Fox And The Whale - Animated Short Film

A curious fox goes in search of an elusive whale. A tale of longing and discovery.
Fox And The Whale is an independently produced and self-financed Animated Short Film. The film was shortlisted for the 90th Oscars and nominated for the 2018 Canadian Screen Awards. If you are interested in supporting you can buy the Art of book & film package here
patchoforange.gumroad.com
For more about the making of the film please visit www.patchoforange.com/foxandt...
The full production credits for the film are as follows.
Directed & Produced by Robin Joseph
Character Animation, Models, Rigs by Kim Leow
Character Rig ( Fox ) by Louis Vottero
Music by John Poon
Design, Storyboards, Backgrounds, 2D animation, VFX, Comp
Edit, Foley and Sound design by Robin Joseph
Festival Awards: www.patchoforange.com/awards-...
Website : www.patchoforange.com/
Twitter : / patchoforange
Instagram: / patchoforange
Gumroad : patchoforange.gumroad.com
© Robin Joseph . All Rights Reserved

[@thinthle]

The backgrounds are to die for honestly the visuals are stunning

[@mykhailo.ukraine]

You can say that again!

[@toxicstar9413]

U say that again times infinity

[@sarahughes6998]

and the sounds too. fantastic.

[@diminikolova]

🥰😼😍

[@_marimopeace]

not trying to shortchange the animation at all here (as it's absolutely breathtaking) but the SOUND here is just incredible!! the background noise feels as though it surrounds the viewer and really transforms the experience into something real

[@kip869]

Ikr the first noise I heard made me look behind me thinking it was in real life.

[@caserarecetas]

Me encanta, un trabajo maravilloso, congratulations 🙂

[@amorahschultze3781]

I believe this journey represents the desire to be taken to a far away place. The whale is an elusive and majestic creation that attracts the simple foxes attention (Notice the difference between the fox’s style and the other creatures). The whale is a large and unattainable dream that was chased by the fox, with interjections of its everyday life and how the fox realized it’s desire to meet the whale. However, when it finally obtains the thing it wants, it finds the whale dead. However, that doesn’t mean the endeavor had no meaning. The fox realizes that there’s no ideal dream; that every dream can die and the majestic view is only a lense in which the fox sees the whale. The soft lull of the water is juxtaposed against the foggy and desolate habitat of the whales; and the fox understands his perception was unrealistic and that he should appreciate the little things in life. It’s okay to dream big, but he must acknowledge that every ideal thing he dires may not be what he thinks it is. This atmospheric beauty lends to its own themes by juxtaposing the fox and his surroundings; how there’s so much beauty he misses in the everyday activities because he refuses to see past the vague dream of big things. He’s a simple design to reflect that, and yet, in his simplicity, he is still happy with the journey as it’s not as meaningless as the disappointment of the whales skeleton might seem. He notices the rising sun, the bones catching the light, and has the epiphany that every big journey may help him appreciate the beauty of going back home.

[@stephenf.8186]

JustAnAnime Fan! ~ Foxes are curious, and smart. Therefore, by nature, they observe and try to outsmart - From things and animals that are smaller than they; ie., the stones, the fish, the frogs, the birds, the grasshopper and rabbit. To things and animals bigger than they - the elk, the eagle, the trees, rocks and rivers, and the vastness of space and the sea. But the one thing this little fox realized, no matter how much bigger things became, up to the largest of all the living, being the whale, after seeing its remains, he knew he couldnt outsmart death. After learning his biggest lesson, his hourney came to an end and realized he wasn't smarter than life itself. So, the fox, humbled by his experiences, turned around and headed back home.

[@daisysaikia3952]

Wow you both explained superb!! 👍🏽💯✨♥️🤍💙✨✨⚡💖🌈

[@jaxcairo4121]

@Brooks Salvador instablaster ;)

[@brookssalvador7888]

@Jax Cairo I really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and im in the hacking process now. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@MartenFerret]

The fox was designed that way to facilitate animation.

[@gandlathasalythia122]

My personal thoughts/feelings: The fox has lost a loved one (whale). So he isn't fulfilled in his homeland anymore, maybe because everything reminds him of his lost friend. The fox goes on a journey to handle his grief, that can be very difficult (like a heavy storm on the the sea). Finally he faces the death of his friend, accepts it and moves on. Thank you for this beautiful animation.

[@cluelessbluebird]

Gandlathas Alythia thanks, that really helped me understand it

[@j897j]

Love this interpretation

[@Nparalelo]

Wow. That's completely different from what I originally thought. This short can really be interpreted in many ways.

