Is it art or is it fun? We think it's both! McLarena, a new interactive filmmaking art installation, is opening in Ottawa's ByWard Market
OTTAWA, Aug. 8, 2018 /CNW/ - It's already August in Canada's Capital Region, and before summer ends, Canadian Heritage wants you to take part in one of the most innovative outdoor interactive filmmaking projects ever: McLarena!
As part of the Capital Interpretation program, Canadian Heritage is presenting this fantastic installation produced by the National Film Board of Canada and the Quartier des spectacles Partnership. Created by Montréal studio Daily tous les jours, McLarena is a collective creation that invites you to discover one of Canada's animation pioneers, Norman McLaren.
The public is invited to a special kick off at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, August 10, at the HBC Plaza on George Street in Ottawa's ByWard Market. Meet the artists from Daily tous les jours who created the installation; hear why Norman McLaren is recognized as one of the world's most innovative animators from representatives of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB); and most importantly, accept Canadian Heritage's challenge and show us your moves!
Here's how it works: enter the shipping container that doubles as a video recording studio, watch a clip of the animated short film Canon by Norman McLaren and Grant Munro, and have fun trying out some of the steps from the film. You will see your special moves projected on the wall of the plaza—an infinite dancing chain of all the participants!
Just want to watch? Seating is also provided for participants and passers-by to see the evolving film featuring fellow citizens.
The McLarena experience runs every night from 8:30 to 11:00 p.m. until September 2, 2018, at the HBC Plaza in the ByWard Market, just outside Hudson's Bay. McLarena is presented by Canadian Heritage's Capital Interpretation program in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada.
Follow McLarena on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and with hashtag #mclarena.
Quotes
"There is no better way to learn about one of Canada's most significant filmmakers, Norman McLaren, than by actually creating a new film together. Canadian Heritage's Capital Interpretation program continues to find new and exciting ways to animate the Ottawa–Gatineau region with unexpected installations that enhance the Capital experience for residents and visitors alike. I am pleased that Canadian Heritage worked with the National Film Board and Daily tous les jours to bring this wonderful installation to Ottawa."
—The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"Thanks to our partners, who are joining forces to make culture increasingly accessible, McLarena by Daily tous les jours continues to travel! For the NFB, it's essential that works connect with their audiences, and we are delighted that this participatory, innovative installation is being presented in the heart of the nation's capital, a true window on the world. Ottawa residents and visitors will get a chance to experience the installation and have fun discovering or rediscovering the immense artistic legacy of Norman McLaren. I want to thank all the creators and partners for collaborating with the NFB in its constant quest for innovation and new ways to reach the public."
—Claude Joli-Coeur, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson, National Film Board of Canada
"McLarena is an attempt at bringing Norman McLaren's playful approach to filmmaking to the streets! By transforming a public space into a place for active spectacle, the project is inviting people of all ages to contribute to their city. Daily tous les jours is excited to bring McLarena to Ottawa, and looking forward to seeing how it will contribute to the capital's life for the next few weeks. Whether they come to take part or to watch the never-ending film, we hope local residents and visitors will enjoy spending time there."
—Pierre Thirion, Interactive Director, Daily tous les jours
Quick Facts
Norman McLaren, the founder of the National Film Board's animation studio, was recognized internationally for his daring and innovative work, and he succeeded in giving Canadian animation a vision and a direction that endures to this day. He received many international awards, including an Academy Award for Neighbours (1952).
Canon was created in 1964. It received a Canadian Film Award in 1965 in the Best Arts and Experimental category. The award was shared by Norman McLaren and Grant Munro.
A canon is a musical round, like "Three Blind Mice" or "Frère Jacques." In their film, McLaren and Munro use movement as well as music to create a canon: a comic character completes a series of movements that are animated and then set against each other. At first, the movements are disconnected, but as the film continues, they come together and the character begins interacting with himself—sometimes with hilarious consequences!
Norman McLaren pursued techniques such as painting or drawing directly on the film cell to create both images and sound, as well experimenting with pixelation using live actors instead of clay figures or three-dimensional objects to create stop-motion animation.
Daily tous les jours design studio uses technology and storytelling to explore collaboration, the future of cities and the power of humans. It is best known for its work in public spaces, where passing crowds are invited to play a critical role in the transformation of their environment and their relationships.
Associated Links
The McLarena Experience: Move to the Rhythm!
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
Share this article