As a civil engineer, I happen to take a liking to all things transportation-related, so it should come as no surprise that I like this short by Colin Hesterly. World of Motion is:
a tribute to man’s various achievements in transportation and technology.
But that’s not all, Colin is quite the designer as well, check out those below, as well as a few more of his animated spots.
http://vimeo.com/colinhesterly/mission
World Of Motion By Colin Hesterly Read More »
Animation Magazine turns 25 this year, and as part of the festivities, they’ve asked a bunch of people within the industry to reply to the phrase “what animation means to me”.
They’re all good responses, but the one by Hans Perk stood out the most to me:
Since my 14th year, animation has always been first priority. All other events, including personal, have evolved from my first interest, and I have never regretted it. I have had the good fortune to have my work be my hobby and to befriend my heroes. Who could ask for more?
Sometimes its good to get a wee reminder of why we indulge our interests.
Animation Magazine on “What Animation Means To Me” Read More »
Finally, after 652 days (or 1 year, 9 months and 13days), the Adventure Time Season 1 DVD will be released on July 10th, 2012. While this is good news, is the idea of DVD boxset already past its sell-by date?
First though, a clarification; I ‘m not referring to the content. We all know Adventure Time is awesome and has maintained a great level of success since its debut. No, I’m talking about the very notion of a DVD boxset itself, and in this case, the almost egregious delay between the end of the 1st season and this release.
Oh sure, we’ve had the odd DVD featuring a handful of episodes, but we’ve had to wait well over a year for the complete boxset. Why is this so? The answer is as maddingly simple as it is annoying, release windows.
Release windows: wherin studios/networks attempt to extract the maximum revenue from one source before permitting another one to supplant it. Much the same as why DVDs must come out after the theatrical run, DVDs of TV shows are only permitted to be sold well after the network has eeked all the ad revenue it can from the season.
That’s not to say the episodes won’t be broadcast, they will, but they won’t command near as much revenue in the perpetual reruns that they do when they fresh. Hence the lag, which persists despite the fact that two additional seasons have been broadcast since and the 4th began last night.
So that’s left me asking, just why do season boxsets continue to exist, and why, oh why, has the idea of a delay not been beaten to a pulp by now?
Consider the following points:
Now in fairness, a year and some change isn’t too bad. Some series have to wait much longer. Some are never released at all, destined to languish in the archives forever.
Thankully though, the rise of the internet and its associated services like Netflix have meant that TV shows are making it online quicker than ever before (Portlandia comes to mind, as does Futurama). Animated shows deserve similar treatment, not being trotted out over a year after the iron was struck.
The Adventure Time Season 1 DVD boxset is the last of a dying breed. I’m willing to wager that we won’t see a fourth season boxset come 2014.
The Adventure Time Season 1 DVD: Already Past Its Sell-By Date? Read More »
Not familiar with Desert Island Discs? Well, it’s a BBC radio show wherein people come on and discuss what albums (amongst other things) that they would have take with them if they were to be stranded on a tropical island. It’s nominally a chance for the guests to discuss facets of their life and/or their reasons for choosing what they chose. So what would a Desert Island Discs animation edition be like, and what would I choose? Let’s assume that there is a TV on the island, so I’m not stuck with 8 pieces of animation and nothing to view them on.
1. The Secret of Kells
How could I not? Stunningly beautiful 2-D animation and Irish to boot, this would absolutely have to be in my trunk.
2. The Incredibles
By far the best animated superhero film ever made. Classic story, wonderful animation and a superb cast of characters.
3. Spirited Away
The existential choice. You can’t argue with Miyazaki’s mastery of storytelling and this is perhaps his best and most whimsical film in that regard. If you’re marooned on a desert island, escaping into another fantasy world from time to time is a must.
4. My Life As A Teenage Robot
I only just got this on DVD so there’s no way I’d be leaving it behind so soon. Gorgeous art deco style and some funny/dramatic episodes to boot.
5. Fantasia
The ubiquitous Disney choice. Not necessarily my favourite and I was going to go with Snow White, but Fantasia has an altogether more rounded feel. Lovely, fluid animation from some of the masters, classical music and themes and of course, the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. All-in-all, this represented the pinnacle of animated technical wizardry for a long time.
6. Evangelion
I’m not a huge fan of anime, but this series certainly roped me in big time. A bit dark perhaps, but a great story and a cast of characters that constantly produce sparks.
7. Futurama
Do I really need to justify this one?
8. The Iron Giant
Yes, Brad Bird’s superb hand-drawn feature is too good to leave behind. Disney-level visuals and animation combine with a fantastic story that supports a cast of characters that seems to be the norm for Brad’s animated films.