[@surfnsunshinekat]

wow that resonated with me so hard. thanks for this interpretation.

[@MaxArt2501]

I have no idea if that's correct but I'll accept it.

[@saolivs]

I see a story about the fear of trying, A story about how tomorrow may be too late, and about how it's always possible to start over.

[@MYXYZ786]

Sara Oliveira .... Perfect... This is hat I felt too...

[@plubbo7976]

So... a school project?

[@detroitdiesel7074]

To be honest I wasn't expecting a whole lot... and then I was left completely speechless for 12 minutes straight. Absolutely stunning work!! how does this not have more recognition and its over 5 years old????? Insane animation and story!

[@RaahulSawant]

The person who made this has beautiful imagination, those stills are so soothing.

[@ainyceng7349]

Tell us to be more grateful for what we have. The fox always think that whale is very powerful, big, and easily hunt on anything, not like the fox who can only wait for the fish fallen out from the stream just to be able to eat, and even freak out from a standing moose. Eventually fox found the dead whale, and realizes that even the strong whale dies. I hope my english is good enough.

[@Kurotheskeleton_YT]

finally, someone who gets it

[@deadheadwannabe6874]

Your English is beautiful..well said

[@toxicstar9413]

@@deadheadwannabe6874 I agree

[@hiih3212]

That makes a lot more sense

[@leonardomayrojas3507]

Ahh no entendí un carajo :/

[@costaliberta5969]

when your principal medium is photography and you are up to the task, all you need is a great story. and voila. excellent work, breathtaking.

[@weruurufu]

I felt a punch in the gut when I saw the skeleton. Poor little guy.

[@weruurufu]

He was so curious that he went through that just to see it. Really great film. Everything about it, be it sound, art, or details. Beautiful.

[@Radiobunny23]

i dont get it, is the skeleton supposed to be his?

[@weruurufu]

It's the whale's skeleton

[@weruurufu]

It's a story with one of those endings where it's up to the viewer's imaginations on how it will end, because really the story doesn't end. It's kind of like Shelter's Short film video that A1-pictures and Porter Robinson & Madeon did.

[@weruurufu]

Wait, you haven't watched the short film of Porter Robinson and Madeon's Shelter yet?!

[@krisprdz9986]

This is what I call a real piece of art

[@Gnexz.]

mater of time [DZ] ahem *piece*

[@krisprdz9986]

hummmmmm so sorry for bad english XD

[@kamaney8652]

Animal Production shout up

[@Gnexz.]

mater of time [DZ] it's fine lol

[@Gnexz.]

Kamaney86 ahem sorry but it's shut up not shout up

[@creativebreathingsjournals]

Feels like a psychological journey to me. A quiet, thoughtful film about grief. Put yourself in the place of the fox, and the film makes more sense through his actions and the visuals.

[@99shoebox]

the attention to detail is amazing. the lonely little fox evokes the solitary journey many little creatures have, wandering the world observing life as they go by.

[@reginabotelho5896]

Uau ❤❤❤

[@AgaKoda]

Love how amazing scenery looks like! Its really delightful journey... I thing some people might not understand the plot of this film so this is my interpretation (of course everyone can have their one). The whale is a symbol of a dream - for a fox it's almost imposible to see a whale. He was dreaming about it for a long time (he was coming on the shore and was looking at the ocean), but had no courage to go on a journey. When he finally gathered himself it was too late because the whale was dead. The moral of this story is simple: if you wanna make your dreams come true, just don't wait. The chance can be available only when you act quickly and decisively.

[@unknown-cu3ul]

Amazing

[@monikaszymanowska5142]

Sounds pretty deep and accurate to me. And makes me very sad, too. Because I was a bit mean in my own comments, like, there's no plot at all - which means I could have overlooked my own dreams and, as you say, the window was open only for a certain amount of time:-) Thanks, anyway.

[@arodvaz1528]

But there are lots of whales in the ocean...

[@s.terris9537]

The art rendering here is absolutely beautiful. I love the pacing of the film, and the appearances of different characters over time. Stunning use of color, music and all of the visuals and sound.

[@alivrah]

Incredible work with amazing attention to the details! I love it!

[@ryannyberg1501]

Wow wait! Only 3 people worked on the animation process?????

[@faridatalib5405]

Ryan Nyberg f

[@RandomAticsJR]

Sign me up for the next one!

[@men_del12]

With efforts to make it? Sure.

[@Petra03]

I cannot get over how stunning this was--is! The audio and visuals, omg, KZbin is not worthy for illustrations and artistry such as this

[@meyersph]

Me: goes to the comment section in search of the video's story. Finds out everyone is appreciating visuals but no real meaning 😢

[@janethagaman394]

There dosen't have to be a meaning for everything, just enjoy the ride!

