Story Development - Researching the Reality

While it's not much at this point, the story board I did does provide a back bone which to work off.

If I do go with this idea though, should I be concerned about what it implies? In other words, if I have sharks eating birds, will I annoy any shark conservationists who might argue that they would never?

When speaking with my peers about my idea, it was suggested that anything you do or say in the design world nowadays needs to have a basis in truth, otherwise it won't be taken with any legitimacy.

While I don't totally agree with this, I do see where they're coming from, and in trying to be as critically aware as possible, I gave the opinion some time. If you claim or represent something, it holds much more credibility when it is real. Many people out there prefer facts over fantasy, so if I made something that had no basis in reality, then how serious could I expect it to be taken?

With that in mind then, I thought I'd take some notable time to research into my proposed story, and take a more detailed look at whether the actual animals in my planned animation, or more specifically their habits, hold any truth in reality.

Firstly, the issue of birds travelling long distances, in reflection of the migrants setting off on their journey.

Well, I think we all already know that birds do migrate long distances, so that much is obvious. Bird migration is the regular seasonal movement, often north and south along a flyway between breeding and wintering grounds, undertaken by many species of birds. Migration carries high costs in predation and mortality, including from hunting by humans, and is driven primarily by availability of food. Migration occurs mainly in the Northern Hemisphere where birds are funneled on to specific routes by natural barriers such as the Mediterranean Sea.

Information source - Wikipedia.

Next, would birds sit on a whales back?

Apparently yes, they would. Humpback whales feed on krill, plankton and fish. They like to feed on schools of herring. In some places they are joined by huge masses of shearers and other sea birds that feed on the same prey the whales do. They migrate thousands of miles round trip and spends months in calving and mating areas.

Information source - Facts & Details

2 for 2 so far. Perfect 3? Let's have it.

Do sharks attack birds?

Yes they do. Tiger Sharks are especially known to eat birds, and some observations suggest that they may have a preference for birds. The tiger shark is a solitary, mostly nocturnal hunter. Its diet includes a wide variety of prey, ranging from crustaceans, fish, seals, birds, squid, turtles, and sea snakes to dolphins and even other smaller sharks.

Information source - Answers.com

So interestingly enough, my "metaphorical representation" actually has more truth to it than I initially anticipated!

While I perhaps didn't need to go to such lengths in order to justify a loose, metaphorical representation of an issue, using established symbols and stereotypical icons, I'm actually glad I did, as I now know my idea has a deeper layer of truth behind it. Not only am I reflecting a real world issue that actually exists, but I'm also doing it by linking to to actual creature habits that transpire in addition.

This actually worked out quite well.

Story Development - Early Storyboard

Just wanted to start putting my ideas down on paper, and with the new idea to adapt the real life issue I made a quick storyboard to see how it might run...

This obviously needs work, both in strengthening the story and itself, and bringing it to some sort of conclusion, but for now it just helps serve as a backbone with which I can build upon.

Story Development - Bird Idea Revisited

Been thinking about one of the other ideas I had in how to adapt the actual issue as the basis of my story, and had a few further thoughts on the Bird idea.

Taking it's iconic status as symbol of hope then, and basing the story on the perilous journey of one single bird, I thought how I might also represent the other factors in regarding my issue, ie: the journey itself, the danger, the risk, the reward, etc.

So if I started with a single tiny bird, obviously reflecting any one of the hundreds of migrants, his journey to escape his life could begin. As he took to the air, he could join a flock who also fly long and far seeking hope. The flock of birds fly to sea, where their real journey begins. They come to land on the back of a whale (representing the train itself, an unwitting host for the long journey), which swims the vast sea and takes them to their destination. But before they make it to the destination, they are attacked by sharks (the cartel), who pick them off one by one, until very few remain, and even fewer reach the end of their journey. Either our initial bird could barely escape just in time, or he could fall prey to the dangers he fought so hard to elude. At this point nothing is concrete.

Although the story seems a little basic like that, it all too conveniently seems to fit my subject matter quite well, drawing many parallels to the real life issue surrounding this, both physically and metaphorically.

