httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QTzJC-qICI
E3 is going down right now and the animated intro movie for The Beatles: Rock Band just came out. Beautiful imagery, I really like the sort of 2D-hybrid animation style. The whole thing feels sort of like a more refined Gorillaz. Video Link
Edit: Apparently it was Robert Valley who did the character animations for this piece.
I believe Jamie Hewlett, the artist behind Gorillaz, worked on this project, hence the aesthetic similarities.
Ah, that would make sense.. thanks for the heads up.
Cartoon Brew lists some of the people involved, including Pete Candeland, director of the Gorillaz videos. It was made at Passion Pictures. Simply amazing stuff – it’s unfortunate that the in game art isn’t as nice.
http://www.cartoonbrew.com/advertising/trailer-for-the-beatles-rock-band.html
After having a look at it, I would agree with Phil, Jamie was definitely behind this!
Its pretty awesome. If you like that style, check this animation he did for the BBC during the Olympics, one of my faves.
http://tinyurl.com/68qaf9
Upon 2nd thought, I’m not too sure this is Jamie Hewlett, it looks different from his usual style. My bad.
Mbithi-
Looks like it was, in fact, Hewlett: http://www.freshnessmag.com/2009/06/03/jamie-hewlett-x-the-beatles-the-beatles-rockband-opening-cinematic/
Wow, so I take back my words for a 2nd time…damn. My bad, again.
Thanks Scott.
It’s director Pete Candeland, Robert Valley (http://www.robertvalley.com/blog1/) and Alberto Mielgo (http://albertomielgo.blogspot.com/) for the backgrounds. The figures are unmistakably Robert Valley. He worked on the Virgin Cola ads with Jamie Hewlett about 10 years ago. It’s unbelievably beautiful. I’ve watched it over and over again.
I had tears in my eyes.
a bit of dust got in them.
but it is still an incredible piece.
2D Animation + Depth Of Field = Awesome
Jonathan-
where did you get that info? is this wrong?: http://www.freshnessmag.com/2009/06/03/jamie-hewlett-x-the-beatles-the-beatles-rockband-opening-cinematic/
let me know so I can update the post.
Scott – It’s mentioned on Cartoon Brew and also my friend Will Kane works in Gosh (comic store), about 10 minutes walk from Passion Pictures. Robert Valley popped into Gosh whilst over here working on it. I’m not sure if Hewlett had any input into it but the figures are definitely Valley. Pause the scene in the taxi and see the sexy Lovely Rita in the background. Pure Robert Valley. His Massive Swerve animation is superb too.
Mat – I know what you mean. The scene where they ascend the escalator and morph into the Sgt Peppers outfits is strangely moving!
Ah I wanna see more, it’s fantastic!
I just love this so much.
Actually, Jamie Hewlett had nothing to do with this cinematic. It was directed by Pete Candeland through Passion Pictures with Rob Valley directing the 2D. Rob and Ree Treweek (of Shy the Sun fame) designed the characters.
Actually, Jamie Hewlett had nothing to do with this cinematic. It was directed by Pete Candeland through Passion Pictures with Rob Valley directing the 2D. Rob and Ree Treweek (of Shy the Sun fame) designed the characters. See Passion Pictures website for confirmation.
Yep, looks like the info I had was wrong. According to the Passion Pictures site that Jonathan and Bob mentioned it is indeed Robert Valley behind the characters.
http://www.passion-pictures.com/flash.html#page=p2
Wow, i love it !
Saw this before checking this blog, actually.
It looks beyond impressive. Beatles + Gorillaz style video = the way it meant to be.