Salarymen

Salarymen from Michael Chen

A story about the greatest ramen ever sold when a dejected young office worker stumbles across a small ramen shop on his commute home. Inspired by an incredible ramen chef and friend during my time spent living in Japan.

This animation was a project made during my final year studying Media Arts Production at the University of Technology Sydney. It was heavily influenced by the experiences and amazing people I met during my one year stay in Sapporo, Japan. I tried to apply the minimalist forms of Japanese art into the design and rendering process of the animation.

All the characters were rigged and animated in Maya with the final rendering done with mental ray.

Directed and animated by
Michael Chen

Rough Audio Cut
Stephen Layton

Final Sound Mix/Music
Michael Chen

Sound effects
www.freesound.org

Special Thanks
Masahide Masuda
Danbi Cho
Lisa Hong Liu
Andrew Taylor
Matthew Austin
University of Technology Sydney
Ramen Dojo Kiwami

Awards
People's Choice Award – Sydney Opera House Graphic Animation Competition 2012

If you love ramen and ever get the chance to visit Sapporo in Japan you MUST stop by this small ramen shop called Ramen Dojo Kiwami . Hands down the best ramen I've ever had in my life. Say hello to the friendly chef and owner Masuda and he'll be more than happy to take a photo with you.
A bunch of friends and I taught him how to use facebook so check out his ramen shop page!
http://goo.gl/qOWSB