BOX IN directed by Pengxu Chen and Kaiyi Qiu

What did Pengxu Chen and Kaiyi Qiu say about his film?

Our animation project, tentatively titled “BOX IN,” marries 3D and 2D techniques to tell a relatable, visually rich story of everyday life. From the first sketch to the final render, our goal has been to create a seamless world where dimensional layers enhance emotional beats, and stylistic shifts underscore key moments of reflection. At its heart, “BOX IN” is a gentle reminder to young adults: pursue your ambitions, but never at the expense of your own well‑being.

The core team behind this movie is small but strong. Kaiyi and I are co-directors and It took us about four months to bring this animated short film to life, from our idea, to animatic, to finished film.

The filmmaking journey began with a simple concept: illustrate how work and life can coexist harmoniously. Early storyboards explored everyday rituals—morning stretches, coffee breaks, shared laughter. From there, we iterated on mood tests: 2D animatics overlaid on 3D backgrounds helped us find the right tone. As the project evolved, we fine‑tuned transitions—particularly the whoosh effects that guide viewers’ attention between personal moments and career milestones. Sound design deepened this interplay, with reverb and distortion framing climactic beats, and silence amplifying turning points. Each revision cycle involved peer reviews, technical tweaks, and creative brainstorming sessions to strike the ideal balance.

Now that “BOX IN” is complete, we are proud of how our hybrid approach has expanded the narrative and emotional impact. We hope our film resonates with young audiences and inspires them to embrace their goals while cherishing the simple pleasures in life. Ultimately, this project is more than just an animated film; it is a testament to the enduring importance of collaboration, innovation and balance.