The process of creating a children's animated movie requires extensive knowledge of similar movies like it. "When It Rains" retains an unique style of watercolor/crayon drawings much similar to the art style seen in children's books such as Spot the Dog by Eric Hill and The Yellow Bucket (in Japanese: Kiiroi Baketsu) by Miyako Moriyana. The simplistic style of animation and art gives "When It Rains" a very simple, playful atmosphere that is colorful in comparison to the monotone character colors (mostly white and black).
Many animation studios in Japan delve into the process of making children's stories, and while they have much more in-depth plot and full animation, the idea still remains the same. Studio Ghibli is perhaps the most famous for their animated children's films such as My Neighbor Totoro (in Japanese: Tonari no Totoro) and Kiki's Delivery Service (in Japanese: Majo no Takkyuubin). These movies are done with watercolor backgrounds and fully animated characters involving light, family themes with magical elements. My Neighbor Totoro, for example, is similar to When It Rains in how both Totoro and Teru are spirits of of natural elements. Totoro befriends two young girls, similar to how Teru befriends the cat who saves him. The bond between these characters are similar in how they become very close and go on many adventures together to truly find home. Similarly, Kiki's Delivery Service involves magical elements as Kiki is a witch, and embarks on a journey along with her talking cat, Gigi. Her experience in the big city life is new and daunting, but with the help of her new friends, the adventure becomes much less scary. Teru experiences the same fear as the cat takes him on an adventure the city.
The fantasy elements are common themes that I see present in children's films, especially with that of Studio Ghibli, which was a sense that I wanted to convey with my own animated short film. Both Totoro and Kiki have become main inspirations for my piece as I begin to delve into the story even further.
The fantasy elements are common themes that I see present in children's films, especially with that of Studio Ghibli, which was a sense that I wanted to convey with my own animated short film. Both Totoro and Kiki have become main inspirations for my piece as I begin to delve into the story even further.
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