Production project for research experience?

[cafeAuLait]

I'm currently working on applications to CS PhD programs. I do have a smidge of independent research with a CS professor; but as my degree deals more with using 3D programs such as Blender, I'm curious if I can mention my success in completing two animated shorts as some evidence I'd be well suited for research (and hence a PhD)?

For the productions I worked on, it was mostly individually directed, and I did have to figure out new methods of rendering, etc in order to complete the films.

Thanks!

[OH YEAH]

There is a simple criterion you can use to know if something counts as research or not: if you continued to work on this project, is it conceivable that you could publish your work in a (moderately selective) computer science conference?