He Who Stole Breath

He Who Stole Breath, Layth Rose
Press Kit

Title: He Who Stole Breath
Film Vimeo Link: https://vimeopro.com/maalcc/shortfilm-24-25/video/1100300391
Trailer Vimeo Link: https://vimeo.com/1100310833?share=copy#t=0
FilmFreeway Link: https://filmfreeway.com/HeWhoStoleBreath

Film Information:
• Genre: Animation, Action
• Production Year: 2025
• Country of Production: England

• LogLine: A dynamic fight scene between two humanoid characters, showcasing various experimental animation techniques to explore movement, style, and visual storytelling in creative ways.

• Synopsis: Two gladiators battle in a surrealist arena. He Who Steals Breath, a wind elemental with a razor-sharp sword, faces He Who Melts Skin, a fire elemental wielding a blazing Warhammer. Wind clashes with flame in a fierce contest of speed versus strength, knowing each strike could very well be their last.

• Twitter Blurb: In a dreamlike, surrealist arena where gravity bends and colors twist unnaturally, two elemental gladiators engage in a brutal battle for survival. He Who Steals Breath, a swift and elusive wind elemental armed with a razor-sharp sword, dances through the air with deadly precision. Opposing him is He Who Melts Skin, a towering fire elemental wielding a blazing Warhammer, every strike leaving scorch marks in its wake. Wind and flame collide in a mesmerizing clash of agility versus brute force. As the dramatic battle drags on, the air itself seems to pulse with anticipation—only one will leave it alive.

• Facebook Blurb: In a surreal arena where gravity warps and colors ripple like liquid, two elemental gladiators face off in a deadly contest. He Who Steals Breath, a wind elemental swift as a storm, glides through the air wielding a razor-edged sword with surgical grace. His opponent, He Who Melts Skin, towers with fiery rage, swinging a molten Warhammer that scorches the ground with every blow. The clash of wind and fire paints the battlefield in chaos—speed against raw power, precision against fury. As the battle intensifies, the very atmosphere seems to throb with tension. In this violent spectacle, only one can emerge victorious.

Credits:
• Director – Layth NKL Rose
• Animator – Layth NKL Rose
• Sound – Layth NKL Rose
• Edit – Layth NKL Rose

Biography: Layth Rose is a storyboard artist specialising in dynamic action sequences and striking special effects, bringing intense energy and visual flair to every project.

Artist/Director Statement: In my animation, He Who Stole Breath, I set out to explore the dynamic possibilities of elemental combat as a means to refine my skills in special effects and action-driven storytelling. The film centers on a stylized battle between two elemental beings—wind and fire—crafted specifically to push my understanding of motion, timing, and visual intensity. A key focus of the project was experimenting with impact frames in various ways, using them to heighten the drama and rhythm of each strike.
The animation style is bold and energetic, with a vivid colour palette and sharp contrasts designed to emphasize the opposing elements. Character designs are simple but evocative, allowing the effects—wind gusts, fire trails, and explosive impacts—to take visual precedence.
This project is defined by its emphasis on experimentation and skill development. It allowed me to deepen my understanding of action choreography while also exploring how visual effects contribute to storytelling. He Who Stole Breath aligns directly with my artistic goals of becoming a storyboard artist for action-focused productions, such as those by Avatar Studios. Ultimately, this film represents both a technical exercise and a creative milestone in my journey as an animator committed to dynamic visual storytelling.

Sustainability: While creating my student film, I made conscious efforts to consider sustainability at every stage of production. One of the key decisions I made was to work entirely in digital art. By sketching, storyboarding, and animating digitally, I significantly reduced paper waste that often comes with traditional animation methods. This not only minimized my environmental impact but also streamlined my workflow, allowing for easier edits and revisions without excess material use.
Additionally, I chose to animate entirely from home rather than using university facilities. This decision helped reduce my reliance on institutional resources such as electricity, heating, and equipment, which are often in high demand and contribute to the overall environmental footprint of student projects. Working from home allowed me to use my personal setup more efficiently and gave me the flexibility to manage energy usage on a smaller, more sustainable scale.
These choices reflect my broader commitment to being environmentally responsible as a creator. I believe that even small adjustments—like going paperless or working remotely—can collectively contribute to a more sustainable animation practice. Through this project, I aimed to not only express a creative vision but to do so in a way that aligns with values of environmental mindfulness and responsible resource use.

Contact Details:
• Name - Layth
• Surname - Rose
• Email – Zunachina@gmail.com

Social Media:
• Website - https://laythrose.wixsite.com/mysite

Technical Information:
• Running Time: 01:09
• Original Format: Digital 2D animation
• Screening Format: Quicktime H264
• Aspect Ratio: 1920x1080 - 16:9
• Sound: Stereo