the last bit of life, even though it goes against everything he was taught.

As the story continues, Aion begins to realize that compassion and disobedience can come from the same place, love. When his mentor's presence returns to stop him, Aion doesn't run or argue. Instead, he makes his choice silently but firmly, protecting the last light with his own power.

By the end, Aion no longer seeks approval. He understands that real divinity isn't about control or obedience, but about mercy and courage. His transformation is complete when he chooses to protect the light, showing that even in a universe of rules, a god can still choose kindness.


Character Description 2

King of the Gods

Internal and External Features – King of the Gods

External Features:
The King of the Gods appears as an ageless and powerful figure whose presence immediately demands attention. He has long golden hair tied neatly behind him, and his eyes shine like distant stars. His robes seem to be made of soft clouds and shifting light, giving him a calm but imposing look. He does not need to speak loudly to show authority because even his silence feels commanding.

Internal Features:
He has lived for countless ages, which makes him serious, strict, and fully devoted to maintaining order in the universe. He believes that rules should always be followed and that emotions should not get in the way of responsibility. Because of this, he often seems cold and distant, especially to young gods who are still learning.

Despite his stern nature, he is not without care. He genuinely worries about the younger gods, including Aion, and wants them to grow into wise and capable beings. He simply shows this concern through discipline instead of affection. His expectations are high, but behind his firmness lies a deep sense of duty and a quiet, restrained form of compassion.

His personality is a mix of naive courage, gentle rebellion, and hidden compassion.

Wants and Needs – King of the Gods

WANT:
The King of the Gods wants complete control and loyalty. He wants young gods to follow orders exactly as he gives them. To him, ending a dying planet is just part of keeping the universe in order. He wants Aion to prove he can do his job without hesitation, without emotion, and without questioning the rules.

NEED:
What the King truly needs is to understand that the universe cannot survive on rules alone. He needs to realize that kindness and empathy are also important. Aion’s actions show him that caring for even a small life can create real meaning. The King needs to learn that guiding others is not only about enforcing duty, but also about letting them grow, feel, and choose what is right.

Internal and External Obstacles – King of the Gods

Internal Obstacles

The King of the Gods carries a deep belief that order is the only way to keep the universe safe. This makes him strict and emotionally closed, even when he knows his decisions may seem cold. He struggles with the fear that if he shows softness, the younger gods will stop respecting him. He also worries, quietly and secretly, that compassion will lead to chaos. Because of this fear, he often shuts down his own feelings and avoids thinking about the cost of his actions.

The King also faces an inner conflict. Part of him remembers the beauty of life and the warmth it once brought him, but he has trained himself to ignore those memories. When Aion shows compassion, it forces the King to confront a part of himself he buried long ago, leaving him uncertain and unsettled.

External Obstacles

The King of the Gods must manage a universe full of young gods who still make mistakes. Their curiosity and emotions get in the way of the order he tries so hard to maintain. Aion, in particular, is difficult for him to control because the boy’s empathy challenges the rules he established.

He also faces pressure from the other elder gods, who expect him to keep everything strict and emotionless. If anything goes wrong, they judge him and question his leadership. The laws of the divine world add even more pressure, requiring him to enforce rules that even he sometimes doubts.

When Aion disobeys him, the King must confront not just the boy, but the entire system he built. Aion’s choices put the King in a position where he must fight between tradition and change, and the clash threatens the stability he has protected for ages.

Character Arcs – King of the Gods

At the beginning of the story, the King of the Gods is firm, strict, and fully committed to maintaining order. He believes that being a god means enforcing rules without hesitation and keeping young gods like Aion in line. He sees emotion and compassion as distractions that could endanger the balance of the universe.

When Aion hesitates to destroy the last spark of life, the King is confronted with something he has long ignored. He feels anger and disappointment, but beneath it, there is also doubt. For the first time, he sees that strict obedience may not always be the right choice.

As the story continues, he struggles to reconcile his desire for order with the new truth Aion shows him. He witnesses that mercy and care can coexist with strength and leadership. He does not immediately change, but his perspective begins to shift as he sees the value of allowing young gods to act with empathy.

By the end, the King accepts that true leadership is more than enforcing rules. He understands that wisdom includes compassion and the courage to trust others’ choices. His arc completes when he allows Aion’s decision to stand, showing that even the ruler of gods can grow by learning the strength of kindness.

