Channel Frederator Blog

Death by Blonde is a music video/short story by animator Daron Nefcy featuring music by DeVotchka, off their album Una Volta. The animation is well done, and the design of the film is beautiful. Great job.
Daron took some time out and gave us a few A’s to our Channel Fred Q’s

1) Where did you get the inspiration for the music video Death by Blonde? Did the music inspire you or did your images inspire the musician?
I was listening to the DeVotchka song “Death by Blonde” and thought it would make a great story. I decided that if I could get the band’s permission to use the song that I would make it my 2nd year CalArts film. They did, so I did.

2) How long have you been animating? How long did it take you to complete “Death by Blonde” from start to finish?
How long have you been animating? How long did it take you to complete death by blonde from start to finish?
I’ve been animating for a few years now. Before that I was always drawing and painting. From idea to finish took about 9 months. I spent about 3 months in visual development, story and 4 months animating.

3) Can you explain a bit of your process in creating death by blonde?
The animation in Death by Blonde was all done by hand, scanned and then colored digitally in Photoshop (frame by frame). The backgrounds were all painted in gouache. The film was then composited in After Effects.

4) Can you name a few of your influences?
For Death by Blonde I was very influenced by Russian miniature paintings. I love the colors, the details and the borders.

5) What are you working on currently, and what is next for you? Any new music videos in the works?
I’m currently working on my 3rd year CalArts film. Its a 4 minute film with dialogue. Thats all I’m going to say about it at this point : )

Thanks Daron! We’re looking forward to your 3rd year film!
-Jeaux Janovsky