"Broke" (Character Acting & Dialogue Animation)

Based on audio from The Karate Kid, this animation features SmileZ in a relatable yet exaggerated scenario. After his card is declined at an ATM late at night, his frustration boils over as he talks back to the machine, creating a high-intensity emotional contrast.
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The project centers on character acting, exploring subtext and narrative clarity. Special emphasis was placed on defining beats, crafting key poses and facial expressions, and implementing moving holds. The piece integrates core animation principles and precise lip-sync, alongside secondary actions that reinforce the character’s believability.

SmileZ Design by Nic Parris
Smilez Rig by Jordan Beatty