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 Max — **Max** the clever fox

a slim fox with bright orange fur, white underbelly, and bushy tail, wearing a small green scarf

Sounds quick and sharp.

Model sheet for Ella — **Ella** the wise owl

a large owl with mottled brown and tan feathers, big round yellow eyes, perched on a branch with glasses

Sounds slow and calm.

Model sheet for Ben — **Ben** the brave bear

a big brown bear with thick fur and a broad build, wearing a red bandana around his neck

Sounds deep and strong.

Model sheet for Lily — **Lily** the curious rabbit

a small white rabbit with long ears, pink nose, and bright blue eyes, wearing a tiny purple vest

Sounds light and cheerful.

The setting

Background painting of A sunlit forest home where four animal friends embark on adventures. — **A sunlit forest home where four animal friends embark on adventures.**

A dense, vibrant forest bathed in dappled sunlight filtering through a thick canopy of emerald leaves. Towering ancient trees with rough bark rise high above, their branches intertwined, creating a natural roof. The forest floor is a rich mosaic of moss, fallen leaves, and colorful wildflowers, with winding trails snaking between tree trunks. Occasional clearings allow shafts of golden light to illuminate patches of soft grass and bubbling streams, adding sparkle and movement to the scene.

emerald green soft brown golden yellow sky blue

The plan

Max finds an old map in the sunlit forest.

curious and happy wide establishing shot Max
The friends realise the map is missing a part.

worried and thoughtful medium shot Max, Ella, Ben, Lily
They try to find the missing part near the big rock but can't.

frustrated and tired long shot Max, Ella, Ben, Lily
Ella remembers a story and finds the lost part in a tree hole.

relieved and excited close-up Ella, Max, Ben, Lily
The friends celebrate with a picnic in the forest clearing.

joyful and calm wide establishing shot Max, Ella, Ben, Lily

How it was made

Pictures drawn: 11
Words written: 592
Generation steps: 19
Time to make: 5 min

Drawn in crayon. Written in English (US) at level A2, for children readers.

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