News Article
June 14, 2011
Forever Gomer (Degree Project Edition) Released!
After months of hard work and intense criticism, Forever Gomer has finally been completed - well, sort of. The first part is done and uploaded to Vimeo. The 3D animation & short film was made using Autodesk Maya and Adobe After Effects for the Degree Project course in the Electronic Media Technology program at University of Cincinnati Raymond Walters College. Due to unforeseen obstacles, the scope of the project in the class was narrowed to the first act, and the remainder of the film will be worked on throughout the year for a polished, final program that will be released on the web for free viewing.
Forever Gomer follows the unique story of a salvage bot named G.O.M.E.R. Over one millennium in the future, Salvage Barge S-27 orbits Planet Uranus using deployable salvage robots to collect space debris for metal processing. One of these robots is G.O.M.E.R., a seemingly outdated robot who exhibits human characteristics. When a harvest frigate arrives to retrieve canisters of melted down debris, it also seizes G.O.M.E.R. and transfers its A.I. mind into a new, updated robot model. Unable to accept this, G.O.M.E.R. makes an inspiring, courageous choice to reclaim its old body at a heavy price.
Forever Gomer presents the first act of a larger story, making up for about half of the finished production. With breathtaking CGI visuals and encompassing sounds, we are invited to explore the concept of being unique in a universe that demands conformity. Rich with metaphor and symbolism, 'Forever Gomer' uses astute themes that confront modern issues in a very creative way. Generic concepts, such as self-expression, conformity, and individuality are punctuated with powerful elements and we are led to a realization about humanity that everyone can relate to.