Profile: Animator & Filmmaker Eric Power Brings Cut Paper to Life

				Self-taught animator and filmmaker Eric Power cut his teeth in animated film at age 17 working on Richard Linklater’s acclaimed Waking Life. The native Texan went on to develop his signature style working with cut paper, which he brings to life through stop motion, creating movement one frame at a time. His music video for Jeremy Messersmith’s “Tatooine” (watch below), which recreates the original Star Wars trilogy in cut paper animation, earned the attention of Wired and Boing Boing, not to mention over half a million views. His short samurai-themed film, Path of Blood: Demon at the Crossroads of Destiny, received warm receptions at several festivals, inspiring him to commit full time to his dream of creating a feature-length cut paper animation samurai film, which is now well into production. (For a fascinating, in-depth look into his process, check out the ongoing production diary videos on his website).
				…very rewarding and quite challenging (to make your sole profession).
				I am happy to report that I am working on my first full-fledged animated feature film using cut paper as my canvas. It’s gonna be pretty crazy. The film is called Path of Blood and is a Samurai film that will certainly live up to its name. I’m animating the film by myself, so things are getting pretty intense around here.
				(Path of Blood: Demon at the Crossroads of Destiny, the short film upon which the feature-length Path of Blood, now in production, is based.)
				It’s a combination of all sorts of things. I’ve been obsessed with films and animation all my life and I’d say they have had a huge influence on me. Also, being a music video director for so long, music has been a huge inspiration. I love listening to people’s stories and imagining how I would translate them visually.
				Right now, I am super proud with how my film is turning out. It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever attempted and the stuff I have animated so far is easily the best work I’ve done yet.
				To be honest, I’m working on it now. I am a Samurai film enthusiast (and a bit of a collector), so working on my own Samurai film is truly a dream come true for me. I would also very much like to create an animated horror film, since I’m equally obsessed with horror.
				There are so many artists that have my complete respect. A few would be Peter Jackson, Takeshi Kitano, Hayao Miyazaki, and Ray Harryhausen. These are all people who have a strong creative vision and have been able to put a bold stamp on their work. With these artists you don’t need to be told you are watching a film by them, it comes across on the screen.
				I’ve been asking myself this same question. I’m wondering which part of the world would be the best fit for me. I wish I knew the answer. Hopefully I’ll get to travel and find out!
				I worked at a sandwich shop. It was ok.
				Ideas. Sometimes it’s really hard to fall asleep when your mind is racing. Also, deadlines.
				Visit Eric… www.ericpowerup.net facebook.com/ericpowerup twitter.com/ericpowerup