Still / The Neva Flows (Reprise) - Animated

An animated project I've worked on since the beginning of quarantine! This short is based on the climatic scene in Anastasia (the broadway musical production). I grew up with the movie, but the musical does an exceptional job grounding the tale in a more accurate history.
Not made for monetary gain. Please support all the artists and producers behind the broadway adaptation, and the creativity of other fans who have published content like this!
Update:
Many thanks to Babbles Babbles for making such an incredible animatic a couples years back. To be clear, their creative direction was an inspiration for my animated video. So please also check out and support the mother of all these animatics! • Still/ The Neva Flows ...
IG: jan_sport12

[@harrykershaw8329]

The fact that Ramin Karimloo has seen this is just awesome. The person who made this should feel honoured of that. I know I would be.

[@KwanJan12]

Harry Kershaw it truly made my day! He even sent me a personal message!

[@KwanJan12]

@@Anna74308 it was on his IG!

[@svetlana7579]

Wait, he did? Oh my, congratulations! You're very talented.

[@khothuocsung1565]

Gleb's hatred is understandable. Nikolai II and Alexandra Feodorovna had committed many crimes against the Russian people (father and mother of Anya). But their children are not to blame. That caused his inner struggle.

[@karen8624]

@@khothuocsung1565 Because we all know what humanitarians the Bolsheviks were, huh? Pot, meet kettle. 🙄

[@Beezibug]

I'm so sorry but the scene with young Anastasia walking forward towards the gun, with no fear whatsoever that's a power move right there (also very nicely done as well TvT)

[@KwanJan12]

Yeah that direction I took was inspired from Babbles Babbles’ animatic. It was so powerful I knew I had to put that in with my own style!

[@azvascos7542]

When we saw it on Ramin's last weekend, he turned the gun to his head after he decided he couldn't shoot Anya. The entire audience gasped audibly.

[@rapsquack7202]

@@azvascos7542 OMG IS THERE A RECORDING

[@azvascos7542]

@@rapsquack7202 No, sorry!

[@rapsquack7202]

@@azvascos7542 damn, it sounds cool tho

[@laylak4927]

Your animatic was featured on Ramin’s story today!

[@KwanJan12]

I saw! It’s so cool! 👍🏽

[@blueskythinking6592]

the moment where he pulls out the gun and because it’s in the foreground it looks like a rifle really managed to evoke the parallel scenes in the stage show, with his father’s firing squad aiming rifles at the rest of the family. I cried, I got chills, this is incredible !!!

[@KwanJan12]

Blue Sky Thinking wow what an interesting observation! I wish I added a reflection of the Bolshevik soldiers in the window. But I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@moiravandijk8962]

​@@KwanJan12Honestly I'm glad you didn't add more Bolshevik soldiers. It makes this scene more personal. This is both of them literally stepping into their fathers shoes.

[@aralisji]

The use of their reflections was just * chef's kiss * When Gleb turned and saw his bloody face in the window? When Anya looked like little Anastasia? Ooooof! I like how you made Gleb more visibly nervous about his decision and Anya more fierce about it, if that makes sense... It's an entirely different medium than theatre and you really used it to the max with the close ups (Anya's hand!) and the stylization of their "journey to the past". I really really really liked this! Amazing job 💜

[@khothuocsung1565]

When i heard him singing “a revolution is a simple thing” it kind of felt like he meant that “a revolution is inevitable, a simple consequence of the Tsar’s poor leadership” considering how things were going in Russia that time imo. People were suffering from poverty, and then Nikolai II just went forcing them to fight in a meaningless war which did no good to the country.

[@khothuocsung1565]

Gleb's hatred is understandable. Nikolai II and Alexandra Feodorovna had committed many crimes against the Russian people (father and mother of Anya). But their children are not to blame. That caused his inner struggle.

[@actionjackson99]

It Was The Blue Sky Studios 2018

[@cheekythemonkey748]

THIS IS INSANE! Why on earth doesn't this have more attention?! This definitely does that amazing scene justice. The level of detail and the animation both look great, the symbolism used is really good, and that part with the blood gave me chills! This only makes me wish we had some form of Gleb in a movie. But this video more than makes up for it! Great work, and thank you so so much for animating my favourite scene so well!

