This project was an experiment in blending nostalgic anime storytelling with modern AI workflows. It wasn’t perfect — but the process was creatively freeing, letting me focus more on storytelling and mood rather than the technical barriers of animation. AI helped accelerate the pipeline while still leaving room for hands-on artistry.
Process:
Character Design & Development
I began with an original sketch, then used ChatGPT to assist in building out the character’s front, side, and back views for scene continuity.
I began with an original sketch, then used ChatGPT to assist in building out the character’s front, side, and back views for scene continuity.
Scene Composition with AI
Using Runway’s Reference Tool, I generated multiple background angles in a post-apocalyptic city setting to create cinematic flexibility.
Using Runway’s Reference Tool, I generated multiple background angles in a post-apocalyptic city setting to create cinematic flexibility.
Upscaling & Visual Enhancement
I ran each frame through Topaz Labs Bloom, then refined and retouched details in Photoshop to achieve a polished anime aesthetic.
I ran each frame through Topaz Labs Bloom, then refined and retouched details in Photoshop to achieve a polished anime aesthetic.
Voice + Animation
Voices were generated in HeyGen with the main character's voice AI-driven, and the monster’s voice performed by me for dramatic tone.
Since HeyGen’s body animation was too limited, I brought the audio back into Runway to animate the scenes with better motion and atmosphere.
Voices were generated in HeyGen with the main character's voice AI-driven, and the monster’s voice performed by me for dramatic tone.
Since HeyGen’s body animation was too limited, I brought the audio back into Runway to animate the scenes with better motion and atmosphere.
Final Edit
Everything came together in Premiere Pro where timing, effects, and pacing were finalized to match the emotion and style of a classic anime cutscene.
Everything came together in Premiere Pro where timing, effects, and pacing were finalized to match the emotion and style of a classic anime cutscene.