So those are mine, now let’s hear your Desert Island animated discs. What 8 pieces would you choose to be stranded with?
Desert Island Discs – Animation Edition Read More »
Normally I’m not one to celebrate milestones in a big and flashy way, but I couldn’t let this one pass by without saying something.
Yes, this is my 700th blog post.
This blog started waaaay back in 2008 over on Blogger and stumbled along in a half-hearted attempt at writing for the good of society before a post over on Retrospace in 2010 gave me the impetus to start taking it seriously. Long story short, I started posting daily (with the odd hiccup here and there) and that has brought me to this, my 700th post.
Now some out there might scoff at a lowly number like 700, but I can honestly say that I never, ever thought I would progress as far as I have. I can see a definite improvement in my writing skills and blogging ability too (culminating in a move to a self-hosted site). Yes, practice does make perfect, or almost perfect at any rate.
The lesson? You can do it to! Blogging regularly takes a bit of energy and some sacrifices, but on the whole, it hasn’t been that much of a burden. If you set aside the time, you will be able to do it too. I’m still shocked, and saddened by the number of great blogs I subscribe to that haven’t updated in a very long time. They stay in the reader because it doesn’t require any effort to keep them there, but I can’t help but wonder what they could be with a little elbow grease.
That’s not to say you need to keep up a daily schedule, but once a week should be within the vast majority of people’s reach. Posting daily works for me because I have so many animationy thoughts going around in the ol’ noggin.
Personally, I’m looking very much forward to the next 700. I hope you’ll stick around too 🙂
By way of Broadsheet.ie, Electroshock is a short film in French directed by Hugo Jackson, Pascal Chandelier, Velentin Michel, Bastein Mortelecque and Elliot Maren, all working out of the Ecole Supérieure des Métiers Artistiques (ESMA, or School of Artistic Trades for those of use who prefer Anglais).
Besides being a slick CGI effort and an original take on the superhero tale, Electroshock is also interesting from a character perspective. Have a watch before we start the Electroshock character analysis:
What did you think? Pretty funny no? A nice bit of slapstick mixed with some drama of sorts always makes for a fun film.
Anyway, what did you think of the characters?
They’re an interesting bunch: the tough-guy sheriff putting on his best sales pitch for the object of his desires, the beautiful and sensitive Mady who has also managed to draw the attention of Buck, the lowly electrician.
Buck is the protagonist, he’s clumsy, he’s clearly got some low self-esteem and he’s very much on the low end of the totem pole when it comes to the ladies. The electric shock he receives from falling from the ladder opens a new facet of his character to us though. He’s also vengeful, cheerfully going about taking the sheriff down a peg or two as soon as he gets the chance.
Beyond that though, he puts forward his best effort. He attempts to do the right thing, we can see that he at least has some heart, but it is all for one reason: Mady. This is even more so the case after he sees her out jogging (in slow-motion of course). Are Buck’s actions selfless or selfish? Ultimately they’re selfish, but his selfless act of throwing himself in front of the truck to save little Niky is what eventually wins Mady over.
However, the sting is in the ending. A year later, and the photographs in the panning shot all but tell the story. Buck is really a [redacted]. He’s clearly a slob, Mady gives him the fourth degree for all his failings(they’re quite a litany), and what does he do? He slows down time to shut her up! Far from winning our sympathy, he’s earned our disgust instead. The six minutes it took him to earn it are completely wiped out in under 10 seconds as we instantly begin to see how Mady was royally duped (the closing shot says it all really).
From a character perspective, Electroshock is unusual in that it has us (the audience) turn against the hero. We’re led down the garden path only to be brought to the outhouse. Yet the short works, we get a laugh and for that we are guilted into pitying the girl. Clearly, you could never get away with this in a feature, but for a short, such a twist works quite well.
By the way, the Electroshock facebook page has a good dose of the concept and original art and is well worth having a look around.
Electroshock: An Amusing Character Analysis Read More »
Via: Good Reads
Admittedly (and ashamedly), the Spirited Away book by Andrew Osmond published by the British Film Institute (BFI) sat in my cart on Amazon for quite literally years before I finally got around to buying it. I know, I know, but that’s just the way it happened.
In any case, the wait was absolutely worth it. Far smaller in size than I had originally imagined, its dimensions are no indication of the stature of the writing. Presented as sort of an overarching summary of the plot intertwined with details of the production and overarching themes, the BFI Spirited Away book serves as a comprehensive guide to one of my very favourite films.
