We are proud to release a short film we have been working on for the last few weeks. It is a film about isolation made in isolation.
Having read an article about grief, managing and creative director, Jonathan Brigden thought it touched a nerve. As a nation, we are all grieving our previous lives, from seeing loved ones to going to restaurants and the cinema etc.
So we set about to make a film about the 5 stages of grief that you can experience whilst in isolation. Of course, the film would also have to be made in isolation with some clever collaboration from the team.
The film follows 2 indistinct characters as they leave each other before lockdown. Their moods and colours change throughout the film as they try to keep busy. They both experience denial, bargaining, anger and depression. But this all changes when one character communicates through the internet and companionship resumes. The characters are now able to exercise together, chat and dance together. The film concludes as the constraints are released, and the two can meet again.
The concept of the film was taking place as the Queen addressed the nation on the 5th of April. “The Queen’s speech moved me, and it felt like the comforting leadership we are all craving.” writes Jonathan, “It was so perfectly written and phrased it seemed like a fitting ending to our little piece.”
The idea behind the film originated before the outbreak of pandemic when we embarked on an R&D exercise to get the team integrating the latest technologies. Having worked regularly with Notch, a motion graphics and VFX software, we decided to try and pair this knowledge with something new to us: the Noitom motion graphics suit called the Perception Neuron.
After spending time formulating and storyboarding the film, we had the Noitom suit delivered to one of their visual artists, Ed Vosper at his home. Vosper recorded his part of the action in isolation, then delivered the kit to his colleague, Iina Kuula’s doorstep as part of his daily exercise. From there, Kuula was able to finish capturing the action. The whole team at Studio Giggle then worked hard over a few days, developing the graphics and evolving the story.
Digital artist, Iina Kuula said, “We often find the best creative work is born out of constraint.”
“It all just seemed to come together: The story, the creation and the music was there waiting for us,” writes Ed Vosper.
Giggle got in touch with Scott Berinato, the author of the Harvard Business Review article, to show him what his words inspired. He said “This is one of the more creative inspirations from the article and I like it very much. I had no idea when working on the article that Kessler’s words would strike people so deeply and it’s amazing to see it continue to move people. Take care and stay well.”
The film was also submitted to a number of online short film review sites. Marco Luca from Film Shortage, said ‘Excellent work, absolutely love the creative work people are doing while in isolation. Really makes us believe nothing can destroy creativity. This film is short and simple, but it speaks a thousand words in a beautiful fashion.’
Target 3d, the home of motion capture, featured the film on their website. They also wrote a separate blog about the project.
To find out more about how we created the film, check out our ‘Making of’ video below, or get in touch with Jonathan by calling 07711131116 or emailing jon@studiogiggle.co.uk
The making of film: