Abstract:
To study the process of characterization and art direction in an animation project on the Life of Buddha by means of creative research and evaluation. The finished project is in 2D format with the total duration of 20 minutes. It is then presented to 3 audience groups of the total number of 300 people. They are: 1) 250 students between 11-15 years old, 2) 25 performing arts students and 3) 25 animation students. The research result shows that the characterization of the animated character is well-received by all three audience groups. The use of colors to personify different characters comes top at the audience satisfactory list, followed by the costume designs and the choice of character's shape. In terms of artistic direction, all three audience groups give the film a good rating. All of them like the use of color in creating the atmosphere of each scene. The art direction of the scene of Buddha's Nirvana is at the top of the rating, followed by the scene of Buddha's Birth and the scene of the Great Nuisance, respectively. The result also shows that different audience groups hold different viewing preference in the reception of the animated film. The group of 11-15 years old school students tends to judge the effectiveness of the film on its visual impact. Performing arts students are likely to be drawn to the mood each scene creates, while animation students tend to discuss about the film technical and artistic achievement.