Android: Rock, Paper, Scissors Commercial

While watching TV one day this commercial appeared one day and I thought it was the cutest concept. Usually, like most people, I fast forward through commercials as they get so tiresome, but this one really caught my attention. Everyone knows the idea/game of Rock, Paper, Scissors and to make it into a little story I thought was really clever. I think it is interesting when animation uses real life elements and then puts animation into them, it creates a stronger story line that you feel more connected to. Overall I thought this was a captivating little commercial, I give props to Android for this new Rock, Paper, Scissors animation commercial series as it really is a intriguing concept.

Animation Can Be Powerful!

In the new Android commercial, the animation gives off a powerful message for anti-bullying. Through the years, animation has progressed so that it can evoke emotion even from the simplest of things. Oddly enough, it is simple to relate to these characters in the commercial, and it makes you attracted to the product as well. Here's the video to watch yourself and see how animation can provide messages just as well as real life actors.

The Bigger Picture - Oscar Nominated Short

An Oscar nomination for a feature film is a huge deal. I think ever more so for a short however. Christopher Hees, co-creator of the Oscar nominated short animation The Bigger Picture, describes how ecstatic he was when he learned he was nominated.

The Trailer

Directed by Daisy Jacobs, the short is about the struggle of two brothers as they face dealing with their ageing mother. The most clever part to it though, is how the short is 2D animated in a 3D space. Characters are painted onto the walls, while Papier-mâché versions of their arms protrude out and grab objects. These objects are brought back into the wall and become 2D painted versions.

I think the style of the short is awesome, and it's incredibly interesting seeing behind the scenes. You get a real appreciation for how difficult is must have been, and the patience they had. 

Behind the Scenes

Proteigon Short

Since people are posting videos of cool stop motion they saw online I though I'd share this one that I found a while ago. It's am interesting use of stop motion with a guy interacting with pieces of paper that changes as if he was manipulating them with magic.

One of the things that makes it so good is that it has a great soundtrack. His movements go very well with the song and it was obviously chosen carefully. It's a good example of how important music is. Music is one thing that seems simple, but it makes all the difference in a project. The sound effects add a lot to the feeling and believability of it too. It's worth watching if you have a few minutes.