It’s a bit hard to say how my initial idea to create an audio report on hoon drivers evolved into the desire to create an animation, but I’m glad it did. After my initial struggle to work out an appropriate structure for the original project I began to realise that I wasn’t really passionate about the subject I was covering. I also started thinking about the importance of expert opinion, that is, that I didn’t really want to produce a product that relied on expert opinion to seem relevant.

So when I started thinking about other ways of approaching the project, my own issues with consumption kept coming to mind. My initial intention was to use audio vox-pops and a more personal, verbal account on consumption, and incorporate animation as a way to better engage with the audience.

But again I kept having trouble deciding on how to structure the piece, especially if I was keeping it as a report style. It seemed important that I should limit how much personal opinion I put into it if it was to remain a formal report. As the idea moved further away from a report style I begun to think about how much more important an accompanying animation would be and eventually realised that I could use lego, as I had copious amounts at my disposal.

In it’s final form the animation is intended to introduce some opinions about consumption in an entertaining and ironic way (ironic for the pure fact that it features Lego talking about toys and how much they’re needed). I should also mention, at this point, that a lot of the ideas that are expressed in the animation were loosely based around the writings of Alain De Botton, namely his book: Status Anxiety. By putting the animation online and trying to gain more exposure for the film, I’m hoping that some discussion about the topic will be generated.

In terms of putting together the animation, it all happened quite quickly, so it almost feels as though it was providence.

The script came very easily and I think that had to do with how much I enjoy discussing the topic in everyday conversation. The first draft deviated slightly off topic and covered issues like religion and video games, and at over seven minutes long it didn’t have any real structure to it. I decided to focus the script on the toy aspect of consumption that I had written about within the script and edit it down to around 2.30 minutes in an attempt to ensure that the audience wouldn’t get too bored with it.

In trying to get all the equipment I needed, I found myself in quite an ironic situation. I didn’t initially have access to a video camera that would be compatible with the program I needed to use for the animation. While there’s a few digital cameras lying around my house there wasn’t any that would connect properly with the program I wanted to use (iStop Motion, a very use friendly piece of software).

And in trying to acquire the right technology I kept finding myself wanting to buy something new and top of the range. I was convinced that nothing else would work as well and almost spent a month’s wages on something I would probably never use again. Then my boyfriend pointed out how funny the situation and my behaviour was, considering the content of the film I was about to make. I took a step back and conceded that I didn’t really need to buy any new equipment. So at least I’ve learnt a lesson about consumption through the animation process. As such it already feels like a win.

I loved filming. While I had the initial problem of locating equipment, the whole thing came together very quickly once I had my mind set on the animation. I wanted to see how much I could challenge myself with a technology I had never used before, and I think that the end product turned out extremely well. Although, I must admit that it probably has more to do with the software I was using more than anything else. The whole experience has re-affirmed my love for my Mac computer (again, quite ironically).

But in terms of creating certain shots and problem solving through some of the more tricky scenes (Batman flying, and Indiana Jones using his whip), I found it very satisfying to be able to work through the issue and immediately view the results.

If I could pin point any set backs I had, they would probably revolve around the amount of preparation time I gave myself in the end. If I’d decided on what I really wanted to focus my project on, earlier in the semester, I would have had more time to locate and organise everything that I needed. It all came good in the end but I did have a couple of anxiety filled weekends pretty late in the game. The experience has re-affirmed something I was already very aware of. I need to prepare and organise my time much better than I do at the moment. I found myself dragging my feet at every corner that I could, and it’s an problem that I’ve had throughout my studies. Sometimes, I rely too much on what I perceive to be natural talent and not enough on hard work, and I know that praise is more deserved with the latter.

The experience has also taught me that perhaps I’m more visually minded than I used to think. I found the whole experience a lot more satisfying than when I have edited audio on its own. Of course, some audio editing was required to create the dialogue and the background noise, but the final product seems so much more complete with a visual element. It has me re-evaluating which direction I would like to go in my career. Whilst I still love radio, I’m now keen to broaden my horizons and delve into some more visual stuff.