Dreaming of Elephants

Talking to the director of an open source movie

Ruslan Kulski interviews Bassam Kurdali, director of Elephants Dream

From the site: Elephants Dream is the world’s first open movie, made entirely with open source graphics software such as Blender, and with all production files freely available to use however you please, under a Creative Commons license.

Ruslan Kulski: What was the catalyst that brought all of the contributors together on this project? What was inspiring all these people to contribute?

Bassam Kurdali: The contributors for the project were primarily (a) blender users, (b) interested in film making and animation, and (c) interested in making an open movie and a contribution to open source film making. Inspiration probably was personal for all of us, so it's hard to say one thing for the entire team.

Q: Was the core team on 'Elephants Dream' made entirely of volunteers, or did the open aspect of the film consist of the software used and the licensing?

A: The core team was paid- for sure not "industry rates," just enough living expenses to be able to work and live in Amsterdam for 6-7 months. The open aspect consists of the licensing and software used, we also did solicit outside help for some specific tasks, and had some great volunteer contributors, that you can see on the credits.

Q: Are there any stories/anecdotes that encapsulate the free/open nature of the project?

A: No specific anecdote seems to fit the bill exactly. An interesting ongoing effect has been the degree of involvement many in the community have had with the movie- such as people who volunteered textures, help and code to the project, and the (still ongoing) stream of criticism and praise the movie gets- which I think is a healthy sign that people feel involved, and that they have a say in this movie. I hope this results in new open movies, and further uses and remixes of the Elephants Dream material.

Q: Has the use of the Creative Commons license inspired others to use your work?

A: Yes, there have been some remixes of the movie set to different music or ideas- even the recent net neutrality issue. A big use has been for education purposes, such as self teaching, or incorporating models and materials into peoples pictures and animations.