--- title: "Zestron: 3D Animated Short Film" date: 2026-06-05T12:00:00-05:00 author: Nick Lorang canonical_url: "https://www.lemonly.com/zestron" section: Pages --- ![Zestron and Ron stand before a dusky sky with the futuristic city of Citropolis gleaming in the background](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Zestron_HeroImage_ZoomedOut_Zestron_Hero.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=55&h=40&c=f04a8d8b&v=4134fd3cc196b8359efb52100e2dd0c94981994663d675210917c09943b018b2) # 3D Animated Short Zestron ## When life hands you lemons... The city of Citropolis is facing a fuel shortage. When the robot Zestron finds himself on an unexpected adventure, he discovers an unlikely solution that gives him new life — and helps him get back home. --- ## *Zestron*: A 3D animated short film by Lemonly Every story starts with an idea. For *Zestron*, it started with a sketch during a team brainstorm about building a website chatbot. That sketch grew into a 3D model, then a character concept, and the story spawned from there. We've always been a team that loves to stretch our skills, explore new ideas, and tell a great story — so creating a fully 3D animated short was a fitting creative adventure. ![3D icon](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Lemonly_Icon_3D.png?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=300&h=300&c=8a30a534&v=a24b278619b78e299f4e5b01feba3beb67e8afe5e24010e6aebdd155a522674e) **3D animation** We've been doing 3D design and animation for about five years, but a project of this scale let us really grow our skills and expand our toolset. ![Storytelling icon](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Lemonly_Icon_Storytelling.png?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=300&h=300&c=2f1e4920&v=5e2050331dca1dbac41d9733c8747d71f686619327ff6e015d49125d1da397e1) **Brand storytelling** At our core, Lemonly uses visuals to tell stories. A narrative film with almost no dialogue let us tell a compelling brand story in a new format. ### The little yellow robot that could The character Zestron is Lemonly personified (or robot-ified). He's helpful, delightful, resourceful, and a sweet shade of yellow. His journey in the film, from near-burnout to reinvigoration, mirrors the creative spark we thrive on and Lemonly's role in our clients' lives. Take a look at how Zestron evolved from the initial sketch and model. ![Final 3D render of the character Zestron, a yellow, lemon-shaped robot with smiling teal eyes, mechanical arms, and a green leaf for hair](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Zestron_Render.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=d69f253b&v=d9dfe8e4333499ec81a8ea920835e55966f5c0bf077888afa08291662c41c786) ![Early sketch concept of the Zestron character](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Concept_Zestron_Concept.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=db476b0d&v=5c8c0afefe50340315c9cbda19a72ac3b45018abc3e85ea1bf88f79a99b95d28) ![Rotating 3D model of the character Zestron in grayscale](https://www.lemonly.com/general-uploads/Zestron/Zestron_Turntable_Render.gif) ### Highlights from the premiere Before its digital release, the Lemonly team celebrated the premiere of *Zestron* together with our community at the historic [State Theatre](https://siouxfallsstatetheatre.org) here in downtown Sioux Falls. Creators Nicholas and Ty gave a Q&A recapping their creative process, lessons learned, and the behind-the-scenes scoop. ![The State Theatre marquee showing artwork for Lemonly's original 3D short film, Zestron](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Zestron_Premiere-Highlights_2.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=4c1b63a6&v=69a3df055d45dd77c2b158a7275a3d007c7be18867f82c93f1c73a69ac395261) ![Faraway view of Zestron film artwork projected on screen in a movie theatre](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Zestron_Premiere-Highlights_6.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=bdbfdc4f&v=f1c65b3d2f0c341208faa652b4c6bd63414014b16b8ce54a82903781234bc4d3) ![Jade moderates a Q&A with Zestron creators Nicholas Schnell and Ty MacConnell at the State Theatre](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Zestron_Premiere-Highlights_1.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=e794da44&v=adade56c2a40b32a426d9980134551c8cdd703721d5869cfc32efe45abfe3a1a) ![Refreshments table with popcorn, cookies, and a sign that reads "Welcome, enjoy the show"](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Zestron_Premiere-Highlights_4.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=717a5326&v=8708ac0b8faeccc3750b360384ed3dd096f0f5b321d3a9985e308d16d32fcec5) ![Lofty view of film artwork for Zestron projected on screen in a movie theatre filled with people](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Zestron_Premiere-Highlights_3.