No doubt inspired by Uruguayan filmmaker Fede Alvarez’s success with Hollywood after his incredible Ataque de Panico took the Web by storm, other directors and studios are getting in on the action through the art of the short film. Both Azureus Rising and Cup of Tears are hoping to be made into feature-length films.
Say what you will about Nike, the corporation gives creative talent incredible freedom. Check out this spot by AKQA San Francisco and UK-based design boutique ilovedust for Nike’s Sister One campaign. Reminds me of MTV’s Liquid Television.
New York invasion by 8-bits creatures. PIXELS is Patrick Jean’ latest short film, shot on location in New York.
Some of the most amazing motion graphics out there are being viewed by millions of people worldwide through Hollywood movies. We’re talking about title sequences and end credits. As you can see from some of our favorites below, creative motion graphics don’t always come from animated movies.
Thanks to The Art of the Title Sequence for having the best quality legal versions of the clips anywhere online. For quick viewing, I’ve also embedded lower quality video from other sites. UPDATE (2/22/2010): It didn’t take long for the videos to be taken down from Vimeo. I’ll leave the remaining survivors.
For best quality viewing, I recommend clicking on the “480p” or “720p” links next to each title. Clicking on the title itself will take you to The Art of the Title Sequence which may also have credits and extras available.
What a fitting video promoting the Rethink Scholarship!
“The Rethink Scholarship is an $18,000 scholarship for aspiring art directors and designers to Langara College’s Communication and Ideation Design program. The winner will also receive a 3-month internship with Rethink.”
Pixar animator Rodrigo Blaas made his directorial debut with his own project, Alma. Be sure to view in full screen to witness Blaas’ beautiful direction and eerie doll designs. (What’s with all the scary dolls these days?)
Motion designer Eb Hu is gaining increasing momentum with his works such as the haunting animation Lucky. I found this piece while viewing his work for George Michael’s Christmas Song. Hu creates atmosphere in his animations that only the best of animators can attain. It’s not about pushing pixels, it’s about pulling viewers in to the story.
Fede Alvarez of the Aparato Post scores a seven-figure deal through an incredible giant robot invasion video produced for less than $500. Watching the video, it’s hard to believe the price tag (I suspect work hours are not in the accounting), but it’s still remarkable nonetheless. View the video here and then, read the story on Variety.
Animated by Titmouse, Inc., the Fray’s video for their cover of “Heartless” is elegant and hearkens back to simpler days stuck in class behind a classroom crush.
Made at the Animation Workshop at UCLA’s Department of Theater, Film and Television, this Edward Gorey inspired animation is delightful. My one gripe is that the music doesn’t quite match the mood of the animation. Otherwise, great work, UCLA!
