Video & AI: Jingle Bells Re-imagined
This collaborative venture emerged from the creative synergy between myself and the talented musician, Henry Dearden. Henry composed a series of songs with a vision to release them on the week before Christmas. The three songs, re-imagined from distinct points of view, delved into apocalyptic futures, black comedy, and moments of profound sadness.
Embarking on a dynamic creative process, I harnessed the power of AI and creative coding to add to my creative input. Leveraging Henry's initial brief, which provided glimpses into the song stories and envisioned outcomes, the project embarked on a conceptual journey. Exploring diverse directions, ranging from historical perspectives to a modern European view, each style is intricately aligned with a specific song. The unique challenge of AI's lack of staging training led to the strategic use of Stable Diffusion, Adobe After Effects, and Photoshop for videos and film posters. Incorporating ChatGPT into the mix seamlessly bridged narrative gaps and refined specific prompts, injecting depth into the creative process.
Jingle Bells - Dark Comedy
I visualised the different instruments and layers in the music as distinctive across elements in the dark comedy. The visuals resemble Tim Burton's as the song suggests, but I also delve into The 1920s expressionism in Germany, being reflects on the assets and treatments. Check the video below:
Jingle Bells - Dead Planet
This song is about humanity in 2200, after and apocalyptic event that consumed the planet. A few survivors now are living in bunkers, where they may never find a glimpse of hope. For this video, I tried to imagine a MadMax in snow, perhaps with a few cyberpunk elements. Check the video below:
Jingle Bells - Christmas past
Now, setting up a more grounded scenario, the story is about celebrating Christmas in a family where one important member has passed away. The minor chord sequence brings us to reflections with a glimpse of emptiness. It's not about being sad, nor about celebration. In a beautiful song that drives you through joy full of sorrow, I have put light and contemplation as food on a table. Listen to the music below, and check how a film poster could look like.
This dynamic collaboration culminated in two AI-generated videos and a captivating film poster. Themes of apocalyptic futures, black comedy, and deep sadness were visually realised, providing a compelling prelude to the Christmas season. The unconventional storytelling approach resonated successfully, demonstrating the project's ability to push creative boundaries. The integration of AI, especially ChatGPT for story refinement, proved instrumental in crafting innovative narratives that seamlessly complemented Henry's musical compositions. The success of this venture lies not just in the final products but in the journey of overcoming challenges, exploring diverse artistic expressions, and delivering a truly unique and engaging experience for both the artist and the audience.
