To This Day Project

I decided to look at this short animation of a spoken word artist's poem, because of the way it's performed. This module requires a performance and I think it provides, inspiration and a new way of thinking about the project to look at work like this. Even though the actual animation itself is delivered through a style which follows that of the narration, I think this makes it a less successful animation but perfect to analyse the performance.

I think it's super incredible how emotive Shane Koyczan's voice is the entire way through, it never falters and it really makes the viewer empathise with his poem. I think another thing to take from his performance is how his volume alters regularly. When he's sad he get's quieter a bit raspier, but when he feels angered, he chooses to emphasise words by saying them a bit louder. There is also a noticeable rhythm in the way he gives the performance, that which matches the viewers heartbeat. There is also a way in which Shane Koyczan timely inserts pauses into his delivery of the performance which creates a lot of drama and adds a lot of tension. Another way he adds drama to his performance is by speeding up the pace, as if things are spiralling out of control, it creates a similar sort of effect.

I think another feature that makes it a really successful performance is his dictation of each word, it's very clear and precise. I never actually realised how many elements go into the quality of a performance through it's vocals. I think these are all factors that I should look at in all animations I make. And I should probably look at some more performances.

I think overall the animation is a collaborative effort and so although I don't particularly like the transitions so many people helped made this project, that it's not about being a great animation it's about the message it provides which would be half as successful without that guy's performance of it. I think it's really moving and something that I hope has helped someone at least once, because schools a tough place to get through and we need more messages like this in this world.

If you like this please share it, because you might help make that one difference.

http://www.tothisdayproject.com/