The Wind Calls Your Name

Abstract

Stop frame animation is a process whereby, rather than shooting continuously, the film camera stops after each frame is captured. The process differs from cell animation in that the camera is freed from the animation stand and can be located on a tripod and thus able to move in a 3D space, changing the nature of animation. Additionally, with the introduction of digital still cameras it has become possible to produce stop frame animations at a greatly reduced cost and ease.

John Hughes’s film The Wind Calls Your Name employs a variety of stop frame animation techniques that investigate the potential offered by digital technologies. Combining traditional animation techniques with digital compositing processes enabled a framework in which to explore a unique sense of isolation resulting from the construction of industrial infrastructures within remote country locations. New techniques for series animation and capturing frame sequences were developed in order to highlight the sense of resignation of a particular community battling with toxic pollution and a profound sense of dislocation. This research has led to new methods of animation that facilitate unique modalities for experimental narrative film structure.

The significance of work is demonstrated by its inclusion in the D>Art.04 Experimental Screen, Sydney International Film Festival, Dendy Opera Quays and Sydney Opera House, NSW. The work was noted as a highlight of the festival by K. Galasch in Realtime. The work has also been screened in TrainInk: Video Works #3 at the Fig Tree Theatre, NSW and Gallery Alley, Bulgaria and the exhibition (Going) Out There, Ivan Dougherty Gallery, NSW. The film won the Experimentation in Film Award at the 2008 Sydney Underground Film Festival, NSW.