The impact of lockdown: an animated film

Human Planet Weaker Other, for Art Data Health Research Project in conjunction with the University of Brighton

Description:

I had the opportunity to collaborate on an engaging project called "Human Planet Weaker Other" in partnership with the Art Data Health research project, in conjunction with the University of Brighton. Initially focused on exploring health data in the UK and working closely with local communities, the Art Data Health project took an unexpected turn with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. This is when I was brought in to create a series of assets focusing on the data and experience of the pandemic. The first was a scrollytelling project called 104 Days later, the second was Human Planet Weaker Other. This project aimed to shed light on the experiences of individuals and communities during these challenging times.

Aims and purpose:

The primary aim of the "Human Planet Weaker Other" project was to bring into focus the impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Through the combination of data and creative storytelling, we sought to show some of the more unexpected results of these unprecedented circumstances, including the impact on real communities, the environment and how we connect as humans.

Tools and method:

Working closely with project lead Aristea Fotopolou, who wrote the script for this project and provided final approval on all graphics and treatments. This close partnership ensured that the project aligned with the research objectives and effectively communicated the intended message to the audience.

To bring the project to life, I utilized the power of animation. Using Procreate, I animated various elements, including the fish, cityscape, wheelchair basketball, and the march. This process was time-consuming, but the effort was well worth it as it added a dynamic and captivating dimension to the visuals. Additionally, I took the opportunity to shoot some of the source footage myself.

In this project, I employed a combination of traditional animation techniques and digital tools. Procreate served as a versatile platform for creating the animated elements, allowing me to bring the visuals to life with precision and creativity. The integration of hand-drawn animation added a unique and expressive quality to the project.