Character Description 3

Mentor of Aion

Internal and External Features – Mentor of Aion

External Features:
Aion’s mentor appears as a tall, imposing god whose presence feels heavy and commanding. His robes are dark and flowing, with faint glimmers of light like distant stars moving across the fabric. His hair is silver with streaks of black, and his eyes are sharp and piercing, often glowing when he uses his power. He moves with precision and control, every gesture deliberate. Unlike Aion, he carries an aura of authority and discipline rather than warmth or curiosity.

Internal Features:
The mentor is strict, calculating, and highly focused on rules and duty. He believes that young gods must learn obedience first and that emotion can be dangerous. He values order and control above all and is constantly testing Aion to see if he can follow instructions perfectly. Despite his cold exterior, he does care about Aion’s growth, though he hides it behind discipline and criticism. He can be impatient and quick to scold, but his intentions are to prepare Aion for the responsibilities of godhood.

Wants and Needs – Mentor of Aion

WANT:
He wants Aion to obey the rules completely and perform his duties without hesitation or emotion. He believes that strict discipline is the only way to prevent chaos and protect the universe. What he truly needs is to recognize that compassion and empathy are not weaknesses. Through Aion’s choices, he is forced to see that teaching young gods sometimes means letting them act from their own understanding, not just following orders.

NEED:
Internally, the mentor struggles with balancing his desire for absolute order and his hidden care for Aion. He fears that showing leniency will make the universe unstable and that Aion’s compassion could lead to failure. Externally, he faces the challenge of controlling a young god who questions rules, navigating the consequences of Aion’s choices, and maintaining his authority while the divine system demands perfection from him.

Internal and External Obstacles – Mentor of Aion

Internal Obstacles

The mentor struggles with his own beliefs about order and duty. He fears that showing any leniency or emotion will lead to chaos. He worries that Aion’s compassion and independent choices could be a weakness or a failure in his teaching. Deep down, he cares for Aion, but he has trained himself to hide those feelings, which creates conflict between his heart and his strict sense of duty.

External Obstacles

The mentor faces the challenge of guiding a young god who questions rules and acts on his own feelings. Aion’s hesitation and disobedience directly challenge his authority and the system he is trying to uphold. He must manage the consequences of Aion’s actions while maintaining his reputation among the other elder gods and enforcing the laws of the divine world. The pressure of ensuring the universe remains orderly adds to the difficulty of his role.

Character Arcs – Mentor of Aion

At the start, the mentor is unwavering, focused on discipline and the rules. When Aion disobeys to protect the last spark of life, the mentor is shocked and angered, seeing it as a failure. Over time, he begins to understand that mercy can be a form of strength and that growth requires allowing others to make their own choices. By the end, he does not abandon his principles, but he learns to accept that compassion is an important part of godhood and leadership.

Character Description 4

The little girl

Internal and External Features – The little girl

External Features:
The little girl is small and fragile, no more than ten years old. She has dark, messy hair that falls around her face, and her clothes are worn and patched from living in a fading, dying world. Her eyes are bright and expressive, filled with curiosity and quiet hope. She moves carefully, almost as if every action matters, and she clutches a small, flickering fire that she is trying to protect. Her presence, though tiny, draws attention and evokes warmth and empathy.

Internal Features:
The girl is resilient, hopeful, and deeply determined. Even in the face of despair, she refuses to give up on the small spark of life she is caring for. She is brave in her own way, relying on her resourcefulness and courage to survive alone. Her innocence gives her a kind of purity that makes her unaware of the danger around her, yet she is wise in the ways of survival and care. She inspires others simply by refusing to let go of hope.

Wants and Needs – The little girl

WANT:
The little girl wants to keep her small fire alive, no matter how dark and hopeless the world around her becomes. She wants to survive each day and protect the last piece of light she has, believing that even a tiny spark can make a difference. She hopes to see life continue in some form, clinging to the warmth of her fire as a symbol of resilience. Her desire is simple but profound: to hold onto hope in a world that seems to be ending.

NEED:
What she truly needs is protection and reassurance that her efforts are meaningful. She needs someone to show her that the life she is fighting to preserve is valued and that she is not alone. Through her struggle and persistence, she teaches others, including Aion, that even the smallest life carries importance and that acts of compassion can have a lasting impact. Her growth lies in being seen, acknowledged, and helped, which allows her courage to inspire change beyond her own survival.