[@tejaschavan18993]

Frankly I really like that its ambiguous.. What I took away was that its talking about life and what we want from it..The fox wants to meet and even dreams about the whale, which determines its life's journey..It struggles and eventually reaches to the whale, only to find it long dead..regardless, it leaves with a content look on its face because the journey was meaningful, had a conclusion and most importantly, beautiful

[@gkiran05]

Yes, same here. I too have not understood what the storyline was about. No doubt visuals were good but what was the message

[@janethagaman394]

Just embrace it for it's tranquil beauty. Not everything has to have meaning. ; )

[@MiTmite9]

MiTmite9 1 second ago Maybe that we all spend our lives searching for that elusive something, only to find, in the end, that it was all about the search.

[@zivauri]

You understand nature, the intrinsic connection with it, the immense and tiny in interaction, really I have no words, no words are needed....oh, and the innocence of it ! 💛

[@Confusion7182]

Everything here was animated so perfectly?? This is amazing! The art is beautiful :’D

[@jamespetrie9115]

I love the combination of both 2D elements with the depth of 3D; this works so well together. The texture and artwork on this film is beautiful - hugely inspirational, hats off to the artworkers. Thanks for making this!

[@wenjingli9618]

wonder why only the fox and the grasshopper are drawn as simple style, but the rest of those screens are so real?

[@yyw188]

Only a he fox is, like a child drawn character. I believe that's on purpose, the fox is the child (in us).

[@ig5352]

Wenjing Li if you read about the film production, the fox was drawn that way because "The design of the Fox as a biped was a turning point for me. I was always drawn to the potential for abstraction in the character designs. At it's simplest, the Fox design is a distillation of the story . The fox is designed as an arrow looking for it's path forward. A compass trying to find it's true north." (Copied from their website)

[@potatochipblueberry]

It’s to out stand everything else around it so it doesn’t seem so bland compared to everything else. It gives the fox character a sense of style

[@kdvr766]

@@ig5352 that's just a fancy way of saying its easier to animate with basic/simpler design..

[@lilsammich8252]

I think it's because pizza head Fox is awesome.

[@mikolajglowa5770]

I absolutely loving it! well done guys. And congratulation for being short listed for upcoming Oscars.

[@potatochipblueberry]

The details on this are phenomenal. I can see where you worked extremely hard on this piece of art. It’s calming and has a beautiful story behind it. Keep up the amazing work 😊

[@signedd4k]

The most beautiful animated short film I've ever seen. The style was perfectly done.

[@DavidCampbellFilms]

Absolutely stunning piece of work. Will watch again and again. Well done to everyone involved :)

[@serkanustam]

and the oscar goes to you baby

[@michaelwertzy9808]

Don't call me "baby" or "poopsie"!

[@reyyrmdnn_]

thanks

[@poyitjdr]

The art in this was absolutely stunning and the pacing was well done. I really really liked it.

[@Dreamaster2012]

Wonderfully imagined with the question of why the fox was so angular and Picasso, nearly to distraction. Otherwise a beatific meditation. Thanks.

[@marybrantley2160]

Again, this is so beautiful ,difficult to give a single meaning to such a special work. Others have described it in many and unique ways, thanks for sharing opinions and the talents of a few artists!! Please share more. These artists DO deserve awards!

[@GingerKidFilms]

Incredible short film. Truly creative and original animation style, absolutely EPIC sound design, and one of the most moving stories I've ever seen in an animated short. Life can feel like a wandering, and many times when we reach something we've been seeking for so long, it's either not there or isn't what we expected. But in the end, it's not the end result or the so-called pinnacle moments that truly matter. It's the journey itself. This little Fox captures so much of the human condition... from our endless seeking of meaning, to our realization of how small we are compared to the vastness of nature, the cosmos, and the cycles of life... and finally, this Fox captures the greatest quality of the human spirit: that we are relentlessly persistent and hopeful to find our place in the universe. Thank you for making this film.

[@yeeet101]

Now this is a magnificent little animation. The art style, the music, the views, everything is just amazing. Great job to everyone that worked on this amazing animation.

[@unspxkenwords]

absolutely incredible. sounds and visuals and the story itself! amazing work

[@Animation_Studio.7]

With this short it is shown that 3D environments are not necessary to contemplate the beauty of an environment and its wide spaces, incredible and beautiful

[@bidibibip]

This is just heartbreakingly beautiful. Breathtaking scenes, the story is so simple and saddening and uplifting at the same time

[@Martin-se3ij]

The illustrations are wonderful, the use of light and shade producing so much depth. Quite inspirational to watch. A little masterpiece.

