Michael Roca
Stamford, CT
Advisor: Samantha Olschan
Artist Bio
Michael is a motion designer & animator who experiments with ways to express new stories or ideas. Born and raised in Stamford CT, he started playing with Adobe After Effects in 2016 as a hobby. Since then, he discovered new appealing ways to create content. Whether it’s abstract or concrete, every element is displayed with intention. His work is powered by inspiration from traditional animation, mixed media, and video content. Regardless of where the concept starts, the magic of tying those ideas together is the core of what makes his projects transcend.
Artist Statement
This short, mixed-media animation follows the idea of introspection in a movie theater. The main character relives his experiences on a projected screen from a distorted point of view. Knowing that his experience is on display, his conscience will be consumed by what others may think of him. His own judgment is compromised by his past actions and it’s up to him to figure out how to deal with that burden. I’ve always enjoyed creating content whether it’s through 2D motion or traditional animation. This project is aimed to incorporate both styles while telling a story. The goal of this is to execute a story with hints of abstract messages that are open to interpretation. It is animated to have uncertainties to allow the audience to expand on what they could mean. The journey is a path that only the viewer can resonate in their own way.
