In December 2022, the jazz guitarist and Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at UNT, Davy Mooney, reached out to our lab to collaborate on a unique experimental animation of the song Wintry Mix from his latest album, Way Back. Here we share the behind-the-scenes of the creation of this project that just got completed in time for the launch of Mooney’s new album.
Christine Veras and Philip Martin collaborated to create unique hands-on frame-by-frame animations for Wintry Mix in the experimental animation lab. The process started during winter when they captured videos and images of the Texas landscape, as that was one of the inspirations for the song:
They animated using a variety of techniques and tricks: In a multiplane structure, we shot through ice, we used calculator rolls to paint sequences, strips of paper cutouts to simulate the guitar strings, we used torch lights to create light effects captured frame-by-frame, and we even animated time-lapse sequences of plants seem through a kaleidoscope to mimic the saxophone vibrations. All to create textures and movements to help the animation reinforce and play with the melody.
All the animations were captured using Dragonframe, the industry-standard stop-motion animation software. Once exported, the material was edited in Adobe Premiere Pro, mixing and remixing the animations, layering, and overlapping them to match the mood and rhythm of the music. The entire process was a playful experimentation.
The complete video for Wintry Mix was launched in June 12, 2023. See the complete animation below:
Watch here the audience reaction to the film compiled by the Experimental, Dance & Music Festival 2023:
Here is an interview the festival did with Director Christine Veras: https://matthewtoffolo.com/2023/09/01/filmmaker-christine-veras-wintry-mix/