Shaddy Safadi: Pushing the Boundaries of 3D Animation
With over 15 years of experience working on some of the biggest IPs in the world—The Last of Us, Call of Duty, Blue Beetle, and many more—Shaddy Safadi has made his mark as a multiple Art Directors Guild award-winning art director. Now, he’s stepping into the director’s chair with his animated short series, Christo the Civilized Barbarian, using groundbreaking methods to revolutionize 3D animation production.
Innovative Animation Workflow
Given the dialogue-heavy nature of his shorts, Safadi takes a unique approach to framing his animations. “I use a software called iClone to record my facial motion capture and voice directly onto each character, then revise and edit rough cuts to refine timing and content,” he explains. This efficient process allows for rapid iteration, making it an outstanding method for 3D animation.
A Cost-Effective Approach to 3D Animation
One of the most impressive aspects of Safadi’s work is his ability to drastically cut production costs. “I figured out a way to do 3D animation at 1/100th the cost using motion capture technology and underutilized software like iClone, Quick Magic, and Blender,” he says. This streamlined approach proves that high-quality animation doesn’t have to come with a Hollywood budget.
A Global Collaboration
Despite working across different continents, Safadi and his technical director, Loic, managed to bring Christo the Civilized Barbarian to life as a two-person team. “I made as many creative decisions as possible, and Loic was the maestro who put everything together,” he explains. Their collaboration exemplifies how remote teamwork can thrive in the digital age.
Overcoming Challenges in Animation
For Safadi, every new software transition is a challenge. “The transition from one software to another is always rife with issues,” he admits. “It took me almost two years to test and figure out a process that once took six months but now takes one week.” His persistence in refining his workflow has paid off, making animation production faster and more efficient.
The Tools Behind the Magic
Safadi’s process begins with capturing facial data using iClone and the Motion Live plugin, which syncs with an iPhone camera through the Live Face app. Body motion is then recorded using a Rokoko motion capture suit, merging body movement with facial expressions for a seamless performance.
A Vision for Adult Animation
Beyond technical innovation, Safadi’s goal is to push animation as a medium for adult storytelling. “I love animation and I’m striving to create something entirely for adults that skewers the absurdity of our modern world while shedding light on societal challenges—through comedy,” he says. His work adds to the growing movement of animated content that moves beyond traditional family-friendly narratives.
Future Plans and Advice for Animators
With Christo the Civilized Barbarian, Safadi isn’t stopping anytime soon. “More shorts in this same world and setting,” he says. By keeping production costs low, he and his team can continue creating episodes without external funding, allowing full creative freedom.
His advice for aspiring animators? “Technology is moving so fast that I’m not even sure what the field will look like in three years,” he admits. However, for storytellers, every advancement makes animation more accessible. “More people will have a voice without studio gatekeepers,” he adds, emphasizing that passion and storytelling will always be at the heart of animation.
Check Out the Short and Get Involved
Safadi invites audiences to watch Christo the Civilized Barbarian on YouTube: Watch Here. Engagement is key to keeping the series alive. “The more people check it out, the more encouragement we have to make more,” he says.
For those interested in the animation process, his team has released three short tutorials breaking down their approach. And if you have feedback—or want to contribute—Safadi is always looking for talent. “If you thought something sucked and want to help fix it, message me!” he offers.
With his fearless approach to innovation and commitment to independent animation, Shaddy Safadi is proving that the future of 3D animation is in the hands of those willing to embrace change and push boundaries.
To see more of Shaddy Safadi’s work, visit https://www.instagram.com/christo_animated_series/.