Several months ago, we reported on a fascinating project coming up from the Shanghai Fine Art Studios. Collaborating with Disney, they produced four short animated films with various styles- a little similar to the Star Wars Visions project, but for Zootopia. Well, the day has finally arrived, and these shorts are now out in the world for all to see!
Before we begin, huge shoutout to the youtube channel Zootopia Archive for uploading these where we can see them in the west. Your work is greatly appreciated!
Titled “A Day in the Life of Zootopia“, these shorts explore the lives of various characters following the original film. Despite the wide variety of styles and mediums of animation, they do seem to have an overarching connection in that it all takes place on the same day, in various locations, as indicated by Judy checking a clock (which is also carrot-shaped, of course). Even better, they’re all silent, so language barriers are nonexistent! So, in chronological order…
First, at around 8:00am, we have a stop-motion animation featuring a “business deal” between Mr. Big and the Zootopian equivalent of the Chinese Triad (if I were to guess). Take a look at… “A Fur-tive Exchange”:
Next, at noon, Judy and Clawhauser go and try to get some dumplings for lunch. Enjoy the beautiful, hand-drawn ink-wash style animation of “Super Leopard Delicious”!
Following that, around 6:00pm (or 18:04 according to the pen clock), an action-packed fight breaks out between Finnick and Duke Weaselton over a Gazelle poster. Enjoy this gorgeous 2D short, “Concert Paws”!
And last but not least, at 12:30 am, Bellwether calls on Doug and her lackeys to help her with a personal problem she’s encountering while in prison. Take a look at the fascinating papercraft animation of “Are You Ashleep Yet?”
All in all, these are wonderful little vignettes into life in Zootopia. The animation styles might be more or less pleasing depending on your preferences, but they are all excellent in their own right. I sincerely hope that the Shanghai Fine Art Studios do something like this again in the future!
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