Project Overview
The Tape is a short 3D horror animation inspired by the psychological tension and narrative tone of Alan Wake. The project was created as part of a Halloween series exploring cinematic storytelling through atmosphere, sound design, and first-person immersion. It blends subtle environmental detail with narrative voice-over and timed jump scares to create a compact yet impactful horror experience.
Storyboard
Process
The piece was developed from an original 30-second script written in the style of Alan Wake’s introspective narration. The goal was to evoke unease through pacing, lighting, and sound rather than overt visual shock. Each scene was carefully designed in a first-person perspective to pull the viewer directly into the story. Using a mix of still frames, animated elements, and controlled motion, the project balanced realism with stylized tension. The eerie score was composed and later remixed into a darker trap variation for the behind-the-scenes feature, emphasizing the connection between cinematic horror and modern music production.
Behind The Scenes
Still Frames
Outcome
The final animation captures a haunting, cinematic experience where narrative, sound, and design converge. The result is a short but immersive piece that feels part film, part nightmare — showcasing how atmosphere, composition, and pacing can drive emotion even within a minimal runtime. Trick or Treat – The Tape stands as both a creative experiment in storytelling and a technical exercise in mood-driven animation.
Credit
VCR Model: twunnyphaiv on Sketchfab https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/vcr-player-98951dfd481b432b883b128222ea24ae
TV Model: Timothy Ahene on Sketchfab https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/crt-tv-9ba4baa106e64319a0b540cf0af5aa9e
TV Cabinet Model: 杭州维界科技有限公司 on Sketchfab https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/tv-cabinet-fec1a6ba697a4fd096019a1f25ce52de
