Stash Sixpack 2 2005
Distributed by Microcinema International/Microcinema DVD, 1636 Bush St., Suite #2, SF, CA 94109; 415-447-9750
Produced by Stash Media
Directed by Various
DVD, color, 6+ hrs.
Jr. High - Adult
Advertising, Broadcast Design, Communication, Video Game Cinematics, Film Studies, Media Studies, Music
Date Entered: 01/14/2008
Reviewed by Sebastian Derry, Temple UniversityIf the past few years have been any indication, the boundaries between television commercials, music videos, video games, video art, computer animation and short films are becoming increasingly blurred, so much so as to be almost inconsequential. And it’s happening on a global scale, as this 6-DVD set from Stash magazine attests:
“STASH magazine is the planet’s only monthly video showcase of animation, VFX and motion graphics. Each issue is packed with innovative commercials, broadcast design, music videos, virals, branded content, game cinematics, short films, behind the scenes material plus bonus films and music tracks.”
This second in an ongoing series of “sixpacks” from Stash bundles together each DVD that was included in the magazine’s issues #7-12. In all, over 140 works are presented (heavily weighted towards TV commercials), with innovation being their hallmark, particularly in regard to their use of computer-generated imagery (CGI).
Every disc features a “behind the scenes” look at many of the selections, typically deconstructing and separating out various visual elements, then showing sequentially how they are layered and composited into the final finished work.
As an added bonus, the last disc in the set features 5 winners of the 2005 Rushes Soho Shorts Festival. One of which, Overtime (directed by Atlan, Berland and Ferrié)—a loving black & white 5 minute panegyric to Jim Henson—is emblematic of the level of talent at work in the medium; seek it out on YouTube.
More information can be found by visiting the Stash website http://stashmedia.tv/ and the Rushes Soho Shorts website. www.sohoshorts.com/.
This DVD set is recommended for libraries that support advertising, art, design, film and media arts collections and programs.