Project Overview:
What is the creative intention behind the project?
The project started as a fun, spontaneous activity with my niece and nephew. We created Kawaii cats because of my love for Manga, Anime, and Japanese culture. It evolved into a playful music video concept inspired by “Gremlins,” with cats transforming into demons after midnight.
Creative Process:
What specific techniques and tools were used during production?
I used MidJourney to create mood boards, then modeled creatures in Cinema4D, like the Spider-Cat Yokai, inspired by Junji Ito. I polished visuals in ComfyUI and Flux, and used Runway Gen3. Music and lyrics were produced with ChatGPT and Suno, mixed in Logic, and edited in After Effects and Premiere.
Cinematography and Visual Style:
How was cinematography and lighting approached in the project?
Lighting and composition were set early on. For the Kawaii aesthetic, I used vibrant, high-contrast lighting and reflective textures. Realistic cats required detailed attention to fur, color, and reflections.
Editing and Rhythm:
What key editing decisions were made, and how do they affect the pacing of the piece?
As a music video, the song’s tempo dictated the pacing. The edits followed the rhythm and mood of the track.
Sound and Music:
How were sound and music integrated into the overall experience?
Music and visuals were developed in parallel, each influencing the other. The lyrics dictated the narrative, while the tempo guided the visual flow, creating an equal balance between audio and visuals.
Challenges and Solutions:
What technical challenges were encountered during the process, and how were they overcome?
AI tools couldn’t achieve some complex looks, so I shifted to traditional 3D animation techniques in Cinema4D. This required extra time to model and refine certain elements.
Conclusion:
Why do you think the piece went viral (probably because of the kittens!)?
The combination of cute kittens, Kawaii style, and upbeat music was a perfect fit for Instagram culture.
Is there anything else you’d like to add or share that we haven’t addressed?
「かわいい猫があちこちにいる」