The Retro Fantasy-Inspired Music Video “Across My Jaw”

 

The music video “Across My Jaw,” inspired by retro fantasy, offers a captivating audiovisual experience.

Collaboration with Indie Musician Dan English

 

Produced for indie artist Dan English, the creative duo Isabelle Aspin and Brian Smee, collectively known as Jocelyn & Jocelyn, infuse the video with a whimsical atmosphere that aligns with the song’s expansive, Beatles-esque sound. Utilizing a blend of drawn animation and tangible objects, the visuals reflect the surreal artistry of Ralph Bakshi and the ethereal style of Fantastic Planet.

Insights from Co-Director Brian Smee

 

Co-director Brian Smee shares:

 

“Dan approached us with a mood board featuring modernist stage designs, Remedios Varo’s artwork, gargoyles, and storybook visuals. Coincidentally, we had recently experienced the opera Turandot, which showcased David Hockney’s stunning set designs, prompting us to explore a theatrical design approach. As production unfolded, we aimed for a filmed-opera aesthetic, drawing inspiration from classics like [Michael] Powell and [Emeric] Pressburger’s ballet sequence in The Red Shoes, The Tales of Hoffmann, and Bluebeard’s Castle. The synergy between the visuals and the music developed organically, avoiding a formulaic approach. Much of the rhythm and flow crystallized during the animation and editing phases, particularly after receiving Dan’s input.”

Animation and Background Design

 

Smee oversaw the animation process, which was crafted in TVPaint and composited in After Effects, while Aspin focused on the background designs. Aspin elaborates:

 

“The backgrounds were envisioned as stage sets, integrating flat stage elements, props, scrims, and theatrical effects. The hand-painted backgrounds possess a timeless essence, yet the fantasy theme imparts a unique ’70s/’80s ambiance to the video.”

About the Creators

 

Aspin, a background artist based in Los Angeles, is celebrated for her meticulously researched, narrative-driven designs. Smee, a filmmaker and graduate of CalArts in experimental animation, also resides in Los Angeles. Together, as Jocelyn & Jocelyn, they have collaborated on independent films and freelance projects since 2015. Their partnership, rooted in the Solano Canyon suburb of Los Angeles, merges meticulous craftsmanship with a mutual passion for imaginative storytelling.

“`

Person

Dan English, Isabelle Aspin, Brian Smee, Ralph Bakshi, David Hockney, Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger, Aspin, Smee

Company Names

Jocelyn & Jocelyn, Calarts

Titles

Across My Jaw, Turandot, The Red Shoes, The Tales of Hoffmann, Bluebeard’s Castle, Fantastic Planet

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.