Dance, Voldo, Dance
Dance, Voldo, Dance | |
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Game(s) | Soulcalibur |
Running time | 6 minutes |
Created by | Chris Brandt |
Directed by | Chris Brandt |
Music by | Nelly (original), Tana Rusitanonta (final) |
Actor control | Chris Brandt, "Msr. M" |
Production company | Bain Street Productions |
Release(s) | October 2002 – |
Dance, Voldo, Dance is a machinima-based music video produced in 2002 by Chris Brandt. The video, created using the fighting game Soulcalibur, features two players both controlling the character Voldo, using existing in-game animation to have the characters perform a synchronized dance to the song "Hot in Herre" by musician Nelly. The result of over a week's full-time preparation and training, the video was conceived after Brandt noticed the character's animations and attacks could be triggered in sync with the beat of a song, and the reactions of onlookers to such a display. While several groups demonstrated interest in showcasing the video, complications arose from the copyright holders whose works were involved in creation.
The video has been well received, cited as one of the first examples of machinima-based music videos, and has since spawned several fan-based imitations with Voldo dancing to various songs. Several sources such as
Conception and creation
In February 2002, Chris Brandt and Jesse Reklaw played Soulcalibur during a party hosted by Landry Walker. Both Brandt and Reklaw were using the Voldo character, but rather than fighting, Reklaw was making the character do herky-jerky moves. Brandt decided to mimic Reklaw's gameplay, resulting in what he describes as "an impromptu dance of sorts". When the party music changed to "Move Bitch", Brandt noticed a consistent time interval for all of Voldo's motions, and had the character's movement follow the beat of the music. Reklaw noticed and followed in rhythm, entertaining other party guests with the results.
In September, Brandt met up with Reklaw and other friends, and the subject turned to what had happened in February. Deciding to demonstrate it, the two played against each other using Voldo again, with the characters "dancing" to various songs. Noticing that everyone was entertained by the homoerotic nature of Voldo's animation, Brandt decided to develop a music video.[1]
In October, realizing he lacked the funds to pursue his bigger art projects, Brandt decided to work on the Voldo video project using the song "Hot in Herre". However, the only partner he had to create the video with was his roommate, M., who initially wanted nothing to do with it. After seeing Brandt work on the concept by himself however, M. agreed to help as long as he remained anonymous, and the project's schedule fit around his drinking habit. Development of the choreography was completed the next day, and the following five days were devoted to producing the video at five-hour intervals for each day, while the music played through the television via a PlayStation 2's audio cable. However, by the fifth day, both realized that the music was actually distracting, and Brandt recorded himself counting out the beat of the song. Using this as the audio track, they were able to complete the project easily, and after editing the video Brandt released two versions online, with the latter utilizing the song "Kiss" by Prince.[1]
In 2004,
Critical reception
Since its release, Dance, Voldo, Dance has been well received by the public, appearing briefly on the popularity index Popdex's "Top 10".
At the
References
- ^ a b c d Brandt, Chris. "Dance, Voldo, Dance: A Machinima Music Video". Bain Street Productions. Retrieved 2009-09-10.
- ^ "Independents: A Guide for the Creative Spirit". Mediawave.Hu. Retrieved 2009-09-10.
- ^ McErvale, Joanna (2004-08-19). "Battle of the Dance". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2008-09-03.
- ^ Fahey, Mike (2008-12-17). "Voldo is One Smooth Criminal". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 2009-04-20. Retrieved 2011-08-20.
- ^ Gasior, Geoff (2005-10-28). "Machinima awards nominees announced". The Tech Report. Retrieved 2009-09-10.
- ^ "Past Exhibitions - Heavenly Bodies". San Jose Museum of Art. Archived from the original on 2007-06-27. Retrieved 2010-01-28.
- Blogspot. Retrieved 2009-09-10.
- ISBN 978-1-84102-172-0.
- ISBN 978-0-262-01533-2.
- ISBN 3-933269-92-X.
- ISBN 978-3-05-004510-8.
- ^ Halter, Ed (2005-11-01). "Gamers Show the Creators of Doom How It's Done". The Village Voice. Retrieved 2008-11-26.
- ISBN 978-0-415-38523-7.
- ^ Picard, Martin (2007). "Machinima: Video Game As An Art Form?". Loading... 1 (1). Canadian Game Studies Association. Archived from the original on 2012-02-15. Retrieved 2009-05-08.
- ^ Mateas, Michael (2004-08-10). "Dance Voldo Dance". Grand Text Auto. Archived from the original on 2008-02-27. Retrieved 2009-09-10.