“The Madness of Television Circuits”
Random Acts Treatment for Channel 4 by Lauren Richards-Evans
An eerily,
atmospheric setting with an air of Brothers Quay, the purpose of this animated
short is to influence the viewer’s imagination to ask “Just how alive is my
television?” – basing it on the myth that today’s technology can lead what we
have created to have a life of its own, to the point where IT even begins to
experience its own nightmares and “demons”.
Plot
Within a
darkened living room, the “camera” will move into what appears to be a dormant
television; the innards designed to replicate a box – or a simple stage.
There’s
nothing until a thick black liquid materializes in the middle of the floor, not
moving as if it’s surprised it’s even there. After a while, it will become
confident, starting to morph into its designated shape: a humanoid upper torso
with black eyes, and no real hands, the rest the liquid it manifested from.
Upon realizing
its ability to create life, it will smile. It begins to experiment further,
creating what looks like a weapon out of its left arm. In front of it, the
“wall” of the television dissolves into numerous electrodes; the creature’s large,
black eyes capable of visualizing the transformation.
The creature’s
true purpose becomes clear.
As it will
greedily plunge its arms into the wall, into the warmth of the circuits within,
the “camera” will pan out to the television, to show the consequence of its
actions…a fuse, resulting in the creature’s form retreating into its natural
state.
It recovers
grudgingly, relieving itself from the aftershock just to come to stare at the
other wall, admiring the circuits within.
The same
happens again, ruining the opposite side, steam escaping, turning the
exceptional mass in a state of euphoria. Now, when it reinstates a manageable
form its attention will be brought onto the back of the “stage”, black masses
for eyes greedy. What beholds behind the shield is the mainframe of the
television, the source of the power.
The mass
smiles, before the screen goes black.
What is heard
is an overload of electricity, accompanied by a loud “pop”, emphasizing
something has given way. When imagery comes back to the viewer, what is seen is
the inside of the television – the stage – it was like nothing happened, and as
camera retreats to see the outside view…it’s a wreck, with each side of the
exaggerate with a jagged punch hole, blackened by smoke as sparks fly out.
The film cuts.
Approach
Expressing
deep interest in the mechanics of Stop-motion, and animation – the goal with
this 3 minute short film is to reproduce the skills and techniques observed in
original Victorian era films. With the tattered appearance of the characters,
and the grainy supplements found traditionally in Super 8 film. This is a method
currently used in modern day experimental cinema.
To maintain
the fluidity of the scenery and to contrast with the complex detail of the
“actor”, the lining of the television and stage
within will be kept simple – giving the gesture of a dream in comparison to
reality.
©
Lauren
Richards-Evans
University of
East London
BA Hons
Graphic Design and Illustration
thechocolatier@hotmail.co.uk
