Thumbstory Season Two has become a sensational hit in the animated series, captivating audiences far and wide. According to Sohu News, this engaging series has reached an astounding 200 million viewers on the internet, marking a significant milestone in its popularity.
At the heart of Thumbstory lies the intriguing tale of three teenagers – Daniel, Sara, and Paul – each endowed with unique magical abilities. The narrative follows their journey as they come together to support the downtrodden and combat malevolent forces. The series is celebrated for its character designs, which are both unique and adorable, contributing to the high recognizability of the show.
Considering the target audience, each episode of Thumbstory is thoughtfully crafted to not exceed five minutes, keeping in line with children’s viewing habits and prioritizing their visual health. This meticulous approach ensures that the series is both entertaining and responsible.
The driving force behind the success of Thumbstory Season Two is Zekai Zhang, the lead animation creator. For Zhang, this project was a formidable challenge. “Creating a full episode in such a short timeframe seemed like an impossible mission,” he admits. Yet, the team’s dedication and creativity turned this daunting task into a triumphant success.
Zhang and his team streamlined the production process by meticulously planning each episode. They developed detailed storyboards for 3D layouts and animation timing, drawing inspiration from the protagonists of Season One. A comprehensive list of props for each scene was created, which were then modeled using 3D software.
Collaboration played a key role in this process. Zhang worked closely with voice actors, synchronizing their performances with the storyboard. This collaboration resulted in animatic storyboards that served as blueprints for the episodes.
Understanding the urgency of the modeling phase, Zhang shifted his focus to creating 3D models that resonated with the original character designs and scene requirements. The team then progressed to texture mapping and render testing.
To optimize rendering times and reduce costs, Zhang’s team employed a novel approach. They separated each shot into different layers – character, reflection, scene, shadow, etc. This technique not only accelerated the rendering process but also allowed for greater flexibility in adjusting lighting and refining animations.
The final stages involved compositing in Nuke and crafting visual effects in After Effects. This meticulous process ensured that each element of the animation blended seamlessly to create a visually stunning final product.
The overwhelming success of Thumbstory Season Two, surpassing even Zhang’s expectations, is a testament to the hard work and passion of the entire team. Zhang reflects on the varied reactions from the audience: “Some love your work, others may not, but many feel the energy you put into it. These diverse responses signify that your work is being recognized.”
For Zhang and his team, the journey of Thumbstory Season Two is not just about achieving viewership milestones; it’s about the joy of creating animation that resonates with and impacts its audience. As Thumbstory continues to enchant viewers worldwide, Zhang’s vision and dedication remain a beacon of inspiration in the animation industry.
