Jo Roman

  • Jo Roman

  • Checkmate!

  • Chess is an important game for Linnea — both a stress reliever after long shifts at the office and as a competitive activity. Little does Linnea know, that the game can soon be played in the digital realm — will Linnea be able to defeat her virtual competitor?

  • A hobby is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. It is an escape from the seriousness of life after all. People all over the world have inclinations to occupy themselves with an activity or an interest, that usually begins at the beginning of their subconscious life. Having certain hobbies illuminates ones personality and the self. I have always found people and their absorption in certain interests beautiful and peculiar. I’ve been especially fascinated in the pure enjoyment that individuals get out of their activity, and how they express it! From being a musician, to having a quirky collection of items, to even having certain fixations, the intensity of those personal feelings & diversions translate to one another and keep each other constantly captivated.

    “Checkmate!” is an animated short film that focuses on Linnéa’s infatuation with the game of Chess. Linnéa falls victim to the grueling 9 to 5 office job six days a week, but always gets to come home to her chess board. In my thesis animation, I explore not only the theme of a comfort hobby, but also tap into the use of primitive technology and nostalgia. Utilizing old film textures and warm color palettes in the film helps convey the time period Linnéa’s in, and that feeling of nostalgic warmth.

    Instagram: @smrtjog