Hi everyone!
Last month I shared an early animatic test for my feature project Armstrong-D.U., and I was blown away by the thoughtful and detailed feedback from this community. It genuinely helped me refine the emotional rhythm of the story and strengthen several key moments—thank you so much.
Over the past weeks I’ve shifted my focus to developing the pitch bible.
Before putting out another sequence, I wanted to solidify the foundations: character clarity, personality, silhouette, and emotional range.
So here’s an early look at the character sheets for Kevin and Armstrong.
These designs are still evolving, but the goal was to capture their core identities and the contrast between them.
I’d really appreciate feedback on:
• How clearly their personalities come through
• Visual appeal / recognizability
• Whether the designs help communicate the themes of the story
• Any suggestions to strengthen the pitch package
I also have a new 10-minute animatic exploring Kevin’s backstory and motivations. I’m keeping it private for now, but if anyone is interested in seeing it for creative feedback, feel free to message me—I’m happy to share it privately.
Thanks again to everyone who has supported this project.
Your insights continue to help shape the next steps.
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P.D.: I’m also currently refining my pitch materials here on Stage32, and this community has been invaluable for that.
I decided to share the character sheets here because this space consistently offers high-level artistic insight and guidance from working professionals.
Your feedback genuinely helps me sharpen the project in the right direction.
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Hi, Alex Olguin! Kevin and Armstrong's personalities come through clearly in the character sheets.
I like the designs, but maybe make Kevin's outfit more unique so it's memorable, and maybe add a logo. Maybe make Armstrong look more unique, like maybe his face or add one extra arm.
What's the themes of the story? I watched the animatic, but I've watched a lot and been busy with things since watching it, so I don't remember the themes.
What's in your pitch package?
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Hey Maurice, thanks a lot for the feedback,really appreciate you taking the time.
Kevin’s outfit:
You’re right that it’s simple. Inside the dome, all kids wear standardized clothing, so the base look is intentionally plain.
That said, giving Kevin a small distinctive detail (a patch, a hand-made accessory, etc.) is a great idea, and I’ll explore that to make him stand out while staying true to the world.
Armstrong:
His silhouette is doing most of the uniqueness right now, but I agree the face plate could use a stronger signature element without losing the military vibe. The goal is a “gentle giant,” simple but expressive through body language, so I’ll iterate on that.
Themes:
At its core the film is about repression vs. self-expression, and how a child’s imagination can restart a society that forgot how to feel.
Basically The Iron Giant meets Orwell’s 1984, but from a kid’s emotional point of view.
Pitch package:
Right now I have:
• polished full script
• early character designs (Amrstrong + Kevin)
• a 10-minute animatic + a shorter sequence of 5 minutes
• 2-page pitch document
Planned additions:
• dome/world design
• villain + secondary characters
• more art exploring Kevin & Armstrong’s relationship
• background lore + character profiles
Still a work in progress, but I’m shaping a solid pitch bible step by step.
Your notes genuinely help guide that process, thank you!
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You’re welcome, Alex Olguin. Yeah, I think giving Kevin a small distinctive detail (a patch, a hand-made accessory, etc.) would help make him more memorable, and it would help communicate the main theme (“At its core the film is about repression vs. self-expression”).
“how a child’s imagination can restart a society that forgot how to feel.” Maybe make separate concept art for that theme.
I think that’s a great pitch package! Maybe add a poster.
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Maurice Vaughan Thank you, really. I’m currently working on a sketch that might work as a sort of pseudo-poster, but I definitely want to explore the concept further, just like you mentioned.
I also want to create more pieces showing Kevin and Armstrong playing or interacting, to highlight the emotional core of the story.
Eventually, probably far down the line, I’d love to hire an artist who can help me compose a truly polished piece that captures the full spirit of the film.
For now, I’m just building step by step, but your feedback helps a lot. Thanks again.
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You're welcome, Alex Olguin. You could make a post for an artist on the Job Board down the line (www.stage32.com/find-jobs). I'm looking forward to watching Armstrong-D.U.!
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Alex Olguin I feel like the personality comes through clear. I would lean into Maurice Vaughan advice on making Kevin's outfit more unique so it's memorable. I'm not too sure what the theme is based off the character design (if i had to guess it had something to do with Kevin's disability and his relationship with Armstrong) but that's just my guess. Overall loving what I'm seeing, look forward to future updates.
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Cyrus Sales Thank you. Part of the concept is that everyone inside the Dome wears a standardized full-body uniform, the society suppresses individuality, so the clothes are intentionally minimalist.
That said, I’m exploring subtle ways to make the uniform more memorable within those restrictions without the need of color to easily make it recognizable.
I’ll share more updates soon. Thanks again for the great feedback!
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I love this artwork. I third what was said about making the outfit unique.
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Jumping on to comment again. The expressions are lovely. I can really feel the characters personality in those facial expressions. I especially love the one where he is distorting his face with his fingers. Very much a child like activity.
I would love to see your animatic and I cannot wait to see your Pitch Bible. Are you thinking of taking the Pitch to Kidscreen or any other animation markets?