Sydney Cozart

Time After Time

An assassin with a mysterious power in a broken world - she fights to purge evil, reclaim her kingdom, and protect those around her with fierce, undying loyalty.

 

My thesis project is a two-dimensional animated film inspired by the epic fantasy book series, Throne of Glass, by Sarah J. Maas. The film consists of a montage of scenes and settings from the novels from my interpretation; showing what the main characters look and act like, their skills and struggles, the fantastical settings and magic. Using a movie-trailer format, the sequences are set to music that amplifies the emotional power of the scenes. The two-minute film is heavily inspired by movies, TV shows, and books in the genres of action and fantasy – Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and Marvel movies, to name a few.

Maas’ series focuses on lots of magic, fighting, and dramaticism – complemented by themes of beauty, loyalty, and love. I wanted my film to mirror these same feelings and emotional effects. Considering the format, my thesis is intended to be watched in a theatre-like space that emphasizes the cinematic quality of my work. The film was created using digital platforms – programs and tools such as OpenToonz, Adobe Animate, Photoshop, Premiere, and a Wacom Cintiq tablet. 

Throughout the creative process, I experienced a plethora of eureka moments that redirected and changed my project in ways I could not imagine. I hope to create more short films like this, focusing on beauty and narrative in the art of movement.

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Thesis Committee Members:

  • Professor Aaron McElfish, Chair
  • Professor Jenna Altomonte
  • Professor Alex Bostic

“Time After Time” is a short film following Throne of Glass’s heroine as she displays her might and fights to protect her own. The film consists of a montage of scenes and settings from the Throne of Glass book series from my interpretation; showing what the main characters look and act like, their skills and struggles, the fantastical settings and magic. (Throne of Glass is property of author Sarah J. Maas) Please wear headphones or turn sound up for optimal engaging experience.

 

Aelin Character Sheet A

Average girl with gold-blonde hair and golden eyes. Her ears are slightly pointed. Donning a deep red cloak that acts as a cape, cool-themed shirt, gauntlets, and pants, as well as a sword belt and boots. Her hair is braided and to the side. She wields fire in her right hand.
Character design sheet for the Throne of Glass series main heroine, Aelin. Used for reference throughout the film. Side view and front views. Digital, 45"x24"

Aelin Character Sheet B

Average girl with gold-blonde hair and golden eyes. Her ears are slightly pointed. Donning a deep red cloak that acts as a cape, cool-themed shirt, gauntlets, and pants, as well as a sword belt and boots. Her hair is braided and to the side. There are several views of her – a ¾ view, two back views, and an emotional view. She is looking at us intently. Her swords are displayed – two twin swords of dark silver, and one longsword of gold and ruby.
Character design sheet for the Throne of Glass series main heroine, Aelin. Used for reference throughout the film. Back view, ¾ view, and weapons concept. Digital, 11"x6.5"

Rowan

Tan and built male with snow-white hair. He looks at us with a determined expression. He wears a forest-green cloak with eyes to match. Underneath is a black shirt. On his back he carries two twin blades, the handles are peeking over his shoulders.
Character design concept developed from the Throne of Glass series descriptions: Rowan, one of the main characters. Used for reference throughout the film. Digital, 4.5"x4.5"

Aedion

Tall, built male wearing pale armor with gauntlets, a burnt orange under-shirt, and brown pants, boots, and sword belt. He dons long hair half up – his ears slightly pointed. His sword is displayed at the side – a brown hilt and silver blade.
Character design concept developed from the Throne of Glass series descriptions: Aedion, one of the main characters. Used for reference throughout the film. Digital, 4"x7"

Lysandra

Tan, slim girl with pine-green eyes and matching shirt. Dark hair that is half-up and thrown behind her shoulders. Standing next to her is an average-sized mythical snow leopard, almost half of the girl’s height.
Character design concept developed from the Throne of Glass series descriptions: Lysandra, one of the main characters. Used for reference throughout the film. Digital, 7.5"x6"

Elena

Slim girl wearing a cool, long dress, complete with long sleeves, her shoulders exposed. Her hair is long and silver, a simple crown adorns her head, her eyes matching its color.
Character design concept developed from the Throne of Glass series descriptions: Elena, one of the side characters, a demi-goddess. Used for reference throughout the film. Digital, 3"x4"

Valg Demon

Tall, lanky, pale, demon-creature. He is standing like a human, and wears a dark robe/cloak with a hood covering his head. His fingers peek out of his sleeves, long and sharp, like pointed knives. A smug smile graces his face – his eyes of deepest darkness, barely any light shines there. Around his throat sits a dark collar, of deeper dark still.
Character design concept developed from the Throne of Glass series descriptions: the Valg demons - the major villains for the length of the series – lead by a dark ruler. Used for reference throughout the film. Digital, 6"x7"

Maeve

Pale woman with long purple dress on and thick purple top armor – wielding dark magic in her left hand. Side view reveals her with hands behind her back. Wearing heels and has a slit in her dress. Also wearing a dark crown, donning purple lips and eyes.
Character design concept developed from the Throne of Glass series descriptions: Maeve, the main villain towards the end of the series. Used for reference throughout the film. Digital, 4"x6"

Time After Time Sample Storybook

Black background with sketches arranged in rows and columns. Heroine before, during, and after battle. Facing villains – dark demons. Finding an amulet from a goddess. A strong character moves out of the shadows. Heroine discovers her powers of fire magic, uses them for good against the evil. Heroine holding swords.
My thesis project has mostly been about concept and process. Here is some concept work from “Time After Time” – some storyboard panels from the original animatic. Digital, 7"x3.5"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

headshot of artist

 

Find me here: www.sydneycozart.com

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