Internal and External Obstacles – The little girl

Internal Obstacles

Inside herself, she struggles with fear, loneliness, and exhaustion. The constant threat of death and the isolation of her world weigh heavily on her. She feels the pressure to stay strong even when her body and mind are tired, and she must resist despair to protect the little fire she tends. Her hope is fragile, and moments of doubt threaten to overwhelm her, but she keeps pushing forward out of sheer determination.

External Obstacles

Outside herself, she faces a world that is dying and collapsing. Resources are scarce, and every day presents new challenges to survival. She must navigate dangerous terrain, harsh weather, and the physical consequences of living in a fading world. On top of that, she encounters beings far more powerful than herself, like Aion and other gods, whose presence is unpredictable. They have the ability to destroy her or protect her, and she has no way to control or understand them. These forces create uncertainty and constant tension as she struggles to maintain the flame that symbolizes her hope and life.

Character Arcs – The little girl

At the start, she is a lone survivor, protecting her small fire with all her strength. When Aion arrives, she does not understand his power but senses his care. Her trust and persistence help Aion realize the value of compassion. By the end, she has survived the collapse of her planet and becomes a symbol of hope, carried safely as a spark of life by Aion, showing that even in despair, courage and innocence can inspire change.


World Description

The story is set in a universe ruled by gods, where the fate of planets is decided by their authority. Young gods like Aion are given missions by the King of the Gods or their mentors and are expected to follow strict rules. The King represents order, mentors train the young gods, and the young gods must carry out their duties while learning about emotion and morality.

Each planet has its own life, some thriving and some dying. Even the smallest spark of life can influence a god’s choices. Gods have great power, but with it comes the responsibility to balance following rules with showing care and compassion. The world shows that small actions can have a big impact and that true divinity is not just about control, but also about kindness and responsibility.

In this universe, magic is the manifestation of divine energy. Each god has a unique connection to this energy, which they can channel through objects such as scepters, staves, or even their own bodies. Magic can shape matter, alter light, and influence life and death on planets. The strength and precision of magical power depend on the user’s experience, emotional state, and understanding of the rules that govern the cosmos.


For young gods like Aion, magic is both a tool and a lesson. They can manipulate light to heal, protect, or illuminate, but they risk unintended consequences if used recklessly. The Mentor wields magic with strict control, producing sharp energy blasts and precise force fields, reflecting his discipline and mastery. The King of the Gods can manipulate vast cosmic energies, commanding stars and planetary forces, yet his magic is restrained by his responsibility to maintain order.


Magic interacts directly with the environment. On dying planets, the light of life is fragile; a small act of magical energy can restore a flicker of hope or accelerate decay. Emotions amplify magic: compassion can strengthen protective spells, while anger can create destructive surges. This connection ensures that magic is not purely mechanical but tied to the moral and emotional choices of the gods.


PDF of the Report that contains the Script:


Consultations and Changes made:

1st Consultation: 

The story is too alike with the short film "Lifted". Change the story, it's kinda complicated, might not be done within two minutes.

2nd Consultation:

The script contains too many descriptions, redo the start of the story and go straight to the point.

3rd Consultation:

It's a new world add just a few words to describe what happened, overall, It's okay.

Reflection:

Working on this project helped me understand storytelling in a deeper way. At first, I only had a basic idea of the world and the characters. But as I continued writing, I learned how each part of the story needs to connect and support the main message. This made me pay more attention to pacing, clarity, and how the audience will understand the scenes.

One big thing I learned was the importance of keeping things simple. My early drafts were too long and described too much. Through revising, I realized that a short film needs direct and meaningful actions, not unnecessary details. Learning to cut down and focus on what truly matters helped make the script clearer and more effective.

I also discovered what it takes to build a world that feels believable. Thinking about how magic works, how gods behave, and how their rules shape the story taught me how setting and character development work together. It made me see that even a small detail can influence the whole story.

Overall, this project taught me how to write in a more focused and visual way. It pushed me to think carefully, revise confidently, and express emotions through actions instead of long descriptions. It was challenging, but it helped me grow as a writer and storyteller.

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