The beginning of this story started back in January 2020. Our director, Ellie Copeland, imagined the initial sparks of this story during her senior year of high school. During some experimental art concepts, she discovered a story she couldn't wait to tell. A simple story about a shepherd embarking on a year-long journey, or pilgrimage. It become a story about the 5 stages of grief.
Heartfelt and deeply moving.

Once the crew was formed, the story took on many faces and iterations. As a whole, we understood we wanted to create a highly-stylized 2-D film, with subtle technical achievements. We were inspired by Cartoon Saloon, Studio Ghibli, and Netflix's Klaus (2019). Even with all of these styles in mind, we believe we created a unique blend of the inspirations coupled with our own design sensibilities. We are proud of the outcome. from countless early discussions, to concept art, to animation tests, to background layouts, and finally to post-production, it has been a year-long journey--similar to our main character. But this journey was well worth the reward. 

In short, this is a story about a shepherd escaping his village during a dragon raid. With the village aflame, he reluctantly saves a desperate lamb. With severe feelings of loss, the shepherd wonders along aimlessly, processing his grief across the landscape. The innocent and naive lamb clings to Aymer--despite the shepherd's disgust and disapproval. In the end, we understand all the losses felt by this tortured shepherd. As an audience we feel a sense of relief in the acceptance, ready for the shepherd to live and love again with his new companion, the lamb.