[@KwanJan12]

Cheeky The Monkey thanks so much for your enthusiasm!! Looking back, the animated movie is very unique and good! But it was bogged down by expectations of being like a Disney movie. It worked best as a historical drama and that’s what I tried to do by drawing from both the whimsy of the movie and the historical grounding of the broadway musical.

[@throughthelookingglass5973]

Ramin Karimloo actually shared this video on his instagram. 😃

[@KwanJan12]

Through The Looking Glass that was a pretty cool treat!

[@lalas181]

The art style feels perfectly suited for this musical. It has that same kind of vibe as the promotional art and the actual backgrounds in the musical have.

[@KwanJan12]

Exactly what I was going for!

[@shadowchu5940]

I know it's kinda impossible but if you do a full animation of this musical, I will definitely watch😍

[@KwanJan12]

Shadow Chu that’d be a HUGE undertaking only being one guy! 😂

[@lloroarcoiris]

People NEED to help him :( underrated a F

[@mmaplecat4491]

@@KwanJan12 it's a shame you probably wouldn't be able to accept funds for it (what with copyright and all that), because I know you'd be able to get it funded at the least lol. This was an amazing job. cheers.

[@maryl.5984]

it makes me so happy that people still love the movie and musical! This is such beautiful animation!!

[@KwanJan12]

Mary L. Thank you! I did my best to draw from both!

[@fatuusdottore]

I love this musical dearly. It reminds me of my grandma. 💕

[@dankiumzed2831]

This video proves that they should start making animated adaptations of Broadway shows. there's been plenty of animated movies (like Anastasia) turned into musicals, but I'm surprised there isn't anything the other way around. A lot of musicals could work as an animated movie like Cats (Steven Spielberg was even working on one before it was scrapped), Dear Evan Hansen, Jekyll and Hyde, etc.

[@caroline7420]

I can’t even imagine an animated cats😂 it would probably be a lot less weird though.

[@liaguianen5247]

I simply don't understand how this doesn't have more views. I've seen multiple bootlegs of the show and I've seen it live, and this is the first time an animation of the song has given me that same feeling, my heart dropped. I'm genuinely so blown away. you've earned a subscriber!

[@KwanJan12]

Lia Guianen this was for fun, and I’m glad people are enjoying it and being absorbed by the drama! I wish I saw it live but I can only imagine how intense that musical number must be! I’m glad I could capture that emotional intensity!

[@HappypandaAJ]

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! The animation is so smooth and stylized! Don Bluth would be proud. Also, I LOVE how you have Gleb wearing the uniform and Anya in her rags in the reflection of the window!

[@KwanJan12]

Thanks! I was definitely inspired by Babbles Babbles’ animatic for a lot of the creative direction!

[@HappypandaAJ]

KwanJan12 Yeah! I saw that one too! This song inspires so many talented artists

[@AnimeLuver88]

I couldn't find that one. 😞

[@FirstKhaoProtector]

I am so glad I found this! I honestly love it more than the bootleg scene. The symbolism with the past in their reflections on the glass.. that just made this song and scene even more intense. On top of that, you can really see how conflicted he is in this. Fantastic job!

[@KwanJan12]

And I’m glad you enjoy it! I loved listening to this song, so it was important that I captured it with care!

[@Guns-gq8pk]

I love how he turns towards the dark shadow when he says, “we have the past to bury Anya” Then as a parallel he turns towards the light to face his shadow where he see’s himself covered in the blood of the past.

[@johnmartin4119]

Makes me really wish the original animated film was like this, at least with the villain. Christopher Lloyd was fine as Rasputin but this is more interesting

[@jazzfiore9783]

1:56 to the end never fails to make me absolutely sob. this is phenomenal.

[@mariellabaird9602]

i've recently reentered the anastasia hyperfixation and this is NOT helping. dude, the details? the eyes in the reflections being smeared out, the blood on Gleb's face, even cutting in his line, "for the last time" and having her family behind her. sooooo many amazing choices. i'm obsessed.

[@Laladust]

Always bothered me when she screamed “I am Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanov”. A Russian woman’s surname ends with A. She was Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova. Her sisters were Olga, Tatiana, and Maria Nikolaevna Romanova; and her BROTHER was Alexei Nikolaevich Romanov.

