Credits: concept / filming / editing / directing / motion graphics / compositing / audio mixing - Erik Binggeser ( @truemarmalade )
Filming / assistant directing / logistics / moral support - Alison Mae Bonham ( @heyalimae )
Music: jrd "Stay With Me"
This was definitely one of those perfectly timed sort of things. Was between freelance gigs with time to spare, had been itching for something bigger to work on than just another random gif, and tadah the Swift Campout x Skid Lizards video challenge appears!
I had just finished construction of my big living room green screen so immediately knew that I was gonna comp myself into something and it didn't take long to decide on Studio Ghibli films as the perfect setting to utilize. Most people that have seen the films connect with them on a deep level thanks to how their environments are filled with endless small details to help transport us to a world that feels better than our own.
The actual filming + editing process wasn't terribly complicated; get the rollers angled right to match the Ghibli clip, key out green screen, drawing masks and a bit of motion tracking. Lots of help from Alison to make sure I was in frame and in focus, as well as grabbing the stool from each shot once I got rolling. Few days shifting clips around to try and tell some kinda story/process of an imaginary magical bike camping trip.
I've done content creation for hundreds of clients over the years but have never had the opportunity to make something that had such a meaningful impact on the lives of others, starting as a silly little video and ended up being something that people keep coming back and re-watching.
The hardest part about being this sort of scattered creative person is not knowing where my inspiration will come from next, but I'll always treasure September 2020 due to everyone at Swift and Skid Lizards sparking a lil idea that grew into such an amazing project. I send all my thanks to all y'all as well as everyone who sent it to friends / family that needed a little special moment added to their day.
