The iconic music video for A-ha's "Take On Me" has been a staple of 80s pop culture for decades, and its innovative use of visual effects continues to inspire artists and filmmakers to this day. Released in 1985, the video was a groundbreaking achievement in terms of its use of rotoscoping, a technique that involves tracing over live-action footage with hand-drawn animation.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the making of the "Take On Me" music video and highlight 10 iconic visual effects that have made it a timeless classic.
The Making of a Classic
The "Take On Me" music video was directed by Steve Barron, who had previously worked on videos for The Human League and Toto. The concept for the video was born out of a desire to create something unique and memorable, and Barron drew inspiration from the comic book-style artwork of French artist Jean Giraud, also known as Moebius.
The video was shot over the course of several weeks, with the band performing in front of a green screen. The live-action footage was then transferred to 16mm film, which was hand-rotoscoped by a team of artists led by animator Michael Patterson. The entire process took over 16 weeks to complete.
10 Iconic Visual Effects
The "Take On Me" music video features a range of innovative visual effects that have become iconic in their own right. Here are 10 of the most memorable:
1. The Comic Book World
The video begins with the protagonist, played by Morten Harket, being transported into a comic book world. This is achieved through the use of rotoscoping, which gives the footage a distinctive hand-drawn look.
2. The Bike Chase
One of the most memorable scenes in the video features Harket's character being chased by a group of villains on motorcycles. The scene is a masterclass in animation and editing, with the characters moving seamlessly between the comic book world and the real world.
3. The Newspaper
In one scene, Harket's character is transported into a newspaper, where he interacts with the comic strip characters. This is achieved through the use of a combination of live-action footage and animation.
4. The Laboratory
The video also features a scene in which Harket's character is trapped in a laboratory, where he must use his wits to escape. This scene is notable for its use of practical effects, including the use of smoke and mirrors.
5. The Train
In another memorable scene, Harket's character is transported onto a train, where he must fight off the villains. This scene is notable for its use of animation and matte painting.
6. The Comic Book Store
The video also features a scene in which Harket's character visits a comic book store, where he interacts with the comic strip characters. This scene is notable for its use of practical effects, including the use of props and costumes.
7. The Motorcycle Stunt
One of the most impressive stunts in the video features Harket's character jumping off a motorcycle and into the comic book world. This is achieved through the use of a combination of live-action footage and animation.
8. The Window
In one scene, Harket's character is transported into a window, where he interacts with the comic strip characters. This is achieved through the use of a combination of live-action footage and animation.
9. The Camera
The video also features a scene in which Harket's character is transported into a camera, where he interacts with the comic strip characters. This is achieved through the use of a combination of live-action footage and animation.
10. The Final Chase
The video ends with a thrilling chase scene, in which Harket's character must outrun the villains through the comic book world. This is achieved through the use of a combination of live-action footage and animation.
Gallery of Iconic Visual Effects:
FAQ:
What is the concept of the "Take On Me" music video?
+The concept of the "Take On Me" music video is to transport the protagonist into a comic book world, where he must fight off villains and save the day.
What visual effects were used in the music video?
+The music video used a combination of live-action footage, animation, and practical effects, including rotoscoping and matte painting.
Who directed the music video?
+The music video was directed by Steve Barron.