[@preciousbabyboy947]

This might be the best Animated Version of the song. You really captured the intensity of the moment and the characters expressions were also on point. Your art deserves more recognition and views.

[@KwanJan12]

Precious Baby Boy I appreciate it! That was most definitely the intention!

[@ppl2luv]

watching little anya walking towards the gun with no fear makes the song even scarier. very well done, i keep going back to this. i’m obsessed 💜

[@mwalzy98]

As impressive as this animation is, what really blew me away was the story boarding of this scene. My god. The reflections acting as the choir is just amazing! Like up there with the robed figures singing backup in Hellfire from Hunchback amazing

[@pedrolucasferreira6407]

1:50 -- 2:31 THE CHILLSSSS!!!!!!! OMG this is so amazing!!!

[@KwanJan12]

Oh for real! Glad you felt the emotional intensity oozing from every frame!

[@becsoriano2036]

I’ve never listens to Anastasia and OH MY GOD THIS IS SO POWERFUL

[@Ash-xt1ej]

I have not seen the musical so when he took out the gun I kinda lost it

[@KwanJan12]

That part gets ALOT of people I show this to in person! Hearing their gasps is absolutely satisfying 😂

[@Ash-xt1ej]

@@KwanJan12 Finally saw it! It was so good! But honestly you did such a great job with this scene that I might actually like watching yours more

[@KwanJan12]

Wow thanks!

[@eleonoramaciel6273]

The reflections on the windows were just breathtaking moments. Chills, everywhere. Thank you so much for this.

[@KwanJan12]

Yes! I’m glad you enjoyed it and felt that emotional intensity oozing from these moving pictures. It makes me proud to share something I made that gives people such a reaction!

[@Blue_Cas]

This musical would be such a good movie.

[@Time-lord-jedi]

It is based off of a movie. If you mean the Musical version of it I'm sorry

[@caroline7420]

It would be amazing if done right but most of the recent Broadway->Live Action movies have been subpar. The only one that I love and have basically no complaints about is the 2021 West Side Story which makes me wonder: a Steven Spielberg Anastasia?? That would be amazing. And if they did it soon they could cast some of the same actors.

[@em4998]

THIS IS AMAZING I LITERALLY CANT STOP WATCHING THIS????????? THIS IS SO WELL DONE I CANT BELIEVE THIS IS REAL YOU'RE SO TALENTED??? best video on this whole platform if you ask me!!!

[@KwanJan12]

Much appreciated! It was a lot of work but I’m rewarded with knowing that people enjoy it!

[@bakabaka8235]

1:34. Tatiana’s on the right. She has darker hair than the rest of her sisters, and also her hair is up like Olga’s while Maria’s and Anastasia’s were always worn down. Olga is on the far right, her hair is also up but it’s much lighter than her sister’s. Next to her is Maria, she has dark hair like Tatiana and if you look close enough you can sure what look like a bow in her hair. This is because she often had ribbons and bows in her hair during pictures.

[@idanzil35]

Please do “in a crowd of thousands”! That’s amazing!!!

[@caroline7420]

Man I just found this today and can’t stop thinking about it. The details in the reflection of the Royal family. Young Anya from the first time she and Gleb met. Oh and Gleb looking in his reflection and seeing blood on his face. This is incredible.

[@madih4586]

The use of the reflections makes the emotions invoked in this animation that much more powerful! Very well done! I love it so much.

[@marietta3277]

This is INCREDIBLE. It so perfectly captured the intensity of the song and the detail and coloring and symbolism are all spectacular. I'm going to be rewatching it for ages trying to catch all of them - the moment Gleb sees his father's reflection and his own with blood splatters on his face gave me chills. Thank you so much for animating this and sharing it! I can tell it took a lot of work!

[@KwanJan12]

Im glad you enjoyed it!

[@tomm.ymacleod9347]

And then the horror on Gleb's face at seeing the blood...I cannot. It's insaaaaane!! So well captured.

[@disneychic2337]

This was the best animatic of Anastasia that I’ve seen on KZbin! I swear u must be a professional animator because this moved me and when she walked towards the gun....I had literal chills

[@KwanJan12]

Haha I’m flattered! I have dabbled in animation a few times throughout the last decade. I’m glad you enjoyed it!!

