This is What Home Movies Look Like When Your Parent is a VFX Artist
Ever wish you could see what a kid sees when they're out playing and using their imagination? Thanks to this DreamWorks animator, you can.
Perhaps you've heard of "Action Movie Kid," a series of videos of an adorable little tyke doing his thing—playing in a fake boat, swinging from monkey bars, and jumping on couches, pretending the floor is hot lava. At first glance, these 20-second shorts look like run-of-the-mill home videos, but because his dad, Daniel Hashimoto, is a precocious vis-dev animator at DreamWorks Animation, they're anything but.
Not only does Hashimoto make a ton of these awesome videos, but he also makes a ton of tutorials for these awesome videos. On his personal YouTube channel, Action Movie Dad, he walks you through the different steps he takes to pull off the VFX in Adobe After Effects. Here's one he did explaining his process for his "Get in the Boat" video, in which he turns a sunny day at the park into a stormy journey into tempestuous waters:
Not only are these videos funny, entertaining, and cute as hell, but they teach us a huge lesson about being an artist. For Hashimoto, being a filmmaker was something he always wanted to be, and he didn't wait until college or adulthood to get his hands on some professional equipment. As he says in his Reddit AMA:
When I was in first grade, I learned to animate on a commodore Amiga and filmed on our gigantic Betamax camera to make movies for my family. All through high school, I made videos that were just as silly with my small group of friends. But then I decided to "grow up" and get a job at DreamWorks for a decade. Finally, in this age of iPhones, I was shooting tons of footage of my kid playing and doing silly things. So I decided to add a little flair to them, mostly to make some Facebook friends giggle.
What is so inspiring about these videos is that they're a wonderful reminder that you can infuse your art into everything you do. Hashimoto is an animator and VFX artist, so he infused VFX into his home videos. It doesn't matter if you have a pretty, new camera. You can make it happen because creativity is the key to bringing your vision to life. To quote the man—the legend—Jeff Goldblum as Dr. Ian Malcolm: "Life finds a way."
Creators are doing this every day, using what they have creatively to make some interesting content. Marcel the Shell comes to mind. Director Dean Fleischer-Camp and comedian/writer Jenny Slate came up with the idea for a mockumentary about a friendly little shell after Slate sat around a cramped hotel room doing what would become Marcel's voice. Fleischer-Camp, who had to come up with a video to show at a comedy show, saw something there. Slate told USA Today:
I just sat on the couch, and Dean recorded me talking as Marcel and then that was it. It was so natural, that's why I love it. It was just a little piece of a little life. I think we were just doing it for fun. We thought maybe 30 people would see it after the show and we'd put it online for our friends to see.
Maybe your work doesn't always have to revolve around a massive feature film—or even a short. You can still be creative with everyday things and make videos that are worth watching.
10 Storytelling and Directing Tips Inspired by Akira Kurosawa
Learn from one of the greatest directors of all time.
In the pantheon of cinematic greats, Akira Kurosawa stands as a towering figure, a master storyteller whose influence transcends time and borders. His works, characterized by their epic narratives, exquisite visuals, and emotional depth, continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.
Kurosawa's unique approach to directing and storytelling has become a subject of study and admiration. As we explore the wisdom distilled from his illustrious career, we find timeless lessons that go beyond the confines of genre and culture. These principles serve not only as a blueprint for aspiring directors but also as a testament to Kurosawa's enduring legacy in the art of filmmaking.
The Humanistic Cinema of Akira Kurosawawww.youtube.com
1. Trust Your Gut
'Rashomon'
Credit: Everett Collection
Kurosawa emphasized the importance of a director's intuition. This suggests that when faced with creative decisions, it’s often valuable to listen to your gut feeling. This could mean choosing an unconventional shot or narrative direction that feels right, even if it challenges traditional methods or the opinions of collaborators.
2. Study The Masters
Akira Kurosawa working with a cinema camera on the set of
Credit: BFI
By examining the works of great directors, one can learn various aspects of filmmaking, such as shot composition, pacing, and storytelling.
Kurosawa himself was influenced by filmmakers like John Ford and Jean Renoir and believed in the value of understanding their techniques to refine his own work.
3. Collaborate With Your Actors
Credit: BFI
Actors bring characters to life, and Kurosawa believed in giving them space for interpretation. This includes working closely with them, understanding their perspective, and allowing them to bring their own creativity to their roles, which can result in more authentic and compelling performances.
4. Planning is Paramount
Akira Kurosawa's manual splicing
Credit:
Detailed planning and storyboarding were key to Kurosawa’s approach. He would often sketch out every shot before filming.
This level of preparation ensures that every visual element serves the story and can help in executing complex scenes more efficiently.
5. It's all in the Details
Akira Kurosawa on the set of ‘Yojimbo’
Credit: Film Magazine
In Kurosawa’s view, the minutiae of a film—such as the costumes, set design, and props—were crucial in creating a believable world.
Attention to these details helps to immerse the audience and can subtly enhance the storytelling.
6. It's Okay to be Silent
'Throne of Blood'
Credit: Toho
Silence can be as powerful as dialogue or music. Kurosawa harnessed silence to build suspense and convey emotion, using it to draw the audience in and focus their attention on the visual storytelling.
7. Learn From Mistakes
'High and Low'
Credit: Toho
Kurosawa was not afraid to recognize his own mistakes and saw them as learning opportunities. This principle encourages a mindset of continuous improvement and resilience in the creative process.
8. Keep a Handle on Emerging Technology
'The Hidden Fortress'
Credit: Toho
Always curious about the latest developments, Kurosawa integrated new technologies into his filmmaking. This openness to innovation can lead to new ways of storytelling and can give a unique aesthetic to films.
9. Maintain Your Vision
'Dreams'
Credit: Warner Bros.
A director must have a clear vision for the film and remain true to it throughout the process. This can sometimes mean resisting studio pressure or popular trends to create a work that is authentic and personal.
10. Let Passion Guide You
'Seven Samurai'
Credit: Toho
Kurosawa’s passion for filmmaking was evident in his dedication to his craft. This principle suggests that great art comes from a place of deep commitment and enthusiasm, and that passion is infectious, often inspiring the entire cast and crew to strive for excellence.
In honoring Kuroswas's legacy, we continue the quest for storytelling that resonates, transforms, and endures. For filmmakers and storytellers looking to craft their own masterpieces, let Kurosawa's spirit guide your cinematic adventures.
May your films be as bold, as beautiful, and as profoundly human as the ones he left us.
Now go make something.