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WRITER'S NOTES
Most people are vaguely aware that salmon swim upstream to spawn every year. But few are familiar with how perilous, exhausting and daunting this journey would be for the fish - what an epic and almost impossible undertaking it would seem to be in their eyes if they had the capacity to think and question like human beings (and who knows that they don't?). Journey of the Hinntick uses anthropomorphism to put the audience in the position of trying to understand how these fish would feel. Would they give in to instinct over reason? What would they expect to find at the end? What legends would their school have built up about the journey?
The screenplay then goes further to let us know the thoughts, motivations and society structures of not only the fish, but also the hunters that prey on them - specifically the eagles and the bears. This is where the story is quite unique, because even though these characters are trying to eat the salmon heroes, still they are not portrayed as 'bad guys'. They are in fact noble creatures playing their part in the great tapestry of nature. An audience will find themselves in the unusual position of cheering for both sides during the story. They will want the fish to live, but they will also want the bears to eat them and grow strong and fat so that they can survive the coming Dark Season.
The Hinntick School's monumental journey is in effect a true story that is one of the greatest triumphs and tragedies that this world has ever produced.
And it occurs on an annual basis!
THE SOCIAL RELEVANCE
Journey of the Hinntick is a story that raises a number of issues surrounding the
maintenance of the planet's natural environment and Man's ongoing impact upon that environment. It shows us the value and importance of a balanced eco-sphere and the amazing tapestry nature has weaved in order to maintain the delicate structure of life on Earth. It challenges us to take an active hand in protecting that environment for
future generations of both human and animal.
On another level the film also creates awareness and debate about such fundamental issues as societal structure, peer group pressure and fundamental belief systems such
as religion and government. Even though there are no humans in the narrative, the
experiences and trials suffered by the characters in the film are parallels to the many challenges that we face both as individuals and as a society. By presenting such debate and philosophy within a larger narrative structure, Journey of the Hinntick very much sets out to arouse discussion and action from its audience as it presents significant food for thought about our role as a species within the structure of the universe.
THE STYLE
Journey of the Hinntick is written as a 100% CGI animated feature. The genre of the story and its portrayal of nature would be best served by utilising animation that is as close to reality in its look as modern animators can achieve.
The style would be epic in its visual expanse. From the opening scene of the sun spreading Spring across the world - to the vast watery depths of the Pacific Ocean - to the magnificent beauty of the Alaskan wilderness - the screenplay allows the animator to create a world which will amaze and delight any audience. But this fantastic backdrop tapestry is only the beginning of the animator's challenge.
The task of creating the various societies of animals will be the real joy in this film's creation. Animators need to return to their youth - to all those nature documentaries that they watched at school - sharks eating fish, alligators attacking antelope, lions leaping on top of gazelles and ripping their throats open - to find the inspiration for creating these images. In particular, the challenge of visually creating the millions of salmon which amass during the great migration will ensure that Journey of the Hinntick does not just follow animation trends - but would have to create techniques that could pave the way for future animators to follow.
TARGET AUDIENCE
While Journey of the Hinntick would probably be aimed toward a young teenage
market, older teenagers and adults would also very much enjoy the film. For any age group, the sheer scope of the journey and its perils, plus the enormously powerful
human (animal?) drama that the characters endure, would be satisfying.
There is enough action, humour and visual drama to satisfy a younger audience. There is a substantial sub-text (Why does God do this? Should we accept our roles in nature? Is nature even fair?) to challenge older audiences. And for those that like a love story - this is a three tissue box movie, as many will be brought to tears by Hector and Sally's final scenes - and then brought to tears again when the tiny salmon emerge to begin a new life.
I believe that with the right direction - with the correct sensitivity, tone and mood - and with realistic animation and strong character acting - Journey of the Hinntick could break new ground in animation and make a genuine impact on the film industry.
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