I was an extra on Tomorrowland, and I can attest to Brad Bird's playfulness in his daily work, at least from my limited exposure to him. Our first day on set we're all dressed in period costume, milling about before shooting begins, and in the background is this older guy with glasses and a backwards baseball cap running around filming everything with his iPhone, with a big smile on his face. Not knowing what Brad Bird looked like at the time, I thought this was just an enthusiastic grip or gaffer or somebody. Then we all sit down for some announcements from the first AD, who gives us the schedule for the day, then hands it off to Brad Bird, who wants to talk to the extras (feature directors very rarely interact with the extras). We all sit up and look around, and up to the stage runs the guy with the backwards baseball cap-Brad Bird. He's filming the crowd and has a huge smile on his face. He introduces himself and tells us about the film, reminds us of our importance to the atmosphere of the film, the context of the scene and so on, again not something you usually get from a director. He treated us as professionals, not just "extras" but background actors, and made us feel a part of the film. Throughout the couple days we were shooting, he just seemed like a kid with the most expensive toys in the world-clearly living his dream. Very professional still, but he just exuded this pure joy, you could tell he absolutely loved what he was doing. The way he directed young George Clooney, he didn't talk down to him as a child, he crouched down to his level and spoke to him as a peer, he levelled with him, and I can't think of any better way to get a great performance out of a child actor. I only spoke with him very briefly, just exuding praise and admiration cause I couldn't do anything else, but everything about him just seemed genuine and playful, as this essay so eloquently illustrates, and that comes across in his films. That's just my perspective from my experience on set.
Brad Bird came to a Q&A that was mostly filled with animation students and he stressed the importance of studying film, not just animated ones, but all film. Animators are film makers as well, ... we just have to spend a little longer on our final cut.
Brad Bird is one of my all-time favorite filmmakers because he so consistently treats the medium of animation with such respect and legitimacy. It's really inspiring and makes for some fantastic films.
Questions ; - Where can I learn more about Brad Bird? - Where can I get his notes in color? - How do I chose a film aspect ratio? - How does Brad Bird compose still shots? I loved video this, Brad Bird is the best director.
I highly suggest buying the DVD/Blurays of his movies and listening to the audio commentaries. There were some clips cobbled together in this excellent video on Vimeo: vimeo.com/189791698 There's also the Bancroft Brothers podcast and this cool 1 hour reunion of him and his old animation buddies: taughtbyapro.com/podcast-brad-bird-interview-tomorrowland/ tv.creativetalentnetwork.com/the-rats-nest-reunion
Maybe that's why I felt that the characters in The Incredibles were more like CGI actors than, well CGI. I've never seen an animated movie feel so real.
PAST: used to think that Brad Bird was just a good director. NOW: Completely mesmerized how AMAZING this guy is!!!! The way he makes cinema and loves this artform is absurd. Thanks for bringing this up!
@Kai McCook So, if a lot of people still think comic books are for kids or that video games are for nerds in their parent's basements, that means they are? It makes no sense to define something by the misunderstanding of the general public. Animation is a medium, the same way print is a medium and oil paint is a medium; just because all the softcover books you've read are Harlequin romances doesn't mean softcover books are a genre.
@Kai McCook That makes no sense. Of course we're "at that stage." Because there are tons and tons and tons of animated films that fall under all kinds of different genres. Because animation is not a genre, it is a artistic medium that can adapt to any situation you present it with. Just like comic books and video games too. And yes, there are a LOT of stupid people who think of comic books as simplistic pulpy trash for childen - nothing but muscle men in spandex punching bad guys, and who think of video games as nothing but mindless shooting galleries like Fortnite/Call of Duty Modern Warfare/later Halo games and so on. And just like the people who think of animation as just a genre of film where goofy cartoons have wacky comedic adventures aimed at kids, they are morons and have no idea what they're talking about and clearly know next to nothing about that medium - animation, comic books, video games, et all.
This 1-2-3 structure is fantastic. It’s what makes his work so dynamic, tough to get bored or distracted as he demands your attention. Very elegant stuff
When I was picking up a copy of Ratatouille, I let my mum know when we were getting into the car why I wanted us to watch the film again. And I said, and I quote, 'it was directed by one of the greatest directors of all time; Brad Bird'. And honestly, a LOT of people have inspired me, but Brad Bird is something else. He not only makes fantastic films, but he's everything I aspire to be. Because when you're thoroughly enjoying you craft, the final result will turn out amazing and something that will always bring a smile to yours and others faces. So, in whatever you're doing. _Whatever_ project you are working on- make it _your_ project. Make it personal. Make it represent *you.*
For me, the scene in the Incredibles where Syndrome sends missiles to Helen’s plane will forever be unforgettable. The tension, the voice acting, the perfect capture of facial expressions of the characters... it is one of the best scenes in animation history.
Brad Bird is someone Hollywood needs more of. Especially in modern day Disney who is doing nothing more than just recreating their old movies for the live action. He's the definition of a man who sees animation as art much like Walt did back when he was alive. I hope one of these days he can become a leader in the field of animation.
