Short Film - Leaving

We are continuously looking for ways to improve our studio and want to keep pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible.

Our goal is to produce a AAA-quality animated short film on Unreal Engine 5 with a gripping story and an important message. The central themes include deforestation, Finnish cottage culture, Midsummer, aging, and longing for adventure. Read the synopsis below.

About the project

Using talented artists

To realize our vision, we will onboard additional artists in addition to our in-house expertise. For example, there are going to be voice actors, character artist and animator, sound designer and an editor. We also wish to give back to the Epic Games and Unreal Engine community by sharing all of our assets and our process in detail.

AAA Filmmaking

We set out to prove that AAA-quality filmmaking for smaller studios is possible with modern tools and expert artists. At Lightstone Productions, we aim for quality above all, and with our keen eye for cinematic and artistic visuals, we will deliver a top-quality short film.

Environmental Awareness

Finland has a serious problem - the deforestation of our beloved land. While this is also a global issue, we’ve chosen to explore it from a distinctly Finnish perspective because it offers a unique setting for a short film that hasn’t been seen before.

Real Emotions

It is paramount to us that any narrative creation is infused with genuine emotion and passion. We will craft a story that grips the viewer from beginning to end.

Deforestation in Finland

-1,8%

Forest growth since 2009.

66%

Increase of wood required for industrial and energy production since 2009.

-15%

Tree cover since to 2009.

Sources: Natural Resources Institute Finland

We need sustainable practices

Finland’s forests form the backbone of the nation’s natural heritage and economic well-being. Our woodlands cover almost three-fourths of the land. They are diverse ecosystems that also play a pivotal role in carbon sequestration and climate regulation. However, recent trends in logging, urban development, and industrial activities have placed these vital areas at risk.

The current approach to forest management is increasingly challenged by pressures that exceed natural regeneration rates. Unsustainable deforestation practices lead to habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and a diminished capacity to mitigate climate change.

It is upon the policymakers, industry leaders, and local communities to take action. Strengthening environmental regulations, investing in reforestation, and promoting responsible resource management are essential measures to preserve Finland’s forests. By embracing a sustainable approach, we can ensure that these natural resources continue to provide ecological, social, and economic benefits for generations to come.

Why we chose Unreal Engine

There are multiple reasons for us choosing to use Unreal Engine on this project. It has unbeatable real-time capabilities, ease of use in creating large-scale scenes with Megascans, and the incredible animation possibilities offered by Metahuman. Our long-term goal is to produce everything from animated commercials to full narrative short films, and we believe Unreal Engine is the best tool to help us get there.

Synopsis

A middle-aged man retreats to his childhood summer cottage in Finland during Midsummer's Eve. While reminiscing about his childhood through a time capsule recording of his younger self, he finds the forest struggling due to deforestation. He must learn to preserve these precious memories and locations.