Sun Haipeng (???) is one of the most talked-about computer graphics (CG) animators in China at the moment. His 3D animations Dragon Fist and Super Baozi vs. Sushi Man caught our eye early on and over the past couple of months have received a tremendous response from the Chinese netizentry (videos below). His most famous character is a singing, dancing, kung fu’ing baozi (??), which is a steamed, bread-like bun with various meat or vegetable fillings that’s common in almost all parts of China.
We recently caught up with Sun Haipeng to learn more about him, his CG creations, and his thoughts on the Chinese creative community and the domestic animation industry. Below are a few excerpts from the translated interview:
Is the Super Baozi series specially for Chinese people? Do you think it’s difficult for foreigners to fully understand and appreciate?
Yeah. I pay close attention to adding as many Chinese elements as possible. I’m trying to make it more local, you know, more of a Chinese style and flavor. So yeah, it’s mainly for a Chinese audience. I’m a Chinese animator making animations in China, so I definitely have to give top-priority to appealing to Chinese people’s sensibilities. But yeah, sure, I hope foreign audiences also like my work. I think I need to improve my skills before I can put out stuff that appeals to international audiences.
How long did it take you make these two videos?
It took me about 2 years from initial designs to final product. It took such a long time because I did it all by myself and only in my spare time. If I really pursue it as a proper series, I think I will need to wait until I get some sort of sponsorship. Otherwise, it will just be me, and the process is just too slow with one person.
What about the local Chinese CD designers / animators? How do they comparing with their foreign counterparts? Where do they fall short? Where do they excel?
The overall skill level of CG / animation overseas is very high. Especially in Europe and North America. They have so much freedom to be experimental and the market is mature. Their designs are incredible no matter how long the segments are. Compared to them I’m like an elementary student, but we are rich with traditional Chinese culture. We have great potential if we make good use of our cultural legacy.
What is some of the most interesting / unforgettable or crazy feedback you’ve received from the online community?
Well, nothing that could be considered too crazy. Some people have been saying that I’m the future / hope of the Chinese animation industry. That has had a deep impression on me. It has even made me feel pressured. The hope of the Chinese CG / animation industry is not up to me. That’s not on my shoulders. The hope of the industry is really up to government support, commercial efforts and interest, as well as the collective efforts of all Chinese CG designers / animations. The effort of one measly person is insignificant. It won’t have any lasting impact. If my animations can bring happiness or a smile to the face of an average Chinese person and help inspire other CG designers / animators, then that’s enough. I’ve done my job.
To read the full transcript of the interview, link here. (Chinese language version of the interview available here)
Super Baozi vs. Sushi Man
Dragon Fist
NeochaEDGE is a daily-curated, bilingual website and discovery engine dedicated to showcasing leading-edge creative content and emerging youth culture in China.
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