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=0147955e&v=a8dce50dfc110b24d21ae35f110395459e9a43e95462bc182490468500f18797) ![Row of people smiling and clapping in a movie theatre while Zestron plays on screen](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Zestron_Premiere-Highlights_7.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=442636e7&v=4e686ec0ed6b9fa1fdeb8174a52973a4b887947a20d51eef32032960d59b02e2) ![Four Lemonly animators pose by a yellow photo backdrop holding Zestron-themed props](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Zestron_Premiere-Highlights_5.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=6c4b4beb&v=3067e5599dc9213e17ecc84d072ba5d965af2317ffe0253ee3d88e8af6159e7f) ![Lemonly team at the State Theatre under a projected "Zestron" graphic on the curtain](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/260526_Lemonly_Zestron-Premiere_DSC01204.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&h=31&c=38fede5e&v=02e887f684c3935630ab5ba59cb382e6dd2d0e864ada38340d121ab297d77bf4) ## How we made it The process of creating a short film stretched our classic lemons-to-lemonade [process](/services#process) in new and exciting ways. Animating in 3D involves sculpting, texturizing, lighting, environments, and other aspects that don't usually come into play with 2D animation (like many [explainer videos](https://www.lemonly.com/services/videos) we create). That's exactly why we took on the project — to grow our skills, master new tools, and (let's be real) create something awesome. **Check out some highlights from our process crafting** ***Zestron*** **from initial concept to final render.** ### Concept & Story The character concept came first, starting with a sketch and then a 3D model. From there, we imagined the world this character would inhabit, what his story would be, and what obstacles he'd encounter. ![Key frame sketch showing a science lab filled with futuristic equipment](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/1_Concept_Option2.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=55&c=fbd71ee2&v=4ea9dba0fae677762b8f82f1f08d1af18f2b0a242fb367f2943d5f2251921f03) ### Storyboards & Animatic In storyboards, we sketched out key frames to build the scaffolding of each scene and visualize the story progression. The animatic added rough motion to map out how elements and scenes would flow. ![Animatic of sketch storyboards showing how key frames will move](https://www.lemonly.com/general-uploads/Zestron/2_Animatic.gif) ### Grayboxing Next, we built a rough 3D prototype — sculpting the storyboards with basic geometric shapes to test scale, camera angles, and character movement. Blocking out elements in 3D space helps us establish contrast, shape, and form, then make adjustments before incorporating fully detailed, textured models. ![3D graybox prototype showing a scene modeled with simple geometric shapes](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/3_Greyboxing.png?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=55&c=51fcdfcd&v=4627ff8310c6d8be9bc296001731fc283c27b45cb5a9aea5c00c22aff9dbe4ce) ### Design & Texturing With the foundation set, we applied full design — color, lighting, texture, and 2D asset production. Gray boxes were replaced with fully detailed models. 2D animations like Zestron's eyes and HUD interface were also added. Texturing adds color, material properties, and surface details to each model. It brings realness, grit, and sheen to the world. ![Collage of 3D artwork showing how color and texture were applied to models](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/4_Design.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=55&c=5d721918&v=de2a436724767ffe28fef35a46af50ed3f4e24bf38b454f2bdcfe45114988490) ### Refined Animation From there, we refined motion into final animation. Characters are rigged, movements polished, and timing finalized. Environments and characters were tweaked to match as texturing continued. ![Animated 3D models of Zestron and Ron interacting](https://www.lemonly.com/general-uploads/Zestron/5_Refined-Animation.gif) ### Rendering, Compositing, & Editing Next came final adjustments to lighting and camera movements, then rendering every frame of the film. During compositing, we added visual effects and layered elements together into a cohesive final picture. Lastly, editing involved color grading and adding music and sound effects. ![Timeline view of DaVinci Resolve showing how the short film was edited](https://www.lemonly.com/general-uploads/Zestron/6_Editing.gif) ### Music & Sound All the music in *Zestron* was originally composed to match each scene. We scored the film with electronic music that adds both playfulness and emotional intensity. Sound effects added further realism. ![View of instrumental tracks in Ableton Live showing how the music of Zestron was composed](https://www.lemonly.com/general-uploads/Zestron/7_Music-2.gif) ![Composite of three images showing the development of a exterior city scene from sketch to blocking to final 3D render](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Section1_Environment_Process1.