[@esarfmij]

So beautiful . . . each frame a beautiful composition, and the effect is an emotional pull, of longing, and awe.

[@briannadau]

This whole thing is so beautifully made. Absolutely loved

[@AntheaMay101]

I really loved this. So beautifully and artistically made

[@yyw188]

Remind me of the Red Turtle, artistically beautiful and profoundly moving.

[@shannonclaasen1525]

So true !

[@shannonclaasen1525]

I was also thinking about the red turtle when I watch it

[@gentlebree5800]

The visuals for this film are absolutely stunning.It's such a pleasure watching them!

[@avaallen5537]

The background is just jaw dropping

[@khold7560]

Touching... and people need do realize that life is short and grief is a hard mountain to climb alone...help people and give your hand to the ones who need it ...don't be shame or afraid to show your scars 🙏🌠💚💙🙏

[@barbaramartins9224]

@khold 75 💔😥

[@hollish196]

This is so lovely. It is just wonderful--thank you so very much for making this, and for letting all of us see this. Just UTTERLY WONDERFUL.

[@Hallowbreath]

That is a beautiful story. Thanks for making and sharing this work.

[@Aglaceon100]

Beautiful, unbelievably beautiful. Honestly the whole thing is like being in a moving painting. Every scene is absolutely stunning. From the rendering of the character to the gorgeous painterly backgrounds and objects, along with the very realistic animation of the water, it all comes together to form a masterful work of art. That's not even accounting for the wonderful sound direction, seriously to anyone who hasn't watched this using headphones, please do, the whole thing becomes so immersive. Thank you and well done to everyone who worked on this project, you have created something truly beautiful.

[@ayanpal1]

A stunning piece of work. Absolutely loved it!

[@IAMgaenhart]

beyond brilliant. full of emotion and image. Well done. So beautiful.

[@abbster5154]

This was so good! The sound design was amazing, and it made me feel like I was right there with the fox. I love how the detail and intricacy of the background and the various settings contrasts with the simple design of the fox, it's just perfect. Wonderful job on this!!!!

[@Taintless101]

Absolutely mesmerising. Beautiful, thoughtful, peaceful and enriching. Like a guided meditation. Thank you for your art.

[@pessimisticpantomath9827]

I love the ambience of nature. I love the sounds. I love the sights. I love the cool breeze. You captured it amazingly in this piece of art.

[@ananominity]

I've never seen anything like this. Powerful and deep.. The tranquility in this short film makes time stand still. The curiosity of the fox both in/out of dreams is so innocent and pure, without fear, alone in the world, filled with wonder at everything. Hats off to the creator - you are definitely in your element.

[@mtbness5028]

Fabulous, evocative filmmaking. Put me right in there, seeing through the fox's eyes. Wonderful! Thank you!

[@cindymead5205]

Masterfully done in all respects. I love this for many reasons. Bravo.

[@Max-hn5tc]

Can I just take a few minutes to appreciate how wonderfully and delightfully the landscape looks. And not only the visuals but the sounds. Oh, boy, how pleasanlty and calming they sound!!! The birds chirping, the water splashing, the wind slowly blowing, the rain and thunder....All this combination creates such feeling that I can't even describe through words. So cozy and relaxing that it makes me want to go to such places to experience the same that this little curious fox.... I'm really glad I stumbled upon this film when was looking for animations on KZbin. Love'em)

[@sugarskully2133]

That water animation is exquisite!! Absolutely incredible atmospheres and backgrounds! Keep up the great work! Because I'm going to keep watching😊

[@emperoreternus4]

The animation, ambience and art are breathtaking! It makes me feel so calm.

[@jonathanporter5223]

Wow! What a fantastically beautiful animation! Some of the shot were truly breath taking. From the way those rays of sun falling on that tree, to the movements of the ocean waters as the storm rolls in, was all just done amazingly awesome. Good job making a really rad short film!

[@hvrtado]

I went to a short film exhibit at the film library in my city, and this was supposed to play but they didn't show it for some reason. Had to find it on youtube. Amazing work.

[@stephaniedouglasaviewfroma9596]

I’m so glad this popped up out of nowhere. And, the title intrigued me. It was breathtaking!!! There are so many comments that say exactly what I was going to - Ditto on all the great and thoughtful comments!

