Changing Your Mind
This is an experimental video going back to 1990.
After shooting the Space Age series, I decided to use the motion control system to shoot an animated video.
I picked my favorite song from my CD and started shooting. Using front projection, motion control, hand animation and tankwork, all of the elements were shot on film and subsequently transferred to digital beta. Then the project was shelved for lack of time to play.
After filming a live action plate, I hand drew the 180 pencil frames on a special rotoscope rig to create a rough sketch version of the chorus. Later this was incorporated as texture maps in CG shots.
Years later, my newly acquired post production capabilities enabled me to revisit the footage and complete all of the composites as an experiment with new software. Even though it was a lot of work, I still think it's cool.
Some shots are full CG renditions of the inner workings of the brain. This is a depiction of the nerve impulse about to connect to the cell at the synaptic gap. This mind changing moment happens countless times daily.
The signature effect is a true digital/analog fusion. Primitive computer-generated textures were filmed directly off the monitor then front-projected at 6 frames per second on my face. Audio playback was slowed down to correspond, so any motion was streaked and blurred yet the singing is in sync. Years later, this footage was composited for full digital finish.