Pause Fest: Visual Playground

Pause Fest: Visual Playground Earlier this year, we participated in Pause Fest in Australia. As part of it, we had the chance to work with a handful of exciting artists who submitted motion response videos around the Pause Fest theme of Pure. Over the coming weeks, we'll share the final projects from each of the artists, as well as their thoughts on the project.

First up - Emily Harridge, who's the founding director of Visual Playground, an award-winning production company in Melbourne, Australia. Emily's project, Imagine, is now a finalist in the AEAF Digital Awards.

What was your inspiration behind your video?

The narrative was based on the concept that impurity lies behind our perception of purity. Our original thoughts were that in order to create beauty, one ultimately ends up destroying what was beautiful in the first place. This resonated with the whole team and evolved to become two worlds, nature vs the machine.

We used the principle of a Rube Goldberg Machine as the perfect vehicle for the sequence where one event triggers a sequence of actions activated by the previous event.

Our inspiration for the look of the piece was from hand carved timber, relating it back to the real world. The addition of man made synthetic materials including graffiti paint added to the juxtaposition between the two worlds.

What part of Pause Fest made the biggest impact on you?

The sessions were great but I probably got the most out of the opportunities to network with like- minded individuals.

How familiar were you with The Foundry software before this and how was your experience?

At Visual Playground, we had just purchased a copy of NUKE X prior to the creation of the Motion response and a couple of the guys had just started to work with it in the Studio. The Foundry provided us with the chance to learn MARI, MODO and develop our skills with NUKE so that by the end of it, we were very comfortable with the software. I'm happy to say NUKE is now incorporated into our regular pipeline.

What advice would you give someone looking to enter into this area?

Keep learning, try new things, sign up for FXPHD

Are you using The Foundry's software on any projects now and how's it going?

Yes we are using NUKE for an Opening Title sequence for Channel Nine called The Hot Plate. NUKE handles compositing and re-timing extremely well.

MORE ABOUT EMILY AND VISUAL PLAYGROUND

Visual Playground prides itself on being a full service production studio. With a passion for design, knowledge in the latest technology and trends and expertise in animation, vfx and on-set production, VP is a collection of passionate artists who enjoy working as a team.

Emily began her stint in broadcast as a graphic designer and courtroom artist for Channel 9 Melbourne. She then established VP in 2002 and now has 13 years experience in leading her team as Creative Director. Emily has built an outstanding reputation in branding for top rating Australian TV shows such as The Voice Australia, Australia's Next Top Model, MasterChef Australia and Neighbours, just to name a few.

Building on the broadcast background, VP has evolved to attract agencies and brands alike and has developed the creative pool to produce high-end television commercials, visual effect shots and now creates a wide range of visual content. VP has created work for the likes of Mazda, The Australian Airshow, Honda, Zoos Victoria, Etihad Stadium, CFA and Myer.

As the industry progresses with new technology, there is a need for a people that are innovative with fresh ideas and the know-how that are bold enough to stand at the forefront of this constantly changing industry. Emily prides herself on not only being brave when it comes to making creative decisions, but also in leading a team that is always one step ahead.

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LINK:	http://www.thefoundry.co.uk/about-us/news-awards/pause-fest-visual-pla...
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