CHARLIE LUO

The Way to the Stars (2026)
The way to the Stars is about a star that falls from the sky and tries to find her way back home. On her way, she would meet some friends trying to help her.
This is a CG stop-motion styled animation short produced in Blender and Maya. I'm hoping to create a film not only for the younger audience but also for the general public, resonating the idea of "home is not a place but where your heart belongs." I'm aiming to recreate the nostalgic and tactile feel from stop-motion animation in a digital 3D space. This is a tribute to stop-motion animation and my passion for 3D.
I am in charge of the full production of the film, including the roles of directing, producing, production management, concept, 2D and 3D character development, 3D modeling, texturing, animation, lighting, rendering, and compositing. With assistance in 3D rigging and animation.
Gallery
Animatic
References & Inspirations


Color References


Star
Concept Art



Early Stage Render Test - Blender Eevee

Final Rendered Look - Blender Cycles


Bunny
Concept Art


Textures in Substance Painter


Final Rendered Look - Blender Cycles


Owl
Concept Art


Textures in Substance Painter



Final Rendered Look - Blender Cycles


Turtle
Concept Art

Textures in Substance Painter



Final Rendered Look - Blender Cycles


Environment Models


















