PROJECT
3D special graphic film sequence
STUDIO
DreamWorks Animation
DISTRIBUTOR
Paramount Pictures
For DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon,” Shine designed and animated pages which were incorporated into the DreamWorks feature film. Original art from DreamWorks was redesigned, repurposed, laid out and animated to help tell the story of the legend of the many Dragons throughout the ages.
In “How to Train Your Dragon”, the Dragon Manual is a key reference book used by the Vikings of Berk. It contains detailed information about the various species of dragons they encounter, including their characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and methods for defeating them. The manual is treated as an essential guide for Viking dragon hunters, filled with warnings and dangerous descriptions. However, the information in the manual is often exaggerated or incorrect, reflecting the villagers' deep-seated fear and misunderstanding of dragons, which Hiccup later challenges as he learns more about dragons through his friendship with Toothless.
The Dragon Manual is a comprehensive guidebook used by the Vikings of Berk to document various dragon species. It contains detailed illustrations and descriptions of dragons' abilities, strengths, weaknesses, and behaviors. Initially viewed as a tool for dragon hunting, the manual reflects the Vikings' fear and misunderstanding of dragons. However, as Hiccup befriends Toothless, he discovers inaccuracies and gaps in the manual, leading him to question its teachings. This realization helps bridge the gap between humans and dragons, shifting the perspective from enemies to allies and emphasizing the importance of understanding and coexistence.
The design exploration was a lot of fun. The Shine team spent time at the Huntington Library in pasadena, researching and observing old and rare books. Illuminated manuscripts, the Gutenberg Bible from the 15th century, and many other old books were instrumental in informing what the Dragon Manual pages could look like, how they could be laid out, and, importantly how the design could help inform the story by telling the lord of the dragons.
Nico Marlet's character drawings were used in each book page. His work on "How To Train Your Dragon" is remarkable for its imaginative and unique character designs. His distinctive style blends whimsical elements with detailed realism, bringing dragons and Viking characters to life.
