Credits

Monika Norcross-Cerminara
Michael Cerminara
Harriet Lane Ngo
Antonio Leopore
Conrad Ytuarte

Director & Animator

Storyboard Artist
Background Artist
Composer
Sound Mixer

Film Details

Animation, Short, Student
Buddy, Fantasy,
Adventure
Digital
Black & White and Color
16:9
2 minutes 10 seconds
1 June 2015

Film Type
Genre

Shooting Format
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Completion Date

UMBRELLA GIRL

What draws me to animation is the unparalleled performance quality that can be achieved through this medium.

When we think of a performance, we often think of actors who use their voice, face, and body to bring a character to life. Similarly, animators have the ability to create performances, but with animated characters. This led me to wonder why animators shouldn't approach their character's performance in the same way an actor does. This question became the focus of my thesis project at SCAD, where I delved into the benefits of animators adopting an actor's perspective.

By approaching animation through the lens of an actor, animators can gain a deeper understanding of performance and make more informed choices in their animation. To showcase the outcome of my research, I created "Umbrella Girl," a visually captivating piece in which I applied the acting principles discussed in my accompanying paper to develop the character animation. Through this process, I discovered the immense potential for animators to elevate their craft by embracing the techniques employed by actors.

Film Stills

Film Festivals & Screenings

Warwick Drive-In Film Festival

Warwick, New York
July 2015

Student Award Winner
All American Drive-In

Staten Island, New York
August 2015
San Diego International Kids' Film Festival

Carlsbad, California
August 2015
Directed by Women - NYC Shorts of All Sorts

New York City, New York
September 2015
Expotoons International Animation Festical

Buenos Aires, Argentina
September 2015
Grand Rapids Feminist Film Fest 2015

Grand Rapids, Michigan
September 2015
International Film Festival Cinemafest 2015

San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Freedom Shorts XIX

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
January 2016

Best Animation Award
The Portland Oregon Women's Film Festival

Portland, Oregon
March 2016
Children's International Film Festival

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
April 2016
2D or Not 2D Animation Festival

Seattle, Washington
April 2016
Milan Online Film Festival

Milan, Italy
May 2016
Animation Day in Cannes

Levallois Perret, France
May 2016
Miami Independent Film Festival

Miami Beach, Florida
May 2016
Telluride Mountain Film Festival 2016

Telluride, Colorado
May 2016
Philadelphia Independent Film Awards

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 2016
International Animation, Comics and Games Cinema Festival

Rimini, Italy
July 2016
42nd Elche International Independent Film Festival

Elche, Alicante, Spain
July 2016
Kleinkaap Short Film Festival

Centruion, Gauteng, South Africa
August 2016
Montreal International Animation Film Festival - ANIMAZE

Montreal, Quebec, Canada
August 2016
Mequinensa International Film Festival

Mequinenza, Zaragoza, Spain
Hamilton Film Festival

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
November 2016
Hollywood Screenings Film Festival

Hollywood, California
January 2017