I think it's certainly a good starting point anyway, and may put it into storyboard form in order to help bulk it up somewhat.

Story Research - Adapting the Actual Issue

Maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way.

Maybe I'm over complicating the matter by looking for another story which I can adapt for my animation. I think it's important to keep things simple, in order to get the point across most effectively? If I complicate things with drawing similarities to other stories, I might risk losing my viewer before I even make the point.

So as fitting as it would to have found a story that echoed the real life issues surrounding the Train of Death, maybe it would be easier to focus on the actual thing itself, and take my influence directly from that?

If I could re-tell the story of what happens, but in adapted form then maybe that might work best?

Here's a few ideas I had in terms of realising the different aspects of the issue at hand, and how I might bring them to life creatively.

UNIDENTIFIABLE FACES

If each migrant leaves behind a life they don't want, for a life they might never find, just what is the meaning to their life's? Are they almost non-existent? Insignificant? Invisible?

What if I based my story on the nameless faces that board these trains, almost stuck in a physical limbo until they can emerge anew or accept the lives that await or befell them. My designs could have blank expressions, unidentifiable faces, almost ghost like figures if you will who face this dangerous journey together.

Possible look of it could be something like this...

In a silhouetted, rotoscoped fashion maybe? Having these blank, expressionless figures against actual footage of the subject. It could provide a quite ghostly look to the video, reflecting the issue quite well in that respect. Might come across as too gimmicky tho, thus diluting the topic at hand.

Will have a think.

A BIRD OF HOPE

An notable icon of freedom and hope is a bird, something instantly recognisable and quite suitable to the topic.

So what if I showed the story of a single bird, who would represent the journey of a single immigrant, their mutual journey's similar enough that the message gets through, but different enough to provide a unique take on the issue at hand? The journey the bird would face would prove hard and hazardous, full of risk with little reward, and reflective of the migrants journey, perhaps too obviously.

A huge journey ahead, one tiny bird versus the world.

Sounds a little loose though, I'd still need to flesh such a story out with further details and substance. Plus, a bird might be too obvious a statement in regards to freedom maybe? Dunno, just seems a little predictable. Although maybe the treatment of it wouldn't necessarily have to be.

Adapting the back story of the issue into such a simple form might serve it well, but then again it might simplify things too much and detract from the seriousness of the issue, something key to making people care for it.

All my research in poetry and poignant story telling might be best served by doing the same thing they did themselves, that being to simply reflect an issue or underlying lesson in a loose, metaphoric sense, ie: making something myself based on issues that have truth.

Obviously, it's something I will have to develop and look into further.

Story Research - Fairy Tales

Somewhere else I thought I might look is within story's, or fairy tales.

As these are often based on familiar folklore, or have underlying themes of morality and emotion, I thought they would provide a solid backbone for any ideas I might draw from them. If I could find a single story that shares much in common with my subject matter, it would be perfect!

I've spent 2 days in the library, looking for some inspiration in this area. Below is a quick recount of some of the more useful books I came across.

"Tales of Freedom" by Ben Okri contained many interesting stories, some almost elusive in meaning, open to interpretation, which could serve as an ideal playground for me to play in, as I might be able to adapt and interpret such tales to fit my project. Some are quite poignant, many are abstract, but from the ones that I read, they all have deeper meanings. Some quotes that stood out to me from the whole book are as follows...

“We have not yet arrived, but every point at which we stop requires a re-definition of our destination.”

“A tolerable hell is better than an impossible heaven.”

“It is easier to get lost within sight of the palace. Hope makes all things near, and so can prove treacherous.”

The Little Match Girl is a short story first published way back in 1845 by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen. The story is about a dying child's dreams and hope, from a life lived in poverty. She lights match after match to stay warm and see visions of happiness and contentment within the warm glow, but ultimately runs out of matches and tragically freezes to death. The metaphor of using our only resources dreaming of a future we may or may not discover, would work quite well I feel.

