Production Approach
MutuStar creates narrative films based on photographs and voice materials, presenting personal memories in a structured form. The production approach consists of three parts: animated photographs, digital avatar narration, and scene reconstruction.
1. Animated Photographs
Based on the original photographs, we design actions and visual development for each image, allowing the people and scenes to change naturally. When necessary, camera movement is added.
How to View the Illustrations: The original photograph can be clicked to enlarge. The animated clip below plays automatically. If it does not appear immediately, it may still be loading.
2. Digital Avatar Narration
Digital avatar representations are created based on existing photos. The voice is generated from voice samples, allowing the subject to narrate in the first person.
This category includes digital avatar demonstrations of American inventor Thomas Edison, Chinese scholar Lin Yutang, and MutuStar founder Mu Lin.
Thomas Edison’s voice was generated from publicly available interview recordings (YouTube link). Lin Yutang’s voice was also generated from audio in his publicly available interview footage (YouTube link). Mu’s voice was generated from his own smartphone recording sample.
How to View the Illustrations: The original photograph can be clicked to enlarge. The example video can be clicked to play.
3. Scene Reconstruction
When relevant visual materials are unavailable, scene-based segments are created based on existing photographs and background information to supplement key elements required for the narrative.
How to View the Illustrations: Photos of people and scenes can be clicked to enlarge. The example video can be clicked to play.
Scene Description:
Image 1 is an archival photograph of Thomas Edison. Image 2 shows the interior of his former residence. The video presents a simulated scene of Edison working at his desk.
Scene Description:
Image 1 is an archival photograph of Lin Yutang. Image 2 shows the desk in the study of his former residence. The video presents a simulated scene of him working at the desk. In the video, the typewriter shown in Image 2 is replaced with the Chinese typewriter invented by Mr. Lin.
Scene Description:
Image 1 is a photograph of MutuStar founder Mu Lin when he first arrived in the United States. Image 2 shows the first car he purchased. The video presents a simulated segment of him driving home from school.
Ready to Start Your Film?
- Please review the material preparation guidelines before submitting.
- Make sure your photos and related information are properly organized in advance.
- For the best experience, we recommend submitting materials using a desktop computer.
- If you have any questions, feel free to contact us first.