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&h=31&c=5d6debb9&v=011e6f460a0b1262fbc602e4bdb16f53a5b786e1eb1be0cc10f1ff903e4d3df4) ### Characters The world of Citropolis is populated with a colorful cast of helpful robots, perfectly designed for performing a variety of tasks like delivering packages (or pizza). You already know our protagonist, Zestron. His friendship with the scientist, Ron, is the foundational relationship in the film. Each character design starts with a concept or sketch, then a 3D model, then full design and texturing to add personality and uniqueness. ![3D model of Zestron, a yellow, lemon-shaped robot with expressive teal eyes and mechanical arms](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Character_Zestron.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=78d2483d&v=7d6e518d7117b4fef9350975c43611fb21cc5003b13c8ad36a010467be227c5c) **Zestron** ![3D model of Ron, a scientist wearing a green sweater and futuristic glasses](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Character__Ron.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=2f3be4d2&v=69e30b5cc0755170a87bfbdd3d126d0b53b745f22a9397f09441ecb51c0efff3) **Ron** ![3D model of PackageBot, a pale green and white robot with four rotors who delivers packages while flying like a hovercraft](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/MiscBot__Packagebot.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=101e3256&v=d64b2f206f767a27a6085d55cafccc3ab335cc2140b80d140d9666cd0603ee41) **PackageBot** ![3D model of ChargeBot, a red robot with yellow eyes who moves around on a single wheel](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/MiscBot__Chargebot.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=c60c50aa&v=acf69c0a64eae918bd8c73cfd19076f485112296ee78b44e0b5592c0990900cc) **ChargeBot** ![3D model of InfoBot, a steel gray robot with an info screen and key pad, resembling a metal box on two wheels](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/MiscBot__Infobot.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=16df543a&v=963350cf615fd557676d954c0adee869e6b534917a83f40aacc5508ef259ed08) **InfoBot** ![3D model of PizzaBot, a red robot with extendable arms and a pizza warming oven for a body](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/MiscBot__Pizzabot.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=cf645e19&v=56d2a29db21742a69d3a4f6574b6c640207af7f9e05b24e17bfab9b16d2c3c41) **PizzaBot** ![3D model of PaperBot, a spherical blue robot with a backpack, resembling a mail carrier](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/MiscBot__Paperbot.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=f49ead74&v=7bc2b77a05f8f330a4004ac50d52e400f42468cfb0d7e5a737eb7cf816c771c8) **PaperBot** ![3D model of RepairBot, a gray and red robot with a dome-shaped head carrying a toolbox for mechanical repairs](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/MiscBot__Tugbot.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=17a023a1&v=d0e41ebd3d0a866294f6085a24ae9af298869c9863ecc50d2e3877240a62788d) **RepairBot** ### Environments We visit multiple settings throughout the story, from Ron's dusty workshop and the bustling streets of Citropolis to the sprawling junkyard and smokestacks under dusky skies. Environment design involves taking each of these locales through sketches, blocking, models, and full design to establish atmosphere and scale. Zestron Before/After Image Slider ![Rough sketch of a junkyard with piles of scrap metal, a cityscape on the horizon, and an object flying through the air](https://www.lemonly.com/general-uploads/Zestron/Pic__Environment_Slider_Image1.jpg) ![Fully illustrated 3D scene showing a junkyard at dusk with piles of scrap metal, a city on the horizon, and Zestron the robot flying through the air](https://www.lemonly.com/general-uploads/Zestron/Pic__Environment_Slider_Image2.jpg) ### 2D assets The entire creative team chipped in to concept and design a variety of 2D assets you'll spot in the film — posters, products, signage, advertisements, and more. These elements make the world feel lived-in (and offer more than a few Easter eggs for eagle-eyed Lemonly fans). ![Collage of nearly 20 different posters, signs, and products created for the film](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Collage__2DCollage_2DCollage.