Today we get to see old Edinburgh brought to life by the hugely talented film-maker and animator Steven Jefferies. He has just launched his latest project ‘The Living Pictures’ which, using modern technology, showcases what Edinburgh would have been like in the 1800’s. Read on to find out more about this fascinating project.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and the work that you do.
I’m a freelance filmmaker and animator based in Edinburgh working under the moniker of Pixel Theatre. I have been working with all different mediums of motion for about 18 years. I became obsessed with animation when I was in my 4th year of high school. It distracted me from my grades but I did build a portfolio of animations that got me into uni. Once there I learned about a wide range of ‘rich media’ which was a good foundation for going into the industry working on film, motion graphics and animation projects. The studios I have worked for have always been small so my generalist skillset has been a huge advantage. I always have a side project on the go, something that allows me to be creative and push myself into new areas, try new things.
Please tell us how the idea for ‘The Living Pictures’ project came about.
After finishing Game of Thrones Edinburgh in 2014, I approached a lot of local Edinburgh focused social media groups to try and build excitement and share it with other GoT fans in the capital. One of those groups was Lost Edinburgh, a Facebook community that shares pictures of Edinburgh’s past. David at Lost Edinburgh asked if I’d be interested in working with them using my 3D skills, to make a sort of virtual reconstruction of places lost. At about the same time there was an inspiring video doing the rounds on the net where some old photos of NYC had been brought to life and made into a short film set to a classic American music soundtrack. I talked my boss at the time into okaying an animated shot of a 1956 Lost Edinburgh featured photo as a side project. The intention was to produce a proof of concept and a demo of the expertise the studio had to offer. David at Lost Edinburgh was impressed with the results but the one criticism was that the image wasn’t old enough. There is surviving footage of the 50’s. So, the next shot was about really winding back the clock, all the way to 1878. After that I moved to a new house and changed jobs, the project sat idle. I went back to it a year or so later and created two more shots, before becoming busy with other work again. Because of COVID-19 and the lockdown I have been going through my unfinished projects to try and finish them. So, whilst it’s been a weird and difficult time for everyone I’m trying to do something with the time that is positive and exciting!
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And explain how the end result was achieved.
I’ve developed several digital techniques to create these clips. Part of it is a form of rotoscoping, used in conjunction with a lot of photoshopping and asset replacement. The details in the shots derive from the original image, but anything that needs motion needs to be removed and replaced with a 3D asset that can be animated. So far that has meant creating and placing 3D assets and FX such as vehicles, people, horses, rivers, oceans, smoke and snow.
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What was your favourite aspect of the project and why?
Each image has required I learn something new to pull it off. That’s the challenge that I seek, to push my skills and achieve something more impressive with each project. Episode 6 was my favourite because of two particular challenges that had to be overcome. First, it involved replacing huge trees with digital assets that had to take similar shape and presence to the ones in the photo. But they also needed to convincingly sway in a gentle breeze. Secondly, the photo has a crowd of more than 100 people, so I needed to learn how to animate a crowd using a crowd FX system. It’s a valuable tool to have in your pocket for a lot of VFX shots.
Which has been your all-time favourite project (to date) and why?
This is such a tough question. I really enjoy The Living Pictures Project, it’s just as much about learning as it is about producing interesting work. Game of Thrones Edinburgh was an absolute epic project though, so that is still my favourite showpiece to date. So much effort and detail went in to creating and animating all the buildings in our city. The edit to the soundtrack meant some of the detail got cut from the end result, so I’ve started to post some of the individual animations for everyone to see. I animated cannons moving into place on the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, turrets that spin and slide into place on the Balmoral and cog-work that powered the rise of the City Dome and The National Monument. I’m putting out a series of clips on my Instagram to show the extra stuff that might have been missed in the main animation.
What is next in the pipeline for you and Pixel Theatre?
I have several things I’m working on, but they are all top secret for now! I can talk about a collaboration with Lost Edinburgh. We’re setting up a public vote (click here to vote) to choose the final Edinburgh image that they would like to see transformed! I’m excited to see which is the most popular. So many places around the world have interesting historical pictures, but what if they were brought to life? Wouldn’t that be amazing? So, I think it’s just the beginning for The Living Pictures Project.
What are your top tips for a first-time visitor to Edinburgh?
I’d have to say come during the Festival. The city is beautiful and there is plenty to see at any time of the year, but during the Festival there is an incredible energy in town. It’s the height of summer and the whole world comes here to put on such a vibrant show. For all of us that live here, it’s right in our back yard and it’s great!
Where is your own Hidden Edinburgh and why?
I always think that Nelsons Monument gets overlooked when it comes to spectacular views in favour of Arthurs Seat or the Scott Monument. Calton Hill itself is such a short trip from the city centre to get good views and Nelsons Monument sits on top of that hill giving the view an extra boost. It’s a less cramped climb to the top compared to the Scott Monument as well!
Find out more
https://www.instagram.com/steve.animates/
