Output details

MISFITS 'STRUNG OUT' 8 x 2 minute short films for E4

An exploration of conflicting problems of designing and creating animated characters and the constraints of physical reality in live action figures, my research aim was to create an animation film based on a ‘live action’ TV series, for online access, to test the medium- and platform specific limitations of broadcast TV for a specific target audience. A research goal was to develop methods for live-action to heighten humour, whilst conveying emotion and drama in surprising and unexpected ways using animation and contemporary digital imaging technology. After aesthetic, narrative and material research into photo-collages, scripts, physical puppets, animated and live action experiments, I worked with oversize two dimensional photo cut-outs of e4 series 'Misfits' actors' faces attached to purpose-built three dimensional puppets. The films' style expands upon my BAFTA-nominated animated cut-out films FILM NOIR, 2006; HEAD OVER HEELS, 2008; YOURS TRULY, 2007, and this is the first time I directed and voice-recorded actors to be used as puppets in his research. The result was constructed as 8 x 2 minute episodic films (webisodes) and exhibited nationally on Channel 4 online, one after each TV episode over eight weeks. The research allowed me to explore riskier material and content online sometimes with violent, graphic images and adult themes, otherwise not permitted on terrestrial TV. The shorts have now been released on Blu ray & DVD worldwide.

The output is presented via portfolio, which should be viewed in order to gain a proper understanding of the research.