Client
Sage Gateshead as part of the Great Exhibition of the North
Location
River Tyne - Dunston Staithes
Client
Sage Gateshead as part of the Great Exhibition of the North
Location
River Tyne - Dunston Staithes
Project Details
A Journey Along the River Tyne Through Music and Animation
Bridges is a 24-minute animated film and musical composition that follows the story of a man, a dog, and their small fishing boat as they navigate the River Tyne. Their journey is filled with challenges, leading them towards an incident at Dunston Staithes. What makes Bridges truly unique is its imaginative approach to storytelling—where the seven bridges spanning the Tyne are reimagined as distinct characters. Each bridge presents a musical challenge, with the composition drawing inspiration from the architecture and design of these iconic structures.
Project Details
A Journey Along the River Tyne Through Music and Animation
Bridges is a 24-minute animated film and musical composition that follows the story of a man, a dog, and their small fishing boat as they navigate the River Tyne. Their journey is filled with challenges, leading them towards an incident at Dunston Staithes. What makes Bridges truly unique is its imaginative approach to storytelling—where the seven bridges spanning the Tyne are reimagined as distinct characters. Each bridge presents a musical challenge, with the composition drawing inspiration from the architecture and design of these iconic structures.
The Brief
Bringing the Bridges of the Tyne to Life Through Art and Sound
The challenge was to create a captivating and immersive animated film that seamlessly combined narrative, visual storytelling, and music. The seven bridges had to be portrayed as living entities, each with its own unique musical identity, while maintaining a compelling journey that kept audiences engaged. Additionally, the project needed to pay homage to the cultural and historical significance of the River Tyne and its iconic bridges, using animation and composition to capture the essence of Newcastle’s industrial and maritime heritage.
The Brief
Bringing the Bridges of the Tyne to Life Through Art and Sound
The challenge was to create a captivating and immersive animated film that seamlessly combined narrative, visual storytelling, and music. The seven bridges had to be portrayed as living entities, each with its own unique musical identity, while maintaining a compelling journey that kept audiences engaged. Additionally, the project needed to pay homage to the cultural and historical significance of the River Tyne and its iconic bridges, using animation and composition to capture the essence of Newcastle’s industrial and maritime heritage.
Our Response
A Harmonious Blend of Animation and Architecture
NOVAK approached Bridges as a symphonic visual experience, ensuring that the movement of the animation and the composition were deeply intertwined. The seven bridges were each given their own distinct personality, with their architectural structures influencing the musical themes and challenges presented throughout the journey. The animation took inspiration from the flow of the river, shifting between realistic and abstract visuals to reflect the evolving challenges faced by the boat’s crew. As the journey unfolded, the music dynamically evolved, mirroring the rhythms and shapes of each bridge—culminating in a dramatic resolution at Dunston Staithes. By merging narrative storytelling, architectural influence, and musical composition, Bridges became a strikingly original and immersive celebration of the River Tyne and its iconic crossings.
Our Response
A Harmonious Blend of Animation and Architecture
NOVAK approached Bridges as a symphonic visual experience, ensuring that the movement of the animation and the composition were deeply intertwined. The seven bridges were each given their own distinct personality, with their architectural structures influencing the musical themes and challenges presented throughout the journey. The animation took inspiration from the flow of the river, shifting between realistic and abstract visuals to reflect the evolving challenges faced by the boat’s crew. As the journey unfolded, the music dynamically evolved, mirroring the rhythms and shapes of each bridge—culminating in a dramatic resolution at Dunston Staithes. By merging narrative storytelling, architectural influence, and musical composition, Bridges became a strikingly original and immersive celebration of the River Tyne and its iconic crossings.
Credits
Credits:
Written and directed by Ed Carter
Co-written by Katie Simmons
Design and animation by NOVAK
3D character rigging by Murray Lambert
Music composed and produced by Ed Carter
Music performed by Royal Northern Sinfonia
Conductor and orchestration advisor – Timothy Burke
Recording engineer – Richard Halling
Recording assistant – Nicky Milburn
Mix engineer – John Martindale
Commissioned by Sage Gateshead as part of the Great Exhibition of the North
Supported by Sunderland University and Arts & Humanities Research Council
Many thanks to Kate Hunter and Tamsin Austin at Sage Gateshead, and Captain Steve and Deep Sea Dave from the good ship Clearwater.
Credits
Credits:
Written and directed by Ed Carter
Co-written by Katie Simmons
Design and animation by NOVAK
3D character rigging by Murray Lambert
Music composed and produced by Ed Carter
Music performed by Royal Northern Sinfonia
Conductor and orchestration advisor – Timothy Burke
Recording engineer – Richard Halling
Recording assistant – Nicky Milburn
Mix engineer – John Martindale
Commissioned by Sage Gateshead as part of the Great Exhibition of the North
Supported by Sunderland University and Arts & Humanities Research Council
Many thanks to Kate Hunter and Tamsin Austin at Sage Gateshead, and Captain Steve and Deep Sea Dave from the good ship Clearwater.
Other projects
Performance and Theatre
The Paddington Bear Experience
Immersive Visitor Attraction, London
Performance and Theatre
The Paddington Bear Experience
Immersive Visitor Attraction, London
Installation and Exhibition
The Book of Kells Experience
Digital Exhibition, Trinity College Dublin
Installation and Exhibition
The Book of Kells Experience
Digital Exhibition, Trinity College Dublin