Fair Play

Early computer animated film produced in 1986 by Apollo Computer's Midnight Movie Group. Directed by Michael Sciulli and Melissa White and released the same year as Pixar's Luxo Jr.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• early
• computer
• graphics
• animation
• animated
• short
• film
• apollo
• cg
• cgi
• amusement
• park
• ride
• roller
• coaster
• 1986
• 1980s

[joebowbeer]

Where are the fireworks at the end, and the credits? (I'm credited for doing the credits...)

[cc213t]

Hmm, they weren't present on this version (a laserdisc compilation "State of the Art Computer Animation" from the late 1980s). I'm pretty sure I originally saw Fair Play at one of those Tournee of Animation shows, but I don't remember any fireworks... if you can post a better version, I'll be glad to take this one down.

[estefez]

Many of these early CG films appear blurry and grainy, which leads me to suspect that they set up a 35mm camera to film a tv monitor. Does anyone know if that's right?

[cc213t]

That WAS done in some cases (frame by frame). And until the late 1990s, many film recorder systems (Celco, Solitaire etc.) were based on shooting a high-res black and white CRT sequentially through red, green and blue filters. Some of these are probably still in use!

[PoPoNellie]

I like how they only have one arm. There was another short film produced by Apollo. I think it was called "The Apollo Story". Have you seen it?

[cc213t]

The other film (produced by the same team, also in 1986, I believe) is Quest: A Long Ray's Journey Into Light. I'll try and get that one added soon.

[creatornat]

@jordu1 ..Complete agreement! So happy others I am finding here have had these sentimental thoughts about this early work like I do! It does have a heartbreaking feel for sure!

[creatornat]

@breezway7 ..Hey! I thought I was the only one who got that feeling during this music and animation! It also evoked an emotional response, and as for the visuals, when the girl disappears, I was always sad for the boy character. :(

[jordu1]

@breezway7

Hey there---- How did you get the music in MP3 form? I had to 'capture' the movie from YouTube in order to hear the music when I want to, and that means the video plays as well, which is fine, but..... it would be great to have the music in MP3 form. Any answers?

[breezway7]

@jordu1 I too remember this music and searched for it for many years. The world "before the internet" sure wasn't helpful in finding it!! Alas, it is now one of the most played songs on rotation on my iPod. When the arpeggio comes back in at 1:43 it still makes me a little weepy :-)

[jordu1]

The music from this animation has stuck with me for over twenty years. Absolutely gorgeous. Kudos for posting, kudos to the artists, and kudos to whomever created this heartbreaking, wistful music.

[BatALash]

Oh man, I have been looking for this! Couldn't remember the name of it.

[joebowbeer]

Thanks for the explanation. I'm glad you posted as much as you did. The version I have is a poor quality conversion from VHS, but I'll try to post just the fireworks/credits scene, and when I do I'll add a comment here.