Delving deep into the beginnings of the production, Osmond teases out the reasons for its very existence; why Hayao Miyazaki decided to make it when he did, and why it stands as one of his best films to date. Analysis comes in the form of the various themes (environmental and social) running throughout the film as well as focusing on the character of Chihiro and her development during the course of the film.
Osmond has done a fine job of conveying the sometimes complex traits of the film that have confused many Western (and Japanese) audiences since the film debuted in 2001. He also does quite a good job when it comes to the background to the film, and to Miyazaki himself, going into some detail about his career to date and how is personal experiences helped shape the film.
Overall, the book is a definite must-read companion to the film. It does an excellent job of stripping away some of the layers and, at least for myself, has lead to a clearer understanding of the film. You can buy it on Amazon and consider it the best $15 book you buy this year.
In Praise of the BFI Spirited Away book Read More »
Two video-related things this week; namely Michael Sporn’s Poe project and the BOW TIE series of shorts by David Levy.
Secondly, David Levy has secretly* been releasing some short animated skits over on YouTube centered around a character called BOW TIE. As Dave says in his blog post on the videos:
…I used my evenings to record new cartoon soundtracks into my iPhone. When I got home I was ready to try out some new ideas and experiment with a blend of characters, stories, and comedy. A month later I had 4 minutes of original cartoons. And, to further connect it to my childhood comic books, I used a character that dates back to when I was 13 years old: BOW TIE.
They’re a great series that throws caution to the wind in order to engage in various, funny, existential scenarios and gags. Let’s just say I watched one and was immediately hooked. The lack of seriousness about them only adds to their charm. Check out the videos here, or head over to the channel to see them all.
*OK, it hasn’t really been secret, but some of us aren’t on Facebook believe it or not.
Admittedly the existence of the original FLIP Animation Magazine had completely slipped out of my mind until the other day, when I discovered the FLIP Animation Blog which is run by Steve Moore and Alex Williams.
While the original magazine is gone, thankfully the blog is here to take its place. The attention to detail is still very much intact and the articles are still as good as ever.Did I mention the updates are fairly frequent too?
FLIP is certainly an animation blog that is worthy of being in you regular blog-reading schedule.
Visit the FLIP Animation Blog! Read More »
So I was all set to write a post on the YOOTOON channel in general but Amid Amidi took care of that for me so instead, let’s take a closer look at those submission requirements shall we?
From the Tumblr submission page:
- Have fun! We want to see your style shine through your video.
- Make sure your video is set to UNLISTED on YouTube. Your video must be brand spanking new, not one you’ve previously uploaded.
- Videos should be 10 seconds to 2 minutes long.
- Only use licensed music or music that you’ve created. You can find free music online! If you use licensed music, we will need a copy of that license agreement.
- Please keep your video kid friendly to be eligible for submission. Get creative, but no nudity, swearing, bad stuff, you get the picture.
- Only submit your own original videos. If accepted, this video will be posted on the YOOTOON channel EXCLUSIVELY and CAN NOT be live on the internet ANYWHERE else, including your own Youtube channel.
- You must be over 13. If you are not over 13, please have your parent or guardian submit the video for you or have them contact us at: joinyootoon@gmail.com
Let’s break these down one by one:
1. Have fun! We want to see your style shine through your video.
Okie dokie, seems fair enough.
2. Make sure your video is set to UNLISTED on YouTube. Your video must be brand spanking new, not one you’ve previously uploaded.
So the video must not have been shown before. That’s OK too. A lot of few film festivals generally require that your film not be available online in order to be eligible to enter. In other words, it’s not a deal-breaker.
3. Videos should be 10 seconds to 2 minutes long.
Again, a straight-forward request.
4. Only use licensed music or music that you’ve created. You can find free music online! If you use licensed music, we will need a copy of that license agreement.
This is pretty much an indemnity clause. As you may well know, record companies love crawling YT looking for their unlicensed use of their content. Besides a quick DCMA takedown to YT, they also love to send legal nastygrams, sometimes extorting money in exchange for not suing you. With this, YOOTOON is basically saying that they won’t even consider a video without the proper licensing in place becaues of the potential legal pratfalls. Again, this is fairly standard.
5. Please keep your video kid friendly to be eligible for submission. Get creative, but no nudity, swearing, bad stuff, you get the picture.
OK, we get it; no boobies and F words.
6. Only submit your own original videos. If accepted, this video will be posted on the YOOTOON channel EXCLUSIVELY and CAN NOT be live on the internet ANYWHERE else, including your own Youtube channel.
OK, so this basically reiterates what was said above in addition to stating that the video can’t have been hosted anywhere else either.
7. You must be over 13. If you are not over 13, please have your parent or guardian submit the video for you or have them contact us at: joinyootoon@gmail.com
Fair enough.