[@GalenNight]

If they ever adapt this to film this is exactly how the scene should go

[@rosestrife1498]

I SAW IT A FEW DAYS AGO AND MY ANASTASIA COWARDED IN FRONT OF HIM! I WAS LIKE NO WTF DO IT LIKE IT WAS IN THE ANIMATION!

[@tlaragihai5953]

1:43 I absolutely love how she sees his conflict and emotions and even tries to comfort him, even if he wants to kill her. And how you cut off the resolution so it gives me an impression he did kill her (I have watched the musical)

[@gaby-zf8jj]

this is by far the best animation ive ever watched, and ive watched a lot of animations 😂. your drawing style is amazing and the way you added little details, like the reflections in the windows, made it so meaningful. i felt chills the whole time ❤❤

[@KwanJan12]

gabi glad you enjoyed my work! I appreciate it!

[@liana1581]

I GOT LITERAL GOOSEBUMPS OHMYGODS. I LOVE THE DETAILS ESPECIALLY THE EIFFEL TOWER IN THE WINDOW AND THE REFLECTIONS OF THE CHARACTERS WITH ANYA'S FAMILY, GLEB'S BLOODSTAINED FACE, THEIR OUTFITS DURING THEIR FIRST ENCOUNTER AAAAARGHHH IT'S SO PERFECT THANKS FOR THIS !!!

[@KwanJan12]

I appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

[@localbottlecap]

OH MY GOODNESS THIS IS ABSOLUTELY FREAKING BRILLIANT, THIS IS BREATHTAKING!! Anya's flashbacks/being surrounded by her family, Gleb covered in blood? Them transitioning back to their outfits when they were still in Russia? gosh. everything about this is ASTOUNDING, this deserves so much more love, and you did an incredible job. Bravo, bravo!! :D

[@nj_sunnyside]

I’ve watched this like ten times today and im not stopping anytime soon

[@pepperspikes1849]

loooove this. i think the reflections/ghosts in the window was my favorite part

[@ellylong3475]

The final part.... STUNNING OMG THE PARALLELS WERE SO SLAT! I love love love love love love love love love it

[@SidneyB1999]

this is so BEAUTIFUL! I love everything about this one. And oh my god congratulations!! Ramin noticed you 😭

[@KwanJan12]

I know, so cool!

[@rosieanox7557]

OH MY GOD QHERE ARE ALL THE COMMENTS. EVERYONE GET IN HERE. OH MY GOD

[@KwanJan12]

Keep on sharing this with your friends! And don’t forget to check out everyone else’s animatics too!

[@TheDimensionDweller]

Oh, this is stunning!!! I love the work you did with the reflections!

[@atticus_cos]

I’m shook this is amazing!!!! Good job!

[@ILoveChips]

This was beautiful! The chills man!

[@t.rae.storyteller]

Wow. Just wow. This is fantastic!

[@tavninety-six8295]

This is SO well done! Great job! Liked!

[@0x1TT]

This is just absolutely phenomenal!! I'm so stunned and obsessed with this!!!

[@gizellegando1813]

Wow! You never cease to amaze. Keep on drawing

[@fallforasong]

Wow! This is so amazing and I truly love it!

[@KidzVidz123]

I was sto excited when I found this and immediately forced my sister to watch it. This is stunning!

[@zeynephazaltuncer5849]

This is beyond beautiful. You have so much talent! Thank you for bringing this stunning scene back to life.

[@mygeekycorner9988]

This is beyond amazing. The lighting, the reflections, the angles. It’s perfect!!!!!!!!

[@WestieLuver2011]

I still watch this all the time, it’s SO GOOD. So talented!!!

[@StarshineCivics]

This is absolutely amazing!

[@saralina9867]

This is phenomenal ! 😍😍❤️

[@EllaABo]

This animation is incredible. Really capturing the scene so perfectly. Great art style, too. Well done.

[@blaikecheramie8714]

This is Incredible!! Thank you!!

[@courtneybill3840]

this is so beautiful!!! i'm in awe. id love to see more scenes animated like this wowow

This is so cool! Amazing job on the animation, and loved how you dramatized it further with the reflections and the black and white moment. Gorgeous!

