IA: Some technical aspects of your animation are very similar to the stop motion techniques, do you agree?

MR: Yes, indeed we used this technique for our first short film “l’Ame Seule” (ameseul.com). This experience was very enriching and we kept using this technique. The stop motion is a very strict technique since, contrary to 3D, we can’t go back. If there is anything wrong with the animation once it’s over you must do it all over again.

IA: What were the biggest challenges you faced while working on this short?

MR: There was nothing that was particularly challenging. We worked really hard on every scene and we were really concentrated all the time.

IA: Did you have to compromise to get the work properly done?

MR: We had to stay bachelors!

IA: What are the main software that you used?

MR: We used a JVC GY-HD 100 camera for filming; HD is a really good alternative to traditional film. We then used Maya for the 3D, After-Effect for special effects and of course PhotoShop.

IA: What about the audio part of the short, who helped you with that?

MR: We worked with Mimi who is our sound professor at the EESA. He created the soundtrack for the movie. Mimi was really patient with us while we spent days and days with him until we got the sounds the way we wanted it. He was so helpful and he was so kind and we really enjoyed the time we spent working with hum.

IA: What about the lighting? Since there were real scenes and 3D scenes how were you able to mix between them?

RM: As we said earlier, we filmed the real scenes first and then added the flies in 3D. We had to create over the same lighting in the 3D scenes or else it wouldn’t have come out realistic. That is why we took special measures to place the lights in an appropriate spot while shooting. We also used small objects to reference where the flies will be in the film.

IA: Which parts are you really proud of and what makes them special to you?

RM: We are particularly proud of the high quality of the image. But we are not very proud of the story line and the montage; we think we should have done a more dynamic short.

IA: What did you learn from this experience?

RM: Never work on 3D again! Just kidding! But 3D is a heavy tool and a very technical one too. It takes so much time to create that sometimes you have to sacrifice the story.

IA: What did you get from this short?

RM: We got work! The short was very appreciated by professionals as well as the regular audience. “Peas/Carrots” was shown on Daily Motion which brought 80,000 views in one week end.

IA: Do you have any projects going on for the time being?

RM: We need to make some money for now. We have some ideas for a new short for the coming year but it won’t be anything animated. We are going to work on a real short with real actors.

You can find the making of “l’Ame seule” on Daily Motion. It is a 40 minute documentary on the secrets of making the short. The making of “Peas/carrots” will also be published on Daily Motion in the near future.

Links

Peas and Carrots Website : clap2mouche.blogspot.com

interview published in IT'S ART Vol #12 available in IT'S ART DVD Vol#1

See Also

Animation : Replay / Hugh