PRETTY
TALK
PRETTY TALK is a 17-minute 3D-animation premiering in fall 2023. The entire soundtrack of the animation was collaged from found recordings of tropical birds-- in particular, ones living in captivity. Sourcing from YouTube and other online platforms, hundreds of soundbites of birdsound were gathered and sorted into a sound-effects library containing excertps of mimicked speech, laughter, crying and singing, as well as electronic devices, police sirens, power tools etc.... A narrative was then collaged based on the limited contents of library. While the animation’s characters take human form, their voices are “acted” by parrots, who also “act” all sound effects used in this experimental animation. Themes related to the uncanny and simulation reverberate throughout film’s visuals and plot, which takes a surprising twist as the facade of surburban normality degenerates into a sci-fi horror.

Still image, PRETTY TALK, 4K color animation & sound, 17-minute loop, 2023.

Still image, PRETTY TALK, 4K color animation & sound, 17-minute loop, 2023.

Still image, PRETTY TALK, 4K color animation & sound, 17-minute loop, 2023.

Still image, PRETTY TALK, 4K color animation & sound, 17-minute loop, 2023.

Still image, PRETTY TALK, 4K color animation & sound, 17-minute loop, 2023.

Still image, PRETTY TALK, 4K color animation & sound, 17-minute loop, 2023.

Still image, PRETTY TALK, 4K color animation & sound, 17-minute loop, 2023.

Still image, PRETTY TALK, 4K color animation & sound, 17-minute loop, 2023.

Still image, PRETTY TALK, 4K color animation & sound, 17-minute loop, 2023.

Still image, PRETTY TALK, 4K color animation & sound, 17-minute loop, 2023.