In order to present a concept in a creative way, you need a precise plan and a clear understanding of the idea to be depicted. This guiding principle accompanied the “ECE Concept Film” project throughout its entire production period. Starting with the basic idea of a train that can individually load and electrically charge cars, hand-drawn design sketches were first created, which were used to note down further features and functions to be depicted on the vehicle. These features and functions were then arranged in a logical sequence of use, recorded in a script, and then visualized with the help of a storyboard. The storyboard helps to determine which 3D models of locations, objects, and people are actually needed and ensures that only the assets that are actually required for the film are created. Parallel to the creation of the storyboard, initial rough 3D models were created in order to test proportions and settings in the 3D program.

The sketches and planning are followed by production. For each vehicle that appears in the film, a separate mesh was developed, which was then fitted with a virtual skeleton so that parts such as the doors and wheels could be moved and animated. An oversized battery indicator on the rear of the electric car serves to make the ECE's charging function obvious to the viewer. Every single part, no matter how small, had to be specially made and modeled for the film. Real objects often serve as references. In its final iteration, the train was based on the design of a two-story regional express train, the car was based on various small electric cars, and the car's plug was modeled after a real high-voltage power connection. The protagonist, on the other hand, was not modeled directly but is based on a photogrammetric scan of a person. This character, created with the KreativInstitut's 3D scanner, was not used in its full resolution and detail because this did not fit the desired aesthetic of the film. Instead, the texture was replaced with a minimalist white material and the polygon resolution of the model was greatly reduced. Like the vehicles, the model was fitted with a skeleton and was thus ready for use in film production.

The settings in which the film takes place were in a state of constant revision. Two train stations were to serve as locations. The first was roughly based on the train station in Lemgo, while the destination station in the film was initially based on the Berlin train station main hall, as this was the city where the film originally premiered.

The cameras and camera movements could now be placed within the virtual environment. Based on the previously created storyboard, camera angles were set and partially adjusted based on the real (virtual) conditions. Then came the actual animation work, which essentially brought the project to life. The train has to move, the doors have to open, and the characters have to move accordingly. All of this is accomplished in small steps with a lot of patience. Pose by pose, frame by frame, until everything moves as it should in the end.

But that wasn't the end of production. Feedback revealed that the narrative structure was in need of a different introduction. Previously, the electric car drove along a curve in the opening scene that led directly to the first train station. In the revision, another scene was inserted before this one, set in a completely new location: the main character's home. It shows him leaving his house, loading his car with luggage, and driving off. This scene anchors the plot in reality and makes the entire storyline more comprehensible. The final scene also had to be completely reworked. The destination is no longer based on Berlin, but is now more inspired by medium-sized cities. Therefore, the large station hall, the four additional platforms, and the Berlin city panorama were removed and replaced with a more rural station environment. Since the animation sequences had already been completed at this point, it was important that the parts did not deviate too much from the previously created set in terms of their arrangement and form. If you want to see the new version for yourself, just click on the video here on the page.