WWF - Infographic Animations

        Rebecca has done a really great job of researching animations (the films on this website demonstrate a breadth of different approaches) which have to convey a similar amount of information as we are faced with in the Living Planet Report. It is incredibly useful to see how these animators have coped with squeezing so many facts and figures into a short space of time (we will only have a maximum of 2 mins for a video submission). More to the point, it will give us a clear idea of what styles and approaches are engaging and thought provoking, and those which are perhaps a bit dryer or less successful.

        I really, really like this film. We were shown this RSA animation as part of our Food For Thought module, but it is a highly useful reference for mine and Rebecca's collaboration, as not only is it the same length as our maximum allowance, but it features many of the techniques we have discussed using: stop motion and pixilation, with subtle digital elements. The use of actual food and vegetables presents a wholesome, natural image, while the techniques used to create the film do not seem overly complicated, are within our capabilities, yet importantly are highly effective. The message is clear, with the strong visuals effectively illustrating, emphasising and supporting the lecture excerpts. Although the actual animated elements are minimal, from previous experience with stop motion and pixilation, I realise that comprehensive planning will be required to create something as clean and communicative. 

        Ending Overfishing is perhaps the most different stylistically from what Rebecca and I envisage producing. It is slick and computer generated. However, using the globe as an anchor is an effective way of communicating the global implications of overfishing. At various points the Earth forms the basis or graphs, charts and diagrams, a more dynamic method of illustrating figures and statistics which could otherwise have been difficult to engage with.

        A is for Atom, although somewhat outdated (with this style of information film being endlessly parodied in shows such as The Simpsons) is still a strong example of how big scale ideas and large amounts of information can be communicated to audiences. The actual amount of animation is fairly minimal, often just the camera zooming or panning within a largely still image. The vast majority of the information is communicated though the voice over, with the animation/imagery acting as a visual aid, showing the uninitiated how microscopic atoms function, or the power of atomic energy, as represented by a giant, glowing figure standing watch over the landscape. 

        All of the RSA Animate films are interesting examples of animated information films, in the sense that they contain little conventional animation. They could perhaps be better described as illustrated lectures, as a hand is sequentially photographed making notes and quick sketches to reflect the ideas being discussed in the voice overs, which often handle some quite complex ideas. By the end of the animations, often a huge space of paper has been covered, with the camera revisiting areas as necessary, and some images or notes are erased as counter arguments are raised in the voice over. They are very cleverly orchestrated, but for me, the sheer amount of information, coupled with the speed at which images are drawn and then left behind as a new concept arises, means that these films are quite hard to follow and engage fully with. However, the unusual approach, and simple visual style are eye-catching.