Jack & The Beanstalk is a famous fairy tale that everyone knows, and also one that draws many similarities to the issue surrounding my chosen subject. A young boy, living in relative poverty, sets off on a grand journey full of struggles to find fortune, but ultimately finds danger, in the form of a giant. With many parallels to my topic, the beanstalk could easily be the train as a means of getting to the destination, the giant surely represents the monstrous threat that makes the journey so perilous, and the golden egg fortune Jack tries to steal could very easily represent the very opportunity of a better life.

I shall be reading many more stories in the hope of finding something entirely suitable for my work, as I do feel the right story or topic could prove the solid background for my project that I feel it needs in order to stand strong.

The problem with adapting such tales though, like Jack & The Beanstalk for instance, is that it may limit what I'm trying to say. Or it might even be stepping on the toes of the people who already said something with their story. If it's unsuitable, it could be taken as too forced. Plus, with how well known a story such as Jack & The Beanstalk is for example, it might take away from the issue itself, and as a result weaken the importance of my statement about it.

Plus, many tales have already been adapted, so what would I actually be looking to achieve, or do differently, by using them as the core of a new story?

Hmmm. Using such works would pose a few problems, but I do still feel there's potential in the idea yet. I shall read into more literature in the hopes of finding something more suitable.

Story Research - Poetry

For my animation I'm looking at different sources of inspiration in order to form a story or message.

One of the art forms I'm looking at is Poetry.

It would be ideal if I could find a poem that echoes the sentiments or emotions of the people in the cause I'm representing, and with broad themes of freedom and hope, I might be able to join the dots and string something together that fits. Ideally then I'm looking for something with parallels to my topic.

Here are some of the poems I've come across that might prove suitable in relation to the issue...


The Biggest Freedom by Aufie Zophy

I pray for love
We are all bathing in it
We just have to open our hearts,
to open our minds
And let it in

The biggest freedom is ours
To let it in or lock it out

I pray for hope
We are swimming in it
We just have to open our hearts
to open our souls
And let it in

The biggest freedom is ours
To let it in or lock it out

I pray for wisdom,
We are soaking in it
We just have to open
To open our minds
And let it in

The biggest freedom is ours
To let it in or lock it out

I pray for spirit
We are swimming in it
Let our selves drown in the huge love
the huge wisdom and spirit
that is around us all time


In Courage by Dorsey Baker

In courage-you find
no fear
and in courage-no weakness
does appear
In courage-steps toward
danger taken
and in courage-strength
within awaken
In courage- a hero
takes shape
and in courage- the villain
can't escape
In courage-there is a call
to duty
and in courage-out of ugliness
comes beauty



On the Innate Drive For What is Right by Mark R Slaughter

As life bled, martyrdom flared its buds.
Repression, red from irritation,
Rendered chinks and cracks; but thuds of
Armament - in cowardice - accomplice of the
Dictatorial blight thro' countless years -
Wreaked its retribution:
Yet hope began to bloom a coloured carapace
Enshrining their allegiance ‘gainst the
Terror in their tears.

And on! Splits yawned - breaches in the junta:
Flesh fought fanatical minds -
Bullets welcomed into open hands
And blessed with yearnings for morality:
Chiselled man-toys of death and mutilation
Couldn't repel the might of freedom
Surging at the bright horizon.

Crepuscular rays of purpose, body,
Flooded pandemonium with
Overwhelming clarity, direction -
Burdened clouds drifting wayward as the
Light channelled out a vision,
Intensifying focus on tomorrow -
Deepen their stride
As they home in to
What is theirs,
Rightfully theirs!


Liberated by Udiah (witness to Yah)

Liberated, I'm free from you
Liberated, bondage is through
Liberated, I'll speak my view
Liberated, life to pursue

Oh come and hear the news
I am now free to choose
There is no more abuse
Gone are the loathsome blues

Because I'm
Liberated, I'm free from you
Liberated, bondage is through
Liberated, I'll speak my view
Liberated, life to pursue

An end to oppression
Freedom of expression
There'll be no concession
Gone is the depression

Because I'm
Liberated, I'm free of you
Liberated, bondage is through
Liberated, I'll speak my view
Liberated, life to pursue


Poverty In The 21st Century by Winston Harding

It’s the 21st century
The media displays it day and night,
Poverty.
Poverty across the globe lies
Poverty cries out from the belly of little boys
Little girls, parents too
Desperately searching for food,
Shelter, clothing, for love,
Companion, for attention
Those with plenty, refuse
To amend, a world haunted by
Poverty.

