Having been to onedotzero in previous years, i knew that there had always been a strong following of Robot based videos. This year saw the launch of a dedicated showcase… Robotica.
Straight from the start of the screening, it was obvious that we were going to be treated to some of the finest animation to be seen anywhere in the world. I’ve done my best to pick out the highlights below so you can see for yourselves just how far this technology has come over the past 10 years or so.
We began with…
Federico Alvarez: Ataque de panico! (Panic Attack)
Uruguay 2009
Maybe a little picky on my behalf but the choice of music ruined it for me. Stunning animation and a really good feel but the music is already too familiar to most people from the 28 Days Later & 28 Weeks Later films.
Mike Winkelmann (BEEPLE): Instrumental Video Nine
USA 2010
This was very well made and reminded me of the old Chris Cunningham & Aphex Twin video called Monkey Drummer.
Chun Chun Lien: Reboot
Taiwan 2010
Carl Erik Rinsch: The Gift
UK 2010
The Gift – i knew about previously, as FRR had posted some articles about the Ridley Scott Associates series of short films, called Parallel Lines. The Gift was the winner and i can now say – deservedly so. I loved it. A short film is a very difficult thing to do properly and these guys mastered it. Carl Erik Rinsch one to watch for the future!
Eclectic Method: Robots
USA + UK 2010
Another classic from Eclectic Method. These guys are firm favourites of mine. If you have some spare time i suggest having a look through their other videos on their website.
Sam Mason: WIld Robot
USA + UK 2010
Patrick Clair: Robot Wars (excerpt)
Australia 2009
This excerpt from the main feature blew my mind. Its amazing to think this sort of stuff goes on in the world and most people are completely oblivious to it. It made me think back to the days of War Games… how close could that actually be to reality one day?
Fillipe Lyra + William Paiva: Voltage
Brazil 2008
Alexei Tylevich (Logan): Vanquish
USA 2010
First class animation for the new PS3 game Vanquish.
Grant Berry + Nick Tarte: Flashing Red Light Means Go / The Boxer Rebellion
UK 2009
Eddie Wong: CPU
Finland 2010
Alex de Campi: Yowser Yowser Yowser (reboot) / Gyratory System
UK & USA 2010
MOX: Unplugged
UK 2009
Alexander Topsoe + Thomas Daneskav: Efficient Machine / Kasper Bjorke
Denmark 2010
Dmitry S.Novikov: The Full Stop
Russia 2010
What does it all mean? Not really sure but it looked great and had a perfect ending.
Kaktus Film: Mega Robot series
Sweden 2009
Rampage
Smelly Fingers
Returns
The mega robot series went down very well with the audience. Personally i’ve not a massive fan of this type of work. I just don’t really see the point of it. Yes its well made and the comedy timing was spot on but where would it be used outside of a screening like this?
Alexander Lehmann: Exodus
Germany 2010
Alexander Lehmann was briefly brought on stage at the start of the screening to talk about the work. His name meant nothing to me at the time but after seeing his work, i will remember it from now on! What a pleasure for a guy like this to see his work screened on the fantastic facilities at the BFI. This is how its meant to be enjoyed. Amazing video and edited so well with the music – a true masterpiece. I bumped into Alex in the foyer afterwards, he said there will be a making of video released shortly. Check his website for more info.
Jean Paul Frenay: Artificial Paradise Inc
Belgium 2009
Charles de Meyer: Esther’s / Amon Tobin
Uk 2010
Amon Tobin – Esther’s from Grassone on Vimeo.
Another great record from Amon Tobin. Its great to know he is a fan of video too. There are too many tunes like this that don’t get the video they deserve to match it. Full marks Mr Charles de Meyer. Its no coincidence that this video featured in many of the onedotzero showcases.
Ricardo de Montreuil: The Raven
USA 2010