[@khothuocsung1565]

Gleb's hatred is understandable. Nikolai II and Alexandra Feodorovna had committed many crimes against the Russian people (father and mother of Anya). But their children are not to blame. That caused his inner struggle.

[@graceccalvert]

this is so beautiful omg

[@bethb.sexton9315]

This is INCREDIBLE! I LOVE how you integrated the real dialogue from the stage production at the end. Wonderful!

[@CelestialFlairEJ]

This is a MASTERPIECE !!!! The work that's been done here is just remarkable! Umbelievable! Congrats!!!

[@sarahturner4148]

Bro this is SOOOO GOOD!!!!! Glad to see the fandom still kicking ❤❤❤

[@Cornflower20]

I got CHILLS watching this!! Such beautiful animation!

[@amadaserje7327]

THIS IS SO FREAKING GOOD WOW GREAT JOB

[@strawberryfossils7273]

This is absolutely GORGEOUS ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@shadowchu5940]

Oh my god this is so good!!!!!! I can feel the tension through the animation. The reflection on the window Gleb's stuggle so well

[@Nargon46]

Holy crap that was so intense! Amazing imagination and beautiful artwork. The reflections are so well done. Awesome work. Wow.

[@roseiguess6167]

This is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! Thank you so much for blessing us with this 😭 such a powerful song and this animation truly elevates it! ❤️

[@lauracalabresi3936]

THIS IS GORGEOUS!!!

[@sarahd9189]

This is my favorite part of the musical!!! You did such an amazing job I can’t EXPRESS! I don’t normally comment on videos but this totally warrants it!!

[@emmarounsville1479]

This is SO SO BEAUTIFUL

[@lizzylove01]

this needs more views! I can't stop watching!

[@royal_mess]

ohmy this is amazing! i would love to see some other songs with this art ;;

[@Ophantom89]

OMG I loved it! Thanks for your great art.

[@historycurse1231]

The way you animate the scene with beautiful visuals and expressions is absolutely amazing. I love it so much. Keep up the good work.

[@Animagic]

Props to you for making this gorgeous animation. The backgrounds, the details, the symbolism is stunning. It deserves all the love! 😖💖

[@benisjammin94]

I’m so sad they didn’t add the “for the last time! Who are you?” In the recording

[@KwanJan12]

Yeah there’s a lot that was left off the official soundtrack! Makes it more obvious how much push is given to encourage people to see the shows in person!

[@potato.pancake]

THIS IS A PHENOMENAL ANIMATION OH MY GOSH

[@fatuusdottore]

This is insanely good!

[@dawggyd9779]

CHILLLSSSS!! How is this not viral yet??? Incredible work

[@ritasmith6781]

Holy heck this is FREAKING FANTASTIC!! The animation was just so beautiful and how the artist played with the reflections in the window of her family was just so powerful!! I would watch the whole show like this!! 😍🤩

[@merivial8661]

THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE VIDEO ON THE INTERNET AAAAAAAAHHHH!!!! JUST- THE REFLECTIONS, THE EXPRESSIONS, EVERYTHING IS JUST PERFECT OMGGGGGG

[@RandomPerson-hd9sb]

OH MY GOSH THIS IS SO SMOOTH???

[@breebiebreeb]

*HOLY SHIT!!!* This is SO amazing!!! 😭❤️❤️❤️

[@mariariso4107]

WOW this is beautiful!!! 😍

[@zaczytaga]

Wow, so amazing! I love it ❤

[@pippastrelle]

Incredible work from you!!!

[@Jess-md2sg]

OMG, IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL

[@VvtLara]

I am late but i have chills 😮 This is brilliantly done!

[@strawberrydragon4183]

Please animate the entire musical this is gorgeous

[@blueevening]

This is amazing!

[@karen8624]

Oh my gosh! Probably the best animatronic done for my favourite scene in my favourite musical! 😃

[@arutlit62]

Absolutely stunning animation! Made me emotional! ❤

[@krishnashamanna391]

This is BEAUTIFUL

[@EParKer-nt7rq]

This is actually incredible oh my god!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!

[@bestellie]

oh my god??? this is so beautiful???????