Echo (2015)

The forbear of many subsequent experiments with time and motion, Echo simply used the 'Echo' Effect in after effects, to layer each frame upon the last 100 or so previous frames. Ordinarily this would have done nothing to the image, as the captured video frames were opaque. The effect is usually used for motion graphics and other animations created with transparent elements. I used the effect with footage shot using a green screen, to make part of the image transparent. This caused anything moving within the bounds of the green screen to leave a trail behind it.

I was inspired to try this effect after seeing it used to great effect in an OK GO music video to their song WTF. In it they colourfully explore the bounds of what is achievable in this way. My ultimate aim with the effect however was to liberate it from after effects, and to create a version that could be experienced live. Possibly even feeding back onto the space via projection.

During my testing of the effect, I found that due to imperfect edges on the green screen, an outline of the objects on the green screen was left behind, and could be isolated. This was a fascinating discovery, as the lines represented the outlines of my motion, and the quality of the line was very desirable.