Is poverty affecting the rich?
Are their poverty the same
As the poor in financial constrains?
For they, too, poverty of love
I see poverty in the learned
I see poverty in those whose
Selfish acts are destroying society.
I see poverty in all level of humanity

The world is still an imperfect place
Yet life is still beautiful, the wind
Blows, we see it not, give thanks
For what you possess, now go,
Help if you can along the way,
Help to eradicate poverty
In your surrounding, widen
Your boundary across your
Country, to nations of the world.


The Shadow Inside My Shadow by Eric Cockrell

poverty is not my cousin,
is not my lover,
is not my preacher,
poverty is not my brother.

poverty is not my prayer,
or the song that i sing
is not my answer
poverty is not my dream.

poverty is not my teacher,
not the hand that i hold.
poverty is not my anger,
not my spirit, not my soul.

ah! but this poverty is real
it races thru my mind
crashes into my heart,
& leaves me deaf and blind.

poverty is my companion.
the aching cold inside my hollow.
the blow behind my eyes,
poverty is the shadow
inside my shadow.


Courage by Corey Fauchon

Courage is what makes us
Courage is what divides us
Courage is what drives us
Courage is what stops us

Courage creates news
Courage demands more
Courage creates blame
Courage brings shame

Courage shows in school
Courage determines the cool
Courage divides the weak
Courage pours out like a leak

Courage puts us on a knee
Courage makes us free
Courage makes us plea
Courage helps us flee

Hmmm... a few of these stand out as useful, and quite fitting. I intend to invest a lot more time looking for more Poems, as I think they could really work well in the context of my project.

Topic Research - Difference in Opinion

I'm well aware that even though the issues surrounding my chosen topic are tragic in many cases, and disheartening to hear for many, that there are two sides to every story. Not everyone will feel the same about the issue, and so I thought it would be a great idea to spend some time researching the different thoughts on the topic.

I think when designing for anything, it's good to have as many opinions on it as possible, even understanding the negative can allow you to design for the positive.

The following opinions then are comments and responses to the video material and articles discussion surround the subject, taken from different websites such as The Independant, Daily Mail, Global Voices, and YouTube.

Please be advised that some of the comments contain strong language and/or opinion, and are not necessarily my own.


----------------------------------------------

"I'm supposed to feel bad for them? Please. They risk their lives to break the law. We in the US owe Mexico NOTHING. We owe you dirty immigrants NOTHING. These illegal scum stole 12 MILLION American jobs and clog our jails. They sell drugs at the border, and cause senseless drug wars that kill countless innocent civilians. They're scum and I feel no remorse for them. At all."
- pseudohippie55


In response...


"You're an idiot, the drug cartels take advantage of these people. Here you are trying to impose a false identity onto them. For example, just look at the video of a few dozen central American immigrants that were murdered by cartels- they are not the same groups. The cartels do not need to set foot in the U.S, there is an abundance of whites, blacks, Hispanics, and Asians, ready to sell their drugs. The cartels consist of people with money and connections."
- UniverseOffspring


"This people don't come to the U.S because of need but because of greed. America is the land of opportunity and they are welcome to come here, But why do it illegally  Other foreigners from other parts of the world do it the organized ways. This Mexicans and central american screw the chances for other Mexicans that want to do it the right way because the visas become more expensive for them."

- reshnewz10

In response...


"They can't afford to come here the "legal way" I know that sounds wrong but they can't survive there so they do what they can to provide for their families. Until the Mexican government gets there shit together and start providing for it's people this won't stop happening."


- kirbykickbut

"USA doesn't owe you anything. What a sob story."
- stopglobalswarming


"