Hello！
Zizz
I want to sleep!
Press Kit
Film Vimeo Link: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/818726250/privacy
Password: maalcc
Film Information
Genre: 2D Animation
Production Year: 2024
Country of Production: United Kingdom
LogLine: I want to sleep!
Synopsis: A girl trying to fall asleep, but city noises, her too active brain and uncomfortable bed are stopping her to get into her dream.
Credits
Director: Manyu Zhao
Animator: Manyu Zhao
Music: Niu Dou
Sound: Emily_Wong, CosmicEmbers, joeyws, Kimi653, BOOM Library
Edit: Manyu Zhao
Biography
Manyu Zhao is an animator and illustrator from China, currently based in London. She is trying to tell stories with vibrant colours and hand-drawing textures.
Niu Dou is a music producer and performer from Beijing/Wellington (currently living in Japan) who writes music for films, theatres and games.
Artist/ Director statement
This film is based on my own sleep deprivation experience. Unfortunately, this annoying and exhausting experience is a common issue among urban citizens. I intend to accurately reflect the feelings through the film and draw more attention to this issue. However, being awake at night is a good chance to observe the city. What kind of noise does the giant factory produce? What animals are secretly living with us without noticing? What is going on inside of your mind? This is a hand-drawn animation I have completed with oil pastels and coloured pencils. I love the subtle differences between each frame and the imperfectness of each drawing. I did many material tests and colour tests during preproduction, to get the effect I wanted while improving its fineness on screen.
As for sound, there are ambient sounds and rhythmic music that create a layered, tingling hearing experience. The score isn't always compliant with the visual in order to leave the rest to the audience’s interpretation and imagination. Audiences can immerse themselves in this film and feel the 'night mood'. I am happy to see people sharing their sleep problems and unique experiences after watching.
Sustainability
The progress of making this animation was all done on paper which saved a lot of electricity. Only the editing and scoring stages were processed on the computer. The original drawings can be recycled to paper, or reused as collage in future project. I also plan to sell them in art market or make it as flip book for collection. The production way of this animation saved carbon footprints in many ways.
Contact details
Manyu Zhao
Niu Dou
Jenny Shen
Technical info
Length : 01:38
Size: 1920x1080 HD 16:9
Sound: Stereo