Creating an animated film is a remarkable blend of imagination, skill, and determination. This was the path taken by LIHTAR Studio, led by its founder and creative director Edward Kurchevsky, to produce a fan teaser inspired by The Witcher. The project stands as a heartfelt tribute to Andrzej Sapkowski’s iconic universe, combining dark fantasy storytelling with breathtaking visual artistry.
Before diving into the creative process, take a moment to watch the Witcher Animation fan teaser – a visually stunning homage to the iconic series that will transport you into Sapkowski’s rich world.
Edward Kurchevsky is a seasoned 2D animator and director known for his passion for medieval culture, literature, and animation. He founded LIHTAR Studio with the vision of bringing imaginative projects to life through compelling stories and distinctive artistry. A devoted fan of The Witcher series, Edward’s admiration for the franchise has spanned over a decade, culminating in the creation of this visually rich teaser.
The Spark of an Idea
Edward’s connection to The Witcher runs deep. «Since the release of the first game in 2007, I’ve been captivated by its world. I even learned Polish to read the books in their original form,» he shares. Fueled by his love for medieval culture, Edward chose to adapt «A Grain of Truth» («Ziarno prawdy») – a short story filled with drama, mysticism, and morally ambiguous themes. «I wanted to use visual storytelling to convey the depth and complexity of this dark fantasy tale,» he explains.
Laying the Foundation
The Witcher Animation project began with Edward developing the script and an animatic, which served as the blueprint for the teaser. He then assembled a talented team, including character designer Andrei Sitari and background artist Darina Lapkovskaya.
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Andrei Sitari, initially unfamiliar with The Witcher, became immersed in the universe during production. Tasked with designing Geralt, Andrei worked to find the perfect balance between recognizability and a unique artistic interpretation. «The secondary characters were easier; Geralt had to embody the essence of the series while being adapted to our stylistic vision,» Andrei notes.
For Darina Lapkovskaya, designing the environments brought its own challenges. «We wanted the backgrounds to feel alive – a balance between comic-book stylization and realistic fantasy,» she explains. The forest scene, where Geralt meets Vereena, requires extensive research and meticulous effort to achieve the desired atmosphere.
Animating a Dark Fantasy World
Creating a compelling animated teaser demanded painstaking attention to detail. The team worked collaboratively on every element – from character movements to background compositions. «The teaser was layout-heavy, as we wanted every scene to be as precise and impactful as possible,» Edward emphasizes.
Color and Music
The teaser’s atmospheric tone was shaped by its carefully curated color palette and original soundtrack. Renowned composer Piotr Musiał, celebrated for his work on The Witcher: Blood and Wine and Frostpunk, created a hauntingly beautiful score that perfectly complemented the visuals. «Music establishes the rhythm and emotional depth of the scenes,» Edward explains.
The use of color was equally vital. «The fight scenes were framed in moody, cloudy evening light to contrast with the warm candlelit interiors,» Darina recalls. The result was a cohesive visual style that transported viewers directly into the world of The Witcher.
Lessons Learned
The teaser took a year and a half to complete, with most of the work done after hours. Despite the constraints, the project became a testament to the team’s dedication and creativity. «Animation doesn’t forgive compromises. Every detail matters, and pushing yourself to do better always pays off,» Edward reflects.
The team emphasizes the importance of collaboration and persistence for aspiring animators. «Every project is a chance to learn. Work with people who share your vision and are willing to explore new ideas,» Andrei advises.
Looking Ahead
While the teaser remains a standalone fan tribute, LIHTAR Studio is already planning exciting original projects. Edward hints at intriguing developments on the horizon, promising even more captivating stories in the studio’s distinctive style.
The Witcher Animation fan teaser is a shining example of how passion and teamwork can transform an idea into something extraordinary. By blending artistry with storytelling, the team has not only honored the source material but also inspired creators to dream big.Join our Short film creation Animation & Directing course to begin making your big dreams a reality.
