Yanyi Li

‘The Secret Lives of Urban Wildlife’ a shor t, dynamic opening sequence that aims to shed light on the neglected “neighbours” around us - urban wildlife - cheekily and creatively.The project uses collage and mixed media to show the unique relationship between animals in the city and their environment, to explore their resilience and survival intelligence, and to inspire viewers to think about urban ecological conservation.The clip not only serves as the beginning of the documentary but also sets a lively, entertaining and educational tone for the entire production.

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Actions for Antarctica is a 2D vector animation short inspired by SAEF’s
research and advocacy. Through the cartoon characters Chewie the seal, Atta
the orca, and Pippi the penguin, the work transforms issues such as melting
ice, habitat loss, and increased UV radiation into moving emotional stories.
Bright colors contrasted with melancholic music draw viewers in, gradually
revealing the weight of the crisis. The final outcome—a 90-second animation
and an interactive AR poster—delivers a simple idea: through emotion-
driven storytelling, environmental issues become immediate and personal.

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‘FRIEND’ is a first-person narrative animation primarily rendered in 2D. It tells the story of an
introverted, quiet child (me) and his only friend—a mute boy named ‘Potato’—and their imaginary friendship. They grow up together, embark on adventures together, and only at the end is it revealed that Potato is actually a dog. The work blends fantastical visuals with genuine emotions, exploring the essence of childhood imagination, emotional projection, and spiritual connection.

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My opening title sequence is inspired by the fog-covered streets of 1950s London, where mystery and unease linger in the air. The narrative centres on the main character navigating the dense mist, searching not only for a missing person but also for fragments of a hidden truth. Visual elements such as faded missing posters, flashing ambulance lights, thick fog outside the window, and deserted alleyways build a suspenseful atmosphere, suggesting danger while never fully revealing it.

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