Gorillaz Creators Take Monkey From Chinese Opera To Beijing Olympics
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Artist:
Last year, Gorillaz creators Jamie Hewlitt and Damon Albarn created one of a kind animation, costumes, scenery and music for a Mandarin opera called "Monkey: Journey to the West" which has won critical acclaim around the world. Well, Monkey will continue his journey, this time heading east from London to the Beijing Olympics. Hewlitt and Albarn have incorporated their lovable adventurer and his companions into the audio/visual branding for BBC Sport's Olympic coverage. BBC Sport's exec producer Jonathan Bramley told the press (as reported on FACT Mag):
"Monkey's journey to the West becomes a journey to the East. Monkey and the characters will travel across China to Beijing."
"While they will use magical powers to fight off various monsters and demons, they'll also use all sorts of Olympic sports as well. So Monkey might use gymnastic powers, Pigsy will be hurdling and Sandy uses taekwondo."In addition to the animated adventures, the short segments will also feature theme music by Albarn. Bramley described it their audio goals:
"Olympic theme music is always one of the important roles for the Olympics. We needed something with a good, classical Chinese element to it, but something that wasn't too clichéd, with a modern feel and quite energetic."Soon enough, you'll see Monkey and his friends all over the BBC campaign via TV, radio, online and mobile. For those in the London area this July, you can see the full performance of "Monkey: Journey to the West" (the actual Chinese opera with music by Albarn, art and costume design by Hewlitt) at the Royal Opera House. It runs 23-26 July.Read the full story at FACT Mag.There are a LOT of videos available on youTube that feature Monkey and friends, like this one from the NYTimes:Trailer:
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