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Introduction
I am overwhelmed with this project I've taken upon myself to develop. A rich and unique culture is to be represented in this film. This is not just a moving art piece because historical and cultural sensitivity demands there be more to the art, characters, story, costumes, props, tools, houses and locations. There will be significantly reasons why they may do seemingly strange things. The traditions and a deeper psychology are why these Storys are important and why it needs to be handled accurately, respectfully and clearly to the audience.
Treatment
Using traditional Northwest Native American Storys, art and design, these tales could be brought to life using the untraditional medium of animation. Using archival photographs and footage, live action and narration, the majority would be a 2D and 3D computer animation and compositing. There is a strong series potential due to so many Storys and tales with dynamic and lively repeating characters. Some tales do not conclude in neat little half-hour Hollywood packages, but that is exactly why this project is a refreshing change and chance to educate people about a unique people, their art and their way of life through the stories they told.
Synopsis
"How the Raven Steals the Sun" is the obvious first choice and most famous Story featuring the most prominent characters of Haida culture - the Raven and the Eagle. In a time before light the mischievous Raven sneaks into proud selfish Eagle's special box to steal the light. As Raven tries to get away, Eagle catches him but the light is broken into the stars, moon and sun.
Caveats
This piece must be done to meet as much documented historical accuracy as possible, the approval of the Haida Counsel, and Jason Carswell's high standard of quality animation and story telling.
Although various, perhaps exclusive, funding sources will be involved, it is my firm moral belief that the completed production would be available to use in whatever way the financiers fancy but in addition be freely available to all museums and education systems all over the world to display in kiosks, classrooms, and libraries so that all may enjoy the Haida Storys. Naturally cost of the medium, duplication and delivery must be met, but if there is a profit made on this venture I propose that a significant sum go to the Haida Counsel and First Nation resources. Terms should be drafted for clarity.
Cultural Enthusiasm
People find comfort escaping from technology and issues of today in the wonderful culture as is evidenced by traditional Haida designs becoming ever more popular. With growing acceptance of modern day 'tribalism' in tattoos, piercing and scarification, this graphic concept will be easily accepted by much of our modern culture that is tired of the redundant formula contemporary media.
Animation Opinion
After much review of the Northwest Pacific Coast Storys, it seems
to me that there is a wealth of fascinating stories, characters
and culture that would be not only ideal for a short (pilot) but
potentially for a whole series. The characters and their stories
live in a world where regular activities create the routines necessary
to survive. These repeating characters, activities, and locations
are the familiar basis for all stories. From an animation point
of view, the trickier moments will be staging, pacing and realizing
the Storys that can be vague, containing radically erratic pacing,
or mystical magic that may seem absurd or may be heavy with effects.
(This does not necessarily mean special effects, but implies trickier
shots, such as character morphs. (1)
Some Storys have more than others.)
This is all based on the idea that the animation is done in 3D CG (three dimensional computer graphics). Obviously there is much more to consider and the project becomes more than just one dimensionally more complex stepping up from 2D animation. On the other hand, 3D will make other issues easier. The movement of characters will be free from 2D design and movement constraints, as well as freeing the camera to convey non-traditional concepts such as perspective that will assist the already difficult staging and pacing.
A 3D series in the traditional style and with quality animation would be extremely challenging. With models and animation style defined, there would still be much work (scripting, staging, new characters, animating, special shots, rendering) but the ground work would be laid out for a 3D CG series.
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Footnotes
1. Rather than featuring actual morphs, another option based on traditional masks would be to feature characters whose faces "broke open" to reveal other faces, such as human or spirit faces.
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