I knew I would have to acknowledge the coming of Christmas at some point so it is with some relief that I can do so by sharing with you this wonderful animated Christmas card which popped in to my inbox a short time ago. It is from London based animation production studio Trunk and it celebrates the most important aspect of Christmas to any self-respecting Brit – drinking.
Created by Layla Atkinson, this awesome animation features Martin who I am guessing is a rabbit (with an English accent no doubt). He likes to drink, but not just alcohol – anything that can pass between his leporine lips does so. Plus it comes with a soundtrack by the gone but fondly remembered Bow Wow Wow. Altogether this makes for one of the more unusual Christmas cards I have received this year -so thank you to Layla and all the folks at Trunk. Enjoy – and remember to drink sensibly: the contents of a potty does not qualify.
This really is stunning. The latest single from Villagers, titled 'That Golden Time,' is a poignant and beautiful musical piece that explores the idea of living within a digital bubble, where the constant pursuit of unattainable desires is perpetuated. Lead singer Conor O’Brien provided a detailed brief for the project, including a visual treatment that conveys the essence of the video and explores the concept of "algorithm blues," a line from the track.
Director Rok Predin of Trunk conceived the idea that, despite our expectations, technology holds a mesmerizing influence over us, akin to a moth being drawn to a flame. Humans, it seems, possess an inherent attraction to technology, from which we find it difficult to disengage, irrespective of the associated consequences, both positive and negative.
In addition to these themes, the team drew inspiration from a captivating piece of slow-motion footage featuring a Dark Marathyssa moth, filmed by Dr Adrian Smith of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The footage, shot at 6000fps, beautifully captured the delicate nature, strength, and agility of the insect. However, what truly captivated the team were the golden shimmering scales and flecks that adorned the Dark Marathyssa's body and wings. This presented an irresistible opportunity for Director Rok Predin and producer Richard Barnett, who strongly believed that a simple yet meticulously crafted story about a moth could visually complement and poignantly reflect the lyrics of the song.
Radiation therapy is a frightening enough prospect for anyone but for kids it can be particularly daunting. Trunk Animation have created this lovely animation for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation as part of their Imaginary Friends Society project (over 20 shorts created to explain scary medical issues to children). I am quite sure that this, as well as the other films, will be much appreciated not only by the young uns but adults too. Bravo.
There have been any number of cases, over the centuries, of women donning male attire to join the armed forces. This song dates back to the 1840s and is sung here by Shirley Collins. The animation by Trunk is not quite what it seems to be – in as much as it’s not an animation! It was actually filmed in camera on real film with no edits. At times it involved 18 people moving sets and operating puppets, lights, clouds, hills and other elements in real time.
It’s almost Christmas so that means it’s time for a flying giant white rabbit. Of course. In fact this is Trunk Animation’s take on what should accompany John Rutter’s Angels’ Carol. As it should be, it’s all about getting home in time for Christmas with everything you would might expect (driving snow, treacherous roads, and the warmth of strange woodland creatures) plus a nod to studio Ghibli’s Totoro. Noëltastic.
Halloween is almost upon us so you can expect a few more shivers than usual at Kuriositas. This is by the Tom Fun Orchestra and is for the title track from their latest album Earthworm Heart and animated by Alasdair and Jock from Trunk Animation. Although most cats would heartily disagree despite the fate of this feline fisher, perhaps vegetarianism is an option after all.
If I tried to give you a short synopsis of this I would probably fail or I would completely do the spoiler thing and give the game away. What I will say is I think you will find this latest piece by Trunk Animation, directed by Rok Predin a peculiarly satisfying if enigmatic experience. Plus if you are wondering why you recognize the voice it is provided by Jim Carter, best known for his portrayal of Mr Carson the head butler in Downton Abbey.
Would you take the challenge to create forty different endings to a film over just three days? I always suspected a slight madness around Trunk and as that’s just what they are doing, I can hardly say I am surprised! You can see the live stream above.
Working with Ogilvy Brussels and the European Parliament the folks at Trunk are attempting to get young people engaged with the European elections possibly leading them to cast a vote. Their friends Wouter and Thijs at Volstok have made a film with a cliff-hanger ending for the www.Storychangers.eu website, to get people involved.
You can go to the site and suggest your own ending for the film - what do you think should happen to the cat? They have already animated cats in space, a cat turning into a muffin, and a cat/unicorn farting rainbows! So give them an idea and then along with Joost Lieuwma in Utrecht and the guys at Volstok in Ghent, it'll be up to them to animate the most popular suggestions!
Yes, I know, we don’t show trailers at Kuriositas. However, we have made an exception here because we know that you are going to love One of a Kind, by Trunk Animation director Rok Predin. It should be ready by the end of spring but this clip gives you an idea of the delights in store. Rumour has it that there will be 73 characters featured in the film – which for an animated short is quite staggering. We can’t wait to see the finished product.
This is a powerful piece by Trunk Animation which poses an interesting question about crime and punishment. When the perpetrator of a crime lives but is no longer himself, should punishment for his wrongdoing still be levied?
Lobotomy was written and directed by Nick Walters and was originally commissioned by UK TV Channel 4’s Random Acts
This is the story of a little bird that grew up without being able to whistle. Now, this is something of a setback if you are one of our feathered friends and this animated short by Siri Melchior, a director at Trunk Animation charts his attempts to get his whistle. This is a very simple story and as such so is the animation – deceptively so because it is something of a multicolored achievement in its own right.
There is a wonderful message in this animation too. If you are no good at something, don’t give up! Persevere until you can do it – and then you will find that you can excel. Also, don’t be afraid to take advice – but do be a little careful where you get it from if you might make a tasty snack!
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