Barracuda

バラクーダ

Animation

A time-based animation, drawing inspiration from the song “Barracuda” by the 5.6.7.8’s, a Japanese garage-rock revival/surf rock band from Tokyo.

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The project aimed to showcase nonlinear narrative themes and mood storyboards, using After Effects for graphics, transitions, and movements to convey maximalist ideas.

The focus was on providing swift enjoyment without delving into deeper meanings, allowing viewers to interpret the personal karaoke nature of the whimsical song. Despite the challenge of rendering intricate, elaborate, multiple-layered objects, the end result prioritizes relishing a captivating music video and joining in singing for a delightful experience.

Project Information

Creative Brief

Develop a music video animation that combines the aesthetics of Pantins (Paper Dolls) with Japanese Kawaii culture, set to “The Barracuda” by The 5.6.7.8’s. The animation will feature flat, multi-layered illustrated characters brought to life through “puppet” animation techniques in Adobe After Effects, resulting in a charming and engaging visual experience.

Objectives:

Create an engaging music video that captures the playful essence of Japanese Kawaii culture.
Employ puppet animation techniques to animate flat but multi-layered illustrations effectively.
Integrate “The Barracuda” by The 5.6.7.8’s to enhance the video’s dynamic appeal.
Deliver the project within a constrained timeline through efficient planning and execution.
Produce a visually appealing experience that resonates with the target audience.

Approach

The animation adapts Pantins (Paper Dolls) with flat but multi-layered characters, designed with vibrant colors and intricate details that reflect the playful essence of Kawaii culture. Using Adobe After Effects’ “puppet” animation tool, the characters are animated with lively, smooth movements to match the energy of the music.

Careful planning and organization is implemented, starting with storyboarding, followed by character design and animation sequencing. This ensures that the characters and animation flow naturally, complementing the rhythm of the song while meeting the project’s tight deadline.

Results

While the final results may require further refinement, the challenge lay in elevating an already playful song to the next level. This animation not only aims to mesmerize viewers but also serves as a pivotal tool to demonstrate the most efficient use of time.