Now, this is where it gets interesting because below those requirements, is another statement:
YOO retain all rights to your animated creation, we just own the particular video you submit. We want your idea to succeed! If it attracts an audience under the YooToon banner, we will provide the funding deemed necessary by YooToon to make more videos. If the idea REALLY takes off and goes viral, YooToon will strike a best effort deal with the creator to make the video into an online series! Imagine, you could be making an online series with Butch Hartman!
Now IANAL (I am not a lawyer) but this is most definitely an ill-drafted legal agreement if ever I’ve seen one. Let’s break this one down too:
YOO retain all rights to your animated creation, we just own the particular video you submit.
Any lawyer worth his salt could find fault with this. Who is “YOO”, he is not “you” because legal documents love specifc language. “YOO” is not specific, and could even be construed as being short for “YOOTOON”, thus making this clause a bait-n-switch kind of deal.
If it attracts an audience under the YooToon banner, we will provide the funding deemed necessary by YooToon to make more videos.
In other words, if the video is good, we’ll fund the promotion of it to an extent that we think is OK. Not sure why this is in the agreement, YT has the same basic thing in their agreement because that’s how YT makes money too! Surely no reason to call it out specifically for a channel, right?
If the idea REALLY takes off and goes viral, YooToon will strike a best effort deal with the creator to make the video into an online series!
Let’s isolate the key words here:
YooToon will strike a best effort deal with the creator
What is a “best effort deal”? Well, what that means in the context of YOOTOON is that they will make you an offer with the best intentions of hoping you’ll accept it. The gist is that “best intentions” can translate into “we hope you accept this offer, but if not, then we tried really hard to make it so that you would, and now that you don’t like it, we’re not going to offer you a different one”. In other words, we’ve fulfilled our side, you can take it or leave it.
That’s an awful lot of trust right there, because chances are, the agreement will be skewed in YOOTOON’s favour and there is little you can do about it.
Some of the particulars that aren’t described or mentioned include copyright. You can’t sign away your copyright unless the agreement specifically states so. I therefore find it hard to believe that the above agreement, where YOOTOON claims to own your video, would stand up very well (if at all) in court.
Secondly, it’s interesting to note about this channel is that it’s based on YouTube but accepts submissions through Tumblr. Yup, I haven’t quite figured that one out either because presumably, submitter’s videos will be on YT too. This adds an extra murky aspect to the whole scenario. Which license supersedes the others? YouTube because that’s where the videos are hosted? Tumblr because that’s where they were submitted? Or YOOTOON, because they are the channel’s owners?
It’s all a bit too much for a Tuesday morning before the first cup of coffee. So grab a cup and share your thoughts in the comments below.
And don’t forget:
Let’s be honest, this makes me think that Butch is siumply the frontman for the operation.
Those YOOTOON Submission Requirements in Detail Read More »
Nina Paley is well-known for being a bit of an innovator when it comes to the new “digital economy” partly as a result of the trials and tribulations she went through to get her feature film Sita Sings the Blues released. She’s also famous for her (some would say) radical view on copyright and its place in promoting the arts. She’s also been on the cutting edge of what some would call the “digital” economy as she has been able to make a living while giving her content away for free.
With so much talk about piracy and so forth going on right now, a lot of attention is starting to focus on the current generation of youngsters who are growing up having never known what life was like before the internet. The belief is that said generation will never want to pay for content because it can be provided gratis on the internet.
So, when Nina had a sit down with a bunch of kids aged 12 to 17 and talked to them about copyright, she asked them how they would choose to support artists whose work they liked. The seven points below are what she received in reply
- Donate buttons – with the qualification that they want to know as much as possible about where the donation is going. They said honesty and transparency are important.
- Kickstarter – They all knew about it (which was notable because none of them had heard of Flattr) and valued pitch videos that explained how the money would be used.
- Custom drawings
- Merch
- Physical copies
- Live Shared Experiences, including ballet, museum exhibits, and concerts. The event aspect was important; they wanted to be able to say, “Remember that one time when that awesome show was here…” They agreed seeing things in person is a more powerful experience than seeing things online, and worth spending more on. One said she would buy CD at a live show because “it reminds you of the show.”
- One said he would support artists by promoting their work to his friends.
Interesting, eh? The opportunities for exploiting a creation are much more varied than they may first appear. You don’t even have to become a “YouTube partner”! The answers are all well within any independent animators reach.
Keeping this in mind is important. The options are always out there but it’s up to the creator to exploit them wisely.
The 7 Ways Teenagers Want To Pay For Content Read More »