[@saoirserogan471]

I will never understand how anyone could dislike a video like this. It’s so beautiful and well made. U guys did an amazing job😊👍

[@lukepasca9765]

Oh my gosh that was absolutely beautiful! Not scared to go at its own pace and I didn’t realize that it was mostly void of music until the piano keyed in towards the end. The story for me was kind of confusing but I think that it really leaves the interpretation to the viewer. Robin Joseph, you’re super talented 😂 all of your hard work was worth it! I’d love to learn from you if you put out tutorials or something. Kudos to everyone else too! Great work

[@nyanya5768]

This is so beautiful and calming plus the sound truck is very good

[@oldearthstudios5723]

The art is absolutely stunning. The feels are all here.

[@sheabutter6110]

Just the sound quality alone is beautiful and this dont even need a story,,the sound is enough,,

[@heatherjorgensen1998]

How utterly b-e-a-u-ti-ful! Thank you!!

[@vincevoodoo]

Thank you sir for this wonderful gift! You reminded me how beautiful and wonderful the world we are living and that we all should take good care of it!

[@MsJaguar159]

this is the most beautiful short i have EVER seen!

[@lory3771]

This artwork is some of the best stuff I’ve ever seen. Especially that opening shot-small fox juxtaposed against giant whale tail in a wide open space…stunning.

[@KacielNolwen]

That was beautiful. Very sad, very touching, but beautiful. I love the animation style, this little fox is adorable! It's crazy how such a simple design can be so effective at conveying emotions!

[@onlybonjour]

I'm speechless, this is beautiful and it has such a deep meaning

[@Patphoto44]

This is a breathtaking bit of magic.... Thank you so much!

[@rongerongin]

one of the most beautiful artwork I have ever seen.

[@dragonslayer4969]

It's Like a storybook read itself! this is amazing! so much work was put into this! I'm surprised Disney hasn't hired you yet! I was sucked into the visuals, the background, the realism really pushes the audience into awww as each setting changes! each challenge, each setting, the character faced felt as if I followed where ever he went... this was truly one of a kind! 20 stars outta 10! : )

[@lauraestey6071]

This is a gorgeous, gorgeous film! It took me on a journey while also surrounding me with beauty. Profound, sad, yet also optimistic. Very, very creative. I also love how the music ends unresolved, as the journey continues.

[@sueglover4599]

Absolutely stunning in every way - the music was haunting, the animated characters were beautifully drawn ( particulat.y loved the heron and the stag) and a lovely story - a joy to watch. Thank you so much, will be looking out for more my score is a definite 10 out of 10 🎉😊❤❤❤

[@BL-li7gg]

Gorgeous, every frame is a work of art.

[@enderflashria3597]

this may be one of the most beautiful Animations I've ever seen. The atmosphere is absolutely perfect and the art is just so gorgeous!

[@charlessomerset9754]

Amazing. Those backgrounds were other worldly beautiful.

[@consciousobserver629]

Wow. Absolutely beautiful. Every image. Every single one.

[@RafaelElectronic]

Some of the highest quality visual art I've gotten the pleasure of seeing

[@cosmic_snot]

Watching this in a dark room with headphones on was an amazing experience. What an amazing work of art! Bravo!

[@Paula-133]

So wonderful. I hope you are making a full-length movie.!!

[@josieakar6004]

This movie gives the audiences freedom for comprehending the plot. As I understand this as self journey to understand the past/grief/worries. We have to dig our own feelings n face the truth. It frees our soul and have our peace

[@kelseytebo8876]

I love the artwork and the noises, it is so calming!

[@ghostcityshelton9378]

This video can be summed up in one word....."WOW !!!" Very talented people did this.

[@new2klear]

Bravo, excelent work!

[@camillarigamonti3447]

It is an intense, poetic, artistic masterpiece. Thank you for the beauty and the denonciation meaning.

[@onlythequestion]

Wonderful. Criminally under-viewed.

[@richardallan2767]

Well that was achingly beautiful. Love the easy juxtaposition of animation styles.

[@lisamoore1156]

The visuals are so beautiful and serene. I love it

[@shiva72945]

It reminds me of a holyday in France, Vosges, whole day exploiring in the woods, live everywhere, complete hapiness. Best holyday I ever had.

[@popdogsoda3047]

Wow... really stunning design. In love with the environments and art style. Well done.

[@magocean]

This video with headphones is magicaaaal

[@nyam___]

What a lovely soundtrack. I love your draw styles too

[@caramason56]

So creative and beautiful 😊. I’ve always adored these short films

[@janethagaman394]

Fox and the Whale. The most beautiful animated film I've ever seen.

[@AlanFregtman]

Amazing work, Kim! Super stoked to finally see this; it's gorgeous! :o

[@sukdennison3034]

This is a great work of art itself ! Beautifully done.