Walk of the Deer

There I was, collaborating ✍🏼 with the incredibly talented Mathieu Gabella, a writer who could turn any comic into a masterpiece.

We embarked on a journey to create a short movie, “Walk of the Deer,” with a runtime of less than 12 minutes. You might wonder what inspired us – well, imagine “Dead Poets Society” meets “Planet of the Apes: Origins” as a coming-of-age tale set in the French-Swiss forests during the fall.

This story, set ambiguously in the present day or the late ’80s, explores first love πŸ’Œ, brutality πŸ‘ŠπŸ½, the consequences of seemingly small acts, and the search for identity in young adulthood.

Key-concept by Daniel Balage

Key-concept by Daniel Balage

As the writer and director, I envisioned the movie in the grand IMAX format (let me dream big), bringing to life a character with the head of a stag. 🦌

The concept was ambitious and unique, and throughout the development process, we toyed with different formats such as animation, immersive experiences, and interactive storytelling. But finally, we found our footing in live-action 🎞️ narration, coupled with an ambitious direction that felt just right.

Currently, “Walk of the Deer” is in pre-production, supported by a beautiful UK production house and overseen by a lovely producer who I feel incredibly lucky to have on board.

The screenplay is ready, and the storyboard will soon follow. 🀞

This short story is part of a humble but crazy multiverse we developed during Carbone, which has expanded into comics, short stories, novels, and even games.

Our colorscript

Our colorscript

✍️ The collaboration with Mathieu was nothing short of extraordinary. 

We bounced ideas off each other, and with every twist and turn in the creative process, we shaped the story into something truly remarkable.

We were like two mad scientists, concocting the perfect potion for a captivating short movie.

πŸŽ₯ I created and wrote the story, blending mythology, grief, and dreamlike nature. I came up with the concept, wrote the script with the amazing Mathieu Gabella (read his comics – that man is insane), and shaped the emotional arc to feel like a quiet ritual β€” something soft and unforgettable.

βœ… Active Development

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RaphaΓ«l Penasa
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