Production notes

Every story starts as a cast and a setting. Those are drawn once, then used as reference for every picture in the story, so the characters stay themselves from beginning to end.

The cast

Model sheet for Fritz — **Fritz** a wise old owl

an owl with mottled brown and white feathers, large round amber eyes, a sturdy build, perched on a twisted tree branch

Sounds slow and thoughtful.

Model sheet for Lina — **Lina** a curious young fox

a small fox with bright orange fur, white underbelly, bushy tail tipped with white, alert ears, wearing a simple green leaf necklace

Sounds quick and excited.

Model sheet for Berta — **Berta** a gentle forest deer

a slender deer with smooth tan coat, white spots along her back, large dark eyes, long legs, wearing a small crown of forest flowers

Sounds soft and melodic.

Model sheet for Kurt — **Kurt** a grumpy badger

a stocky badger with black and white striped face, thick grey fur, sharp claws, chewing on a twig

Sounds gruff and low.

The setting

Background painting of A lush, sunlit forest filled with mystery and adventure for four animal friends. — **A lush, sunlit forest filled with mystery and adventure for four animal friends.**

A vast, ancient forest bathed in dappled sunlight filtering through towering emerald-green trees, with moss-covered trunks and a carpet of vibrant wildflowers and ferns. Small clearings reveal patches of golden grass, while shadows create mysterious depths. The air is fresh with the scent of pine and earth, and occasional rays of light highlight glistening spider webs. The forest feels alive and full of hidden secrets, inviting exploration.

emerald green forest brown golden yellow sky blue

The plan

Lina und ihre Freunde entdecken einen leuchtenden Baum im Wald.

curious and happy wide establishing shot Lina, Fritz, Berta, Kurt
Die Freunde wollen den Grund für das Leuchten finden.

determined and hopeful medium shot Lina, Fritz, Berta, Kurt
Kurt trifft zuerst den Baum, aber das Leuchten hört nicht auf.

disappointed and confused close-up Kurt, Lina, Fritz, Berta
Fritz erklärt, das Leuchten kommt vom besonderen Pilz am Baum.

relieved and thoughtful medium shot Fritz, Lina, Berta, Kurt
Die Freunde bewundern den Baum und genießen die warme Sonne im Wald.

calm and happy long shot Lina, Fritz, Berta, Kurt

How it was made

Pictures drawn: 11
Words written: 536
Generation steps: 19
Time to make: 5 min

Drawn in crayon. Written in German at level A2, for children readers.

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