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&h=31&c=9046c5c9&v=56b3607522df8bb58ab4e4cfb3527309381d150b666e57c0c937deea0bb31ade) ### Tools One of our goals in creating a 3D short film was to master some of the newer tools in our toolbox. Growing our skills with an ambitious project like *Zestron* means we can offer clients an even sharper set of creative solutions. Here's a look at the programs that helped us get the job done: - **Blender:** Our workhorse for 3D modeling and animation, from prototyping to final rendering - **Substance Painter:** Perfect for texturing, with similar painting and layering tools to Photoshop - **Illustrator & AfterEffects:** Our everyday MVPs for 2D illustration and animation - **DaVinci Resolve:** Used for editing, color grading, and visual effects - **Ableton Live:** Music composition and mixing ![Collage of sketches, storyboards, 3D models, and final renders showing various scenes and elements from Zestron](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Zestron/Final-Banner_Final_Banner.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&h=31&c=dfe127a0&v=9a8632cf3e17bf778eaf3cc00c4a199dc9da75b728006d31ccf5190ad1a46a9c) ## Our 3D work These visuals bring stories to life in three dimensions. Clients like Volvo and Fiber Broadband Association have partnered with Lemonly to create unique 3D experiences, from animated videos to immersive microsites. Explore a few highlights from our portfolio here. [ ![Fiber Connect 3D Interactive City Map - Fiber Broadband Association](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Work/Fiber-Broadband-Association_3D-Map-Interactive_Work-Thumbnail.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=fc58630b&v=0ce88f3aa924602d98de63b088ec4247984500a421677c45849affc9a1e1f564) ![Fiber Connect 3D Interactive City Map - Fiber Broadband Association](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Work/Fiber-Broadband-Association_3D-Map-Interactive_Work-Thumbnail.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=fc58630b&v=0ce88f3aa924602d98de63b088ec4247984500a421677c45849affc9a1e1f564) ](https://www.lemonly.com/work/fiber-connect-3d-interactive) [Fiber Broadband Association](https://www.lemonly.com/work?client=fiber-broadband-association)[Fiber Connect 3D Interactive City Map](https://www.lemonly.com/work/fiber-connect-3d-interactive) [Microsite](https://www.lemonly.com/work?category=microsite) [ ![MARS 3D Explainer Video - All Clear Diagnostics & Calibration](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Work/260413_Lemonly_Case-Study_AllClear_Case-study-thumbnail-1200x795.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=0f3a1397&v=56482dd2292aea01134dc6b846d362435a24f68050505d36338d0111d3513c11) ![MARS 3D Explainer Video - All Clear Diagnostics & Calibration](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Work/260413_Lemonly_Case-Study_AllClear_Case-study-thumbnail-1200x795.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=0f3a1397&v=56482dd2292aea01134dc6b846d362435a24f68050505d36338d0111d3513c11) ](https://www.lemonly.com/work/mars-3d-explainer-video) [All Clear Diagnostics & Calibration](https://www.lemonly.com/work?client=all-clear-diagnostics-calibration)[MARS 3D Explainer Video](https://www.lemonly.com/work/mars-3d-explainer-video) [Video](https://www.lemonly.com/work?category=video) [ ![](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Work/Work-Page-Thumbnail_2024-12-16-194137_tows.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=3f93dd27&v=bd49bcadfb0925d7d403f1cf98d804797f3112315a2fb491243584327435d4b4) ![](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Work/Work-Page-Thumbnail_2024-12-16-194137_tows.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=3f93dd27&v=bd49bcadfb0925d7d403f1cf98d804797f3112315a2fb491243584327435d4b4) ](https://www.lemonly.com/work/3-d-interactive-annual-report) [Lemonly](https://www.lemonly.com/work?client=lemonly)[3D Interactive Annual Report](https://www.lemonly.com/work/3-d-interactive-annual-report) [Microsite](https://www.lemonly.com/work?category=microsite) [ ![](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Work/Volvo_3D-Virtual-Dealership_Work-Thumbnail.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=3d740e0e&v=5e379c47efaa97bf15e01c29c73fe57956d5bb52dfbae7b0a977baf00e28af07) ![](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Work/Volvo_3D-Virtual-Dealership_Work-Thumbnail.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=3d740e0e&v=5e379c47efaa97bf15e01c29c73fe57956d5bb52dfbae7b0a977baf00e28af07) ](https://www.lemonly.com/work/volvo-3d-virtual-dealership) [Volvo](https://www.lemonly.com/work?client=volvo)[3D Virtual Dealership](https://www.lemonly.com/work/volvo-3d-virtual-dealership) [Microsite](https://www.lemonly.com/work?category=microsite) [See more work](https://www.lemonly.com/work) ![3D illustration of Zestron, a Lemonly robot character](https://d2xoo2expjpog9.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Forms/250411_Lemonly_Craft-Website_Lowdown_Zestron.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=04f9e1fc&v=e70fd477bcae49d92a9ef9cb54b0be2988d213abc087e2f41edf1a46aff1d48b) ## Get the best of the zest Subscribe to the Lemonly Lowdown for the latest tips, tricks, and sweet visuals from the infographic experts (that's us).