The Making of ‘STAY’: An Interview with Dylan Kaufmann on Crafting an Animated Story of Hope and Resilience

In this interview, we dive into the creative process behind “STAY,” an animated short film by Dylan Kaufmann that explores themes of isolation, depression, and the importance of holding on to hope. While the story delves into moments of profound loneliness, its central message is about never losing heart, no matter how isolated one may feel. Inspired by personal experiences and the art of Fredrik Raddum, Kaufmann discusses how these influences shaped the emotional depth of the film.
Dedicated to his mother, “STAY” is both a personal and universal story. With animator Elise Murray and composer Holden bringing the film to life, Kaufmann reveals the challenges and choices behind the visuals and score that convey the protagonist’s journey from despair to renewal. This interview provides a closer look at the heart and soul behind “STAY,” and the messages it hopes to leave with its audience.

Patrick Roy, UniversalCinema Magazine (UM): What inspired you to create an animated film that explores the themes of isolation and depression?

Dylan Kaufmann (DK): While the story does cover isolation and depression, the main theme of telling this story is to never lose heart. Everyone comes across a moment in their life when they feel isolated but this story is about understanding that no matter how isolated you feel, you are never truly alone. While writing this story, I took some inspiration from Norwegian artist Fredrik Raddum’s bronze sculpture, “Trans ī re”, which emphasizes new beginnings and that looking at things from a wider perspective can help erase your anxiety and stress.

My biggest inspiration for telling this story the way I did is my mother. As an only child, it has always been just me and my mom throughout my entire childhood. She is the person who made me want to make films and is the reason I work as hard as I do to make them. Whenever I felt alone and wasn’t sure if I could go any further, she was always the one who kept me going.

(UM): In animation, characters are brought to life through visuals. How did you design the protagonist to reflect his emotional state throughout the film?

(DK):  The short film includes various moments that subtly reflect the protagonist’s emotional state, starting from the very first shot. The beard, combined with the disarray in his room, effectively portrays his neglect and emotional struggle. These subtle details aim to help the audience connect with his journey right from the beginning.

Elise Murray, the animator for this film, did an incredible job depicting the protagonist’s facial expressions and perfecting his look. We worked closely together to design a character who could convey a deep sense of desperation and loneliness to the audience. As the story progresses, his appearance subtly evolves to mirror his internal transformation. Elise’s attention to detail really brought the protagonist to life in a way that resonates deeply with the film’s themes.

(UM): The memories of joyful celebrations with the protagonist’s late mother play a crucial role. How did you use animation techniques to differentiate these memories from present-day reality?

(DK):  The flashback the protagonist has of his mother uses a much more vibrant color palette to emphasize the joy that resides in this memory. The use of non-diegetic sound and longer shots also helps the audience differentiate this sequence from the rest of the film. The final element that differentiates this flashback from the present day is the transition from the young boy’s calendar to the present-day calendar in the protagonist’s cubicle, highlighting the shift in mood and the changes in his day-to-day life.

(UM): Sue, the pet bird, appears to be a significant character. How did you approach animating Sue to represent her symbolic role in the protagonist’s life?

(DK): My approach to animating Sue was to ensure she stood out with vibrant colors and an energetic personality, sharply contrasting the dull and lifeless vibe of the protagonist. Sue is strong and fierce, and without her, there is no story. Elise and I knew we had to get her right. I chose yellow to symbolize hope and optimism, as these are the qualities that ultimately drive Sue to take the leap of faith at the film’s climax. I really wanted to hone in on all the characteristics of a mother when creating Sue, as that is what she truly represents. Elise did an incredible job creating Sue to be everything she’s supposed to be and adding those hints of affection that you only get from a mother.

(UM): Animation allows for unique storytelling opportunities. How did you use color, lighting, and visual style to convey the protagonist’s feelings of isolation and despair?

(DK): In order to convey the protagonist’s feelings of isolation and despair, we used a much more desaturated color palette when designing his appearance, attire, and room. It is not until the climax of the film that we are met with a radiant sunset, an abundance of color symbolizing the end of his isolation and the beginning of a new chapter in his story.

(UM): What were some of the specific challenges you faced in animating the emotional depth of the characters, especially in depicting themes like grief and depression?

(DK): Conveying the emotional depth of the characters in such a short story was definitely a challenge. I was initially concerned about capturing these emotions effectively. However, Elise, our animator, was instrumental in finding creative solutions whenever we faced roadblocks. One of our main focuses was getting the climax of the film just right, as it’s a pivotal moment where the theme of never losing heart through grief is most powerfully expressed. Elise worked very hard on the sequence, fine-tuning elements like the speed of the fall, the color of the sunset, the characters’ reactions, and the background to ensure they all conveyed the intended emotions and I’m so grateful to her.

Adding to the challenge, we were working under a tight deadline, as I wanted to complete the film in time for my mom’s birthday as a special gift for her. Balancing the need to meet this deadline with the importance of not sacrificing any of the story’s emotional depth was crucial, and I’m grateful that Elise and I were able to achieve that.

(UM): The film’s pivotal moment involves an unexpected event leading to a profound revelation. How did you use animation to enhance the emotional impact of this scene?

(DK): Designing and animating the pivotal moment in this film was a major focus, as I wanted to ensure it had a strong emotional impact. A key part of enhancing this moment was the sequence between the protagonist’s fall off the balcony and the moment he opens his eyes again. This sequence is crucial in drawing the audience in, making them invest in what happens next. When Sue is revealed, the scene is bathed in a bright, warm sunset—a stark contrast to the more muted colors seen earlier in the film. This was intentional, as it underscores the significance of this moment. The vibrant colors emphasize the emotional weight of the scene.

Additionally, it was important to me to highlight Sue’s struggle through the animation. Despite her fear, she refuses to lose hope and finds the strength to ensure the protagonist’s safety. This symbolizes the caring, persistent love that you often find in a good mother. By focusing on these elements, we were able to amplify the emotional resonance of the scene, making it a powerful turning point in the story.

(UM): How did you approach the sound design and score for the film to complement the animation and underscore the emotional narrative?

(DK): From the beginning, I knew how crucial it was to have a powerful and effective score for this film. This story is very important and emotional to me, and I wanted it to resonate emotionally with viewers as well. A big part of achieving that was through the music. To convey the feelings I intended, I knew I wanted an orchestral score. Holden, the composer, fully grasped my intent and crafted a musical piece that beautifully enhanced the story, perfectly bringing it to the emotional level I envisioned.

(UM): Given that animation allows for creative freedom, were there any particular visual or stylistic influences that shaped your depiction of the protagonist’s internal world?

(DK): One major visual and stylistic influence I mentioned to Elise, the animator, was the 2012 animated short film Paperman directed by John Kahrs. This film immediately came to mind when I was thinking about what I wanted from the animation in our project. I believe there are many similarities between the protagonists and the way the stories are told visually.

(UM): What do you hope audiences take away from this animated film, both in terms of its emotional resonance and its visual storytelling?

(DK): I hope this story resonates with those who are currently separated from their loved ones, whether due to distance, the passing of a loved one, or simply missing them. My wish is that, after watching this film, someone feels inspired to reach out and call their parent, grandparent, or any loved one because, ultimately, it’s these small moments that leave a lasting impact on our lives.

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