Another great, thoughtful essay. Bird understands story. That's why his shots and movies feel so perfect and organic, and why his elaborate moves work whereas those of J. J. Abrams and other 'lens flare' directors don't. Bird is telling a story. Everybody else is planning around effects. I have a pet theory that directors like Bird read a lot of real novels, classics and new--things with complex, layered stories. It shows in how writer-ly his movies are, full of nuance, the visuals communicating as much as the soundtrack and the dialogue.
Brad Bird is my favourite director ever, I sent a letter to Pixar in California and received a signed Incredibles poster. I dream of working with that guy someday.
As an animation student, Brad Bird brilliantly shows how animation doesn't need to get confided into one spectrum, and the way he plays with the rules of cinema just proves that sometimes keeping it simple is the best way to go... Great job, loved the essay!
You punch that guy Brad. He absolutely deserves it. I think the same thing about anime. The conception that it's a separate genre is harming most of the work in the "genre". Too many anime shows and movies have become obsessed with idolizing the status quo, which isn't that good to begin with. Not to mention a horde of fans who don't know how to tell good storytelling from bad. They only know what's different and what's not. I remember an incident where fans complained when the animation in a few episodes of Naruto got BETTER. I know I've gotten off topic, but I love how anime has a constant stream of creative settings compared to American film. But it all too often gets stained by bad practices.Most of Studio Ghibli's movies are a great example of the creativity without the negative aspects common in most anime. If you've gotten this far, thanks for being willing to read through my rant.
I was about to dislike this video when you said “animation is a genre” but then I calmed down when you played Brad Bird’s clip I’m calm now and I’m now subscribed to your channel and gave you a thumbs up!
i agree Brad Bird doesnt get talked about enough. He's a great director. Thanks for this video. Very useful for me as a director and also a video essayist making videos about the film work in my home country. You get your points across very well. Love this channel.
FINALLY! Someone who knows animation should be treated as a medium, NOT a genre. As an artist aspiring to work in the animation industry, you have no idea how refreshing that is to hear.
Thank you so much for this!! I've been trying to put my finger on what helps Brad Bird's films feel so distinctive and I think this captures some of it.
*Sees another RU-vidr (Dan Floyd from "Extra Credits") share this video* *Watches the video* *Throughly impressed* *Sees view count* Me: WHAT?!?!? That can't be right!!! I feel like I need to go on a crusade to help you get views for your quality videos man lol
I always wanted to become an animator. But still, after years of dreaming, I had a thought. I like animated films so much, but I don't enjoy animating that much. What I enjoy is writing, or more- directing. I only like animation because it includes acting and drawing, but I love writing and directing for reasons that honestly, remain unknown to me, other than creating other worlds that people can watch. But now I know what I want to do, and I know Brad Bird has inspired me so much to stop worrying about what people are thinking, and as long as I create something I'm proud of and have *fun* doing it and working with people, I have nothing to lose. (Except maybe money, but people that work out of passion always have an audience, even the biggest animation studios started from that like Pixar. They may have lost some of their dream and will-and by that I mean Disney got their grubby little hands on it-but there was always an audience for playful cinema.
Very interesting your perspective on Brad bird's choice of shot placement. Although I have always admired his interpretation of character development, little actions that lead to me getting super interested on their personalities.
Well told and interesting thing about the 1..2..3.. flow. Maybe next is to follow up on this with the speed and rithem of the easing in and out of the camera but that could be too technical
This was REALLY good. Not just a verbal wank-off about something popular in pop culture. I really feel like I learned something, and your editing matches your points superbly. Bravo!
Doubt you guys will read this, but I've got a fair bit of experience in screenwriting a lot of the study of film - this video essay was really, really good. You've just shaped someone's writing.
Not sure if you're aware but this video has been uploaded (without credit) to a FB page called Animation Mentor. Wanted to comment and let you know in case they didn't have permission to use it. Really lovely content, I enjoyed this video! :)
wonderful video, made me appreciate Brad Bird a lot more. He really does not get enough recognition from film fans . Great work Andrew, please keep em coming.
As an aspiring hand-drawn animator as myself, it would be so awesome to one day see one of these videos talking about my "style" and cinematic techniques to make me realize what I am. Sometimes you don't know how unique you are until some essay-writing film student makes a video like this!
A few people in these comments have praised the Incredibles/Tomorrowland cut at 2:18. But I like the moment at 2:47 when it cuts from Hogarth in The Iron Giant saying "Bad robot!" to a shot by J.J. Abrams. (Because Bad Robot is the name of Abrams' production company - the company under which Bird directed Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.)
TomorrowLand is a beautiful film that was THIS close to being fantastic, but the screenplay just falls flat. I mean, your opinion is yours, but don't say that it's fantastic in a way where its like we didn't understand it. I recognize the amazing positives of the film and that's what makes it the all more disappointing when it fails.
He DOES have a point, though. Even if the story doesn't come together all that well, it does have some moment-to-moment pieces of greatness. The camerawork is very striking and the futuristic setting allows for some creative sequences. In the context of this essay, I believe it's warranted to call it "fantastic." IF this essay was about character development and conveyance of theme, though, THEN we could say whatever we wanted about it.
oh yeah that opening is terrible I agree, what I mean by this close is that EVERYTHING else about the movie was beautiful and fascinating but the writing and story pacing completely falls flat
They marketed the movie as a hopeful retro sci-fi adventure full of wonder and then made a 90-minute-long road trip with almost no actual Tomorrowland and a preachy and simplistic "cheer up" message. It felt like instead of telling an uplifting, imaginative story that would inspire the viewers, they just whined for 2 hours about how people don't make those kinds of stories anymore.
I don't blame Bard Bird for Tomorowlands mediocrity (or at least what I feel it it). More than anything else, it's David Lindelof's fault. Every isue with the movie comes down to the script.
This is great! I appreciate everything Brad Bird does, and I really like how you used his excellence to call out JJ Abrams for the hack JJ is. The ones who are actually good at their jobs - in this case, directors - don't draw attention to their craft. Like Spielberg with his oners or Fincher with his exposition, they know how to build a series of sound structures to support the weight of the story. Derivative hacks can imitate the body, but can't imbue the soul.
Great work man!!! Awesome!! very observant and well researched!!! i love your video essays!!! Always interesting and informative and something (skill/tool/technique) new to be learned everytime!!! how you analyze and pinpoint the style of certain filmmakers is a testament to your skill and attention to detail!!!! 🖒🖒🖒
I find interesting how those speed up camera movements on the first scene of Ratuatuille used to explain the three part scene, looked like it had been directed by Guy Ritchie.
I never realized how similar Brad Bird and Wes Anderson are... Because they're so very different in so many ways you don't notice the similarities. Depending on what you look at they're either polar opposites or extremely similar. Interesting.
I love this video, you make some very solid points. Any chance you can upload those 1-2-3's in their original speed, as a little extra? They work in this video as they are but I'd love to see and study 'em all together.
@ around 6:30 you shift towards a discussion of composition, which probably has more in common and originates with comics & cartoons regarding regarding their rules for lines, frames, and cuts than it does with film. A valid points, but a discussion all of it's own when comparing cartoons with live action films.
I am really a fan of your videos, I wanted to ask you, if there could be anyway of you putting subtitled for them. Because I would love to use them for a class, and not many of my students understand English, I'm talking Spanish subtitles. I would love to help you out if you need to.
I'm pretty sure you are youtube's cinematography hidden gem..I am going to use all of your tips. Your perspective has mad film fun again. (IT'S NOT ABOUT THE CAMERA!)
There's some hokey/cliche dialogue, the acting can be lackluster, and the story has some odd parts. Nonetheless it still satisfies the "fun" aspect of a brad bird film, and is visually stunning. Definitely a worthwhile rental if you're a fan of his.
Edgar Wright is another director who does this really well. The difference is that in Edgar Wright's films, the camera is a lot more noticeable. Which isn't always bad.
I know at least one or two other directors that can be described as playful, but my number one pick would be Seijun Suzuki. From the most serious stick in the mud film to his most absurdist comedies, the guy just has this knack for highly inventive filmmaking that was really the result of someone who loved to experiment with his films and just.... do stuff. Like even a super archetypal film like Tokyo Drifter takes on a whole new level by just how much love and passion the guy puts into making every frame this wild almost pop-art style. He never was a very deep filmmaker, but an highly effective ones, because all of this stylisation often made information flow in a very striking manner. You could often immediately get what's going on even with subtitles turned off.
I think his point was that the difference is lines serves different purposes, the diagonal lines serve the purpose of being more interesting and conveying better depth, whilst horizontal is bland - which is what the town in King of the Hill is meant to be.
Brad Bird is one of my favorite directors. He's up there with Edgar Wright and Chris Nolan as one of the masters who understands the importance of filmmaking
Holy shit! I just realised Bird had to do a long take in a fucking 2D animated film. You know how hard that shit is? It's almost fucking impossible. Walt Disney himself had to create a contraption to mimic a moving camera in a 2D plane. He called it the MultiPlane Camera (I hope he patented that). I don't know how Bird and the animators did those scenes with camera movement but I'm utterly amazed. Does anyone have sources sources that talk about how the animated all the camera movements in the Iron Giant? Camera movements in 3D animation is standard. 3D animation is camera movement. Quick action-based movies like Ghost Protocol requires quick camera movement. That's why Bird feels at home with creating it. Again, I need to know they did it in the Iron Giant. EDIT: Never mind. Apparently he used Macromedia's Director and Adobe After Effects to create complex animated storyboards for the movie itself. Here's the full article that Bird wrote, talking about how he animated the camera in The Iron Giant a year before it was released. www.awn.com/animationworld/director-and-after-effects-storyboarding-innovations-iron-giant
Brad Bird introduced this in animation, but Andrew Stanton brought it to a whole new level with Wall-E Seriously, look at the cinematography of that film, you could honestly mistake it for real life
Great video and very well verbally and visually composed. I enjoyed Tomorrowland as well much more so then John Carter (not that that was bad). Look forward to more of your videos. Best day & Best wishes to you & yours. :)
