By Honorary Reporter Foteini Chatzoudi from Greece

Photos = Locus Animation

"Exorcism Chronicles: The Beginning," a Korean animated movie based on the serialized novel "Toemarok" (Exorcism Record), premiered on Feb. 21. 

The film was produced by Locus Animation in Seoul, the studio behind "Yumi's Cells: The Movie" and "Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs." 

"Exorcism Chronicles" follows Father Park, a former doctor who teams up with a monk and a young shaman to protect a powerful child from dark forces. The movie was screened last year at major European events including the Annecy International Animation Film Festival of France and Imagine Fantastic Film Festival of the Netherlands.

Amabel Emillavta, an Indonesian visual development artist at Locus Animation, moved to Korea in 2018 to study animation at Korea National University of Arts through a scholarship. She is also the creator of the popular Indonesian weboon "Tweening." 

Below are excerpts from an email interview with Emillavta from Feb. 25 to March 13.

Amabel created the textures for a GS25 convenience store featured in "Exorcism Chronicles: The Beginning."

Describe your work at Locus.

I joined LOCUS right after graduating from Korean National University of Arts, as I was drawn to its visual development team. As a visual development artist in pre-production, I primarily focus on environments, working on backgrounds, sets, props, textures and matte painting. Our team collaborates closely with modeling, lookDev and lighting throughout production.

How are the work environment and team dynamics at the company?

Working here feels like a continuous learning experience. Despite language barriers, our team of seven to eight people maintains a supportive and positive culture. We share meals, take breaks together, and even participate in office screenings and team events.

Amabel Emillavta painted the taenghwa (Buddhist painting) murals featured in the animated film.

What was your creative process for "Exorcism Chronicles?"

The film adaptation gave us creative freedom with the visuals. I created traditional taenghwa (Buddhist painting) murals, textured buildings like a GS25 convenience store, and designed the cathedral interior and Father Park's rosary charm. The project evolved from a serialized novel into a feature film, requiring creative solutions to maintain visual coherence.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.