bruce branit's world builder

I posted this in my other blog, 4x6 & Words, and felt the need to re-post on this blog. It is not only inspirational in its visual effects production, but the story itself is quite touching. I would not be able to place myself in that position (or watch this film again) without tears building in my eyes!

Maybe it's far too late at night—or early in the morning—or maybe I just can't bear the thought of losing a loved one. Whatever the reason may be, the 9 minutes and 15 seconds World Builder brought tears to my eyes. This brilliant work of art was created by filmmaker Bruce Branit. Does his name ring a bell? It might, because you've probably seen his work before on your television set or the big screen. The visual effects section of his resume includes hit television shows Pushing Daisies and Lost, the 21st century King Kong film (2005), the film rendition of Sin City (2005), and so many more. In Branit's words, the touching short film is a story where "a strange man uses holographic tools to build a world for the woman he loves." The video is also available in high quality.



Additional link: World Builder on Facebook

After Two Months of Sitting as a Draft...

I originally made this post on December 19th, 2008. I never got a chance to add everything I wanted to add and thought I'd have a chance during my Christmas break to revise the post. Little did I know, I'd be one busy, popular bee scheduled to the max with dates and gatherings! Here this post is, finally. Some of my favourite finds are in here, especially the little French girl's videos! Enjoy!

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I think I found the cutest little girl in France who should become the next J.K. Rowling. Or, she could be an actress and win an Oscar. Too cute!

The light-hearted pastel colours in Shimoda Hikari's illustrations are actually disguises for her underlying dark themes.

MTV in Canada is nowhere as creative as MTV Europe, which commissioned a short with the song "No Limit" by 2 Unlimited.

Learn the brief history of communication in one minute with a brilliant stop-motion film.

Some hilarious drawings by Wilhelm Staehle for Silhouette Masterpiece Theatre—clever, witty and somewhat cynical. More here.

Ever heard of a Singing Highway? There's one in Lancaster, CA created for a Honda commercial.

Another highway, this time in South Korea, can sing "Mary Had a Little Lamb"! (Also check out the behind the scene footages starting here.)

colours that pop

Sometimes you just gotta relax, take a second and remember that it's okay to have fun. If you need a reminder, take a visit to the new Las Vegas bounce house designed by the duo from FriendsWithYou. Find your inner child in this playground filled with giant inflated balls and spread with colour. With characters like Shoebaca and Bumble Grump, how can you not have a good time? My favourite is Penelope the sleeping elephant. Each character has their own video on the fun and interactive website. They have many other fun projects too. Very kawaii!
(Source)



Vinheta Ó Paí, ó is a mesmerizing 50-second video in which every frame is a painting. I believe this is a opening of a Brazilian TV show. Unfortunately, I cannot read or understand any Portugese (I believe?), so this is as much information as I can give you!

Vinheta Ó Paí, ó from BRABO on Vimeo.

julien vallée

I have only briefly scanned through Julien Vallée's website this morning and my head is already spinning from the multitude of colours and the depth of the elements. I'm in too much of a hurry to share these two videos I watched before I went to bed. Julien hails from Montréal and is a motion and design graphic artist. His work is colourful, sharp (some literally), vibrant, and will jump out at you through your screen. His three-dimensional work has an unexpected effect on the interaction between elements in his art and even interaction between human and graphics. Take a few minutes to watch these videos because they will blow your mind.


Globo Logos from Julien Vallée on Vimeo.


MTV-One from Julien Vallée on Vimeo.

trickery

Congratulations to me! I'm finally done my first term of my fourth year! It feels absolutely fantastic to be home. I got some marks back today from a final exam on my Walt Disney course as well as a critical analysis essay for Comfort Television on Lipstick Jungle. I did very well and I'm so satisfied with myself! Above all, I won a free CD from CHUM, which I have to pick up sometime. Their station is unfortunately in the middle of nowhere. And with all these good news comes the bad news that my car wouldn't start today, leaving me worried, stressed and cold, already running late for my cousin's birthday dinner, which I ultimately missed. What inconvenient timing for a breakdown! Thank goodness for the rescue by my friend's father!

Anyway, my favourite YouTube video for the day. Titled "Western Spaghetti," this is a video very well done by the stop-motion artist PES. I have always been fascinated with this type of trick film and admire those who accomplish a smooth and seamless video. I'm in the middle of watching his other stop-motion films and my jaw is on the floor. Enjoy! (Warning: KaBoom! has great effects but involves clowns. Scary, flashing clowns. Watch at your own discretion.)


And just because I thought this Mr. Clean ad was amusing and very clever. Part of DesignYouTrust's "Deceiving Billboard Ads - Part IV":

strange, important things

Oops, it's been five days. Here we are. There are 16 days until Christmas and I'm starting to feel the spirit despite the rainy weather. The snow is melting and the sky is dull but it feels great. I haven't been to the mall in ages so it'll be interesting to visit one and see all the holiday decorations and emphasized displays as a result of overflowing stock rooms!

Here are some things that caught my eye lately:

She has so many other fantastic sculptures and projects on display on her website. I really enjoy the Yes Collection and Barbarians as well. Her use of chains and heavy, concentrated objects vs. empty space is very strategic.
the most important things are not things by Ester Partegas - (Source)



A personal music video with scrapbook drawings by Violenn Simon. A project created for ENSAAMA School of Visual Communication, Paris 2008. Music by The Doors.
People Are Strange (Scrapbook Drawings) - (Source)

People are strange from Denis Fongue on Vimeo.