THE LINE Partners with Digital Extremes on Animated Short for Warframe’s Latest Narrative Chapter
Skwigly
Independent London based animation studio, THE LINE, has partnered with Digital Extremes to create ‘Jade Shadows: Constellations’, a new animated short set within the universe of Warframe.
Created as part of Jade Shadows: Constellations (a cinematic, single-player Quest in Warframe arriving in June), the game’s latest narrative chapter, the film expands on the story’s themes through a visually ambitious, standalone piece designed to resonate with both existing fans and new audiences alike.
Marking the second collaboration between the studios, and the first time director Louve Sarfati Karnas has worked directly with the Warframe team. The project was developed in close partnership with Warframe Creative Director Rebecca Ford and former Warframe Art Director Geoff Crookes. Built on a shared creative trust, the collaboration allowed THE LINE to push further into expressive, stylised storytelling.
Jade Shadows: Constellations explores the mythic conflict between Orion and Sirius. Set against a vast cosmic backdrop, the film blends large-scale, anime-inspired action with quieter, introspective moments, framing the conflict as both a physical battle and a meditation on duality, identity, and inner struggle.
For audiences unfamiliar with Warframe, the film stands as a self-contained narrative, offering an accessible entry point into the tone and themes of its wider universe.
The short is driven by a track from progressive metal band ERRA, whose music plays a central role in shaping the film’s rhythm and emotional intensity. Known for their intricate compositions and atmospheric sound, the band’s contribution adds a distinct energy that bridges the worlds of animation, gaming, and music culture.
I feel like nostalgia is inherently a huge part of a director’s inspirations, it is for me at least, I’m a very nostalgic person.” – says Director, Louve Sarfati Karnas – “I grew up with punk music – From my brother’s bedroom where he would be playing guitar while I played the Super Nintendo, to my parents’ car when going on trips. I would then go on to carry the music with me, listening to all favourite albums on my first MP3 while coming back from school. I remember specifically always imagining myself being in the band performing, or stories of epic proportions or even the coolest music music video imaginable while listening to my favourite tracks. I’m saying all of this because, simply put, this film is the embodiment of all these memories.
THE LINE approached the production as an opportunity to evolve its creative process, combining a mixed approach that brought together live-action-inspired editorial, graphic 2D animation, and FX-driven sequences.
Experimental techniques, including glitch aesthetics and abstract visual layers developed in TouchDesigner, were integrated alongside a deliberately raw, reduced colour palette to create a tactile, expressive visual language.
This hybrid pipeline was supported by a close-knit production team, whose collaborative approach allowed for fluid transitions between character animation and effects work, ultimately shaping the film’s dynamic and theatrical feel. The result is a piece that reflects both technical innovation and a strong, unified creative vision.
The studio reflects on Jade Shadows: Constellations as a standout project. Not only for its visual ambition, but for the collaborative relationship behind it, and the opportunity to help bring a new chapter of the Warframe universe to life through animation.