BACKLOG: Direct Animation with Erica Sheu

One of T.A.P.E. Collective's first events in 2022, an event that helped shape what we wanted to be, was this cameraless 16mm animation workshop facilitated by artist and local to Los Angeles filmmaker Erica Sheu, held at Whammy! Analog Media in the Echo Park/Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Erica has years of experience working primarily with moving image small gauge film in various ways that celebrate and center the defining characteristics and nature of the medium. This session was called Scratches, bubbles, fingerprints:

 

Erica Sheu

Everyone was provided with art supplies and tools to draw or ink directly onto the acetate clear leader film, or manipulate found footage by scratching and removal techniques, and were encouraged to play with the found sound tracks as well.

What comes out of direct cameraless animation is in the realm between fine and modern art. Participants were encouraged to expand their preconceived notion of what is deserving of our attention on screen, how far these techniques have woven their way into pop culture moving images we're familiar with and how fun and accessible filmmaking can be.

BIG THANKS to Erica Sheu for teaching us new techniques and encouraging the fun and exploratory elements of film!!
 

Find Erica Sheu's website here.