Top animators around globe collaborate on Coalition of the Willing
Coalition of the Willing is a collaborative animated film and web-based event set in our 'post-Copenhagen' world exploring the role of the Internet. Directed and produced by Knife Party, it brings together a network of 24 artists using a range of different filmmaking styles and techniques including the likes of Decoy, World Leaders, Foreign Office and Parasol Island.
In the gloom post-Copenhagen chill, this 'optimistic and principled film' explores how we could use new Internet technologies to leverage the powers of activists, experts, and ordinary citizens in collaborative ventures to combat global environmental disaster. Through analyses of swarm activity and social revolution, Coalition of the Willing makes a case for new online activism and explains how to hand the fight against global warming to the people. And as a global collaboration presenting a coherent narrative, it also practices exactly what it preaches. Indeed the animations and films can be viewed as they are created via various other sites (featured above and below) - and discussed in their forum.
Like a moving jigsaw falling into place over many weeks, the film has a staggered online release. From 3rd February 2010 the script for the film has been fully available on the site. The completed animated sections will be uploaded in 6 different ‘waves’ 2 weeks apart, over a 12-week period, as they are finished by the contributing artists. Each wave of uploads will introduce 3-5 new sections of the film. The film’s staggered release and the online forum will allow the site to be a crucible for debate on the issues it raises, and allows the audience to collaborate in re- defining the argument even as the film is being made. The film will be complete by mid-April 2010.
‘Where’s Your Head At?’ is one of those songs that people remember for the video just as much as they do for the tune. It was innovative, fresh and, quite frankly, frigging terrifying as rock band monkeys with human faces (ah, in all my years as a journalist, how long have I wanted to be able to type that phrase) go mental to the driving beats. As good as the video is, the genius computer animation and idea started to – slightly – overshadow the song. So, when animator Max Hattler was asked to provide concert visuals for the song, there was one simple request: “There was no brief, no pitch, they just wanted me to do whatever I want – as long as it didn’t involve monkeys!”
The future of the UK's largest animation studio looks safe after signing a three year deal with Sony. The Dreamworks deal had put the previously autonomous wunderkids under the thumb of Jeffrey Katzenberg, whose West Coast style seemed to jar with the West Country outfit. Rumours abounded about this clash of cultures, so when it fell through earlier this year, it seemed like it could be a good thing provided they weren't left without a major backer. Sony, who made Billy Connolly a squirrel in their first animated feature last year, will hopefully be more sensitive to the Aardman sensibility.
Got
an email through this week with one of those hard to believe offers.
Register on SMS.ac, upload a Flash movie or Shockwave file of any
description by September 15th and get sent a cheque for $100 - to
anywhere in the world. The most popular upload by October 15th will
also win a $5000 grand prize.
