Fun Facts About The New Animated Short Windup

Windup is an animated short that brings a whole lot of emotions. Here are some fun facts I learned during my Q&A with the filmmakers.

Windup is a short film that is a collaboration with artists working remotely from around the world, created in real-time with Unity. This short feels very relevant right now, with people worrying about their loved ones and needing hope. This short is sure to invoke a lot of emotions – hope, heartbreak, and love. As a parent of two little girls, this one hits particularly hard. Such a beautiful story that I think everyone needs to watch.

Windup Fun Facts

After watching this short, I was thrilled to have the chance to participate in a Q&A with Yibing Jiang and Jason Keane, the filmmakers of Windup. 

• Yibing Jiang came to the US by herself to chase her dream. 
• Yibing Jiang worked with Disney Animation, Pixar, and unity.
• This is Yibing Jiang’s first time being a real director.
• Jason Keane has been animating for 12 years.
• Jason Keane’s Uncle directed Over The Moon on Netflix.
• Windup is inspired by Yibing Jiang’s personal experiences — she was sick as a kid. She remembers her parents spending countless hours taking care of her, and trying to seem brave in front of her. 
• Wuhan is Yibing Jiang’s hometown — so she is now the one that worries about her family back home. 
• Jason Keane has his son during the film and relates to the story. He really felt for the characters. HIs son had a situation when he was born and transferred to the NICU. Life imitates art, and that brought a new feeling to the film for him. 
• The message of the short is to have hope when times are tough and to not give up.
• Initially there was dialogue, but music is a universal language, and universal is the theme of the story. And they wanted everyone around the world to connect with it.
• This 9 minute short took about 7 months of animation. The whole production took about 9 months. 
• Being dialogue free, lighting is very important to express the characters.
• They changed the story of the film all the way to the very end. 
• The team spread over 10 different countries. 
• Their first time using Unity, a real time engine, to create animation.
• They reviewed every shot more than 1000 times.

About Windup

At a time when people around the world are isolated, craving connection and preoccupied with the health and well-being of loved ones, Yibing Jiang, a female Asian filmmaker, brings to life, the special bond between a father and his ailing daughter, while showcasing the healing power of music.

Watch Windup now!