Synopsis

In a vividly colored science-fiction universe, a mysterious robot society has nearly wiped out humanity. One of the last surviving humans awakens on a barren world and becomes the target of relentless mechanical hunters. Rockets, alien landscapes, towering machines, and space battles expand the story into an apocalyptic survival tale. The video ends as the fugitive's escape is only beginning, presenting "The Lava" as the first chapter of a larger narrative that continues in a later companion video.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was designed as the first part of a two-part story. The narrative was divided because the song's delicate structure was difficult to use as a complete dramatic arc.

• The production took approximately four months, from writing and storyboarding through animation and compositing.

• The visual style combines 2D and 3D animation. Blender was used for the 3D work, while Photoshop and After Effects handled much of the painting, compositing, and final animation.

• The production was completed largely as a one-person animation effort, which influenced the decision to mix techniques and use 3D as a practical foundation for painted 2D imagery.

• The artist cited classic science-fiction design as a major influence, including Star Wars concept artists Ralph McQuarrie and Joe Johnston, Syd Mead, and the French animation and comics traditions associated with Rene Laloux, Moebius, and Jean-Claude Mezieres.

• The video was produced by RODS and appeared in the 2014 programs of Pause Fest, Motion+, 3D Wire, and FILE Anima+, followed by the Marfa Film Festival in 2015.

• "The Lava" and its follow-up "Cheval Noir" were both selected as Vimeo Staff Picks.

• The song appeared on Equateur's 2014 EP "The Lava." It was composed, written, and performed by Charles Rocher.