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An Animated Short Film:Birdland Swing
Specs: Concept: What happens when the lights go out in the Pet Shop at closing time? A little after hours jam? Treatment: Interior, a pet shop. We open to a view of the inside front door in muted color, almost monochromatic, with a slight nostalgic tinge to the decor. The little old pet shop proprietor shuffles toward the door at the end of a business day. He dons his hat and closes us in. The city outside twinkles in a dusk haze as his silhouette disappears from our view. The camera draws back to reveal a wall of cages and terrariums. We continue pulling back until we see LOU IGUANA from behind, watching the old man's exit. Suddenly, Lou stands and taps a stick on his terrarium wall like a conductor calling his big band. 1930's swing music kicks in ("Who walks in...") and a lazy camera reveals the chanteuse is none other than CHIRPELLA, a beautifully plumed cockatoo bathed in a purple spotlight, dancing on her swing. The second verse is carried by the Satchmo-voiced Lou. Various terrarium denizens take solos while others dance, play roulette and engage in freewheelin' speakeasy games. At the end of his trumpet-shell solo a hermit crab blows his shell right out of his aquarium and we follow its clatter across the floor to the front door that swings open. The music has abruptly stopped and only the feeder crickets chirp as the old man hunts for his keys. He returns the shell to an embarrassed hermit crab and leaves. As the door shuts, the band hits the coda of the song and the credits roll. Visitors: Feel free to browse the files to the right and direct questions / comments to director Erik Van Horn or Producer Roger Befeler. If you would like to get involved, drop us a line and tell us in what capacity you would like to render your services. To be "in the loop," sign up for the Birdland Swing mailing list! |
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Birdland SwingStory Reel (50MB QT) |
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To make a comment or suggestion, click here to email Erik VanHorn. |
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revised |
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