Document details

[Eric Larson introduces Art Stevens and CalArts guests.] ART STEVENS: I have a couple of nineteen-year-old films, which may not be too old to some of us; however, they might be of some help for some of you who are doing your own films—a help in creative thinking, because so many films you see today reflect a weakness in the selection of source material and presentation. Very often the subject matter for a film is illustrated through limited animation, when the subject should have been presented by live action or maybe not done in the medium of film at all. However, limited animation can be an ideal method for presenting certain subjects. Of course, it makes it a lot easier if there is plenty of research material. You can dig into many subjects, such as the subject for today’s film, and find a whole new way of thinking about animation. The point is to tell the story. Secondly is how it’s animated or presented graphically. Of course a good story can be harmed by bad animation, but if you have a real solid story to tell and half-way presentable animation, your subject will hold interest. While you are looking at the films, think about choosing a similar subject and treating it in the same way. Especially a story that doesn’t have to have a plot. Think of the educational and informative values that at the same time entertain. So why don’t we just run the first one. Think of some questions you might want to ask before running it the second time. [Runs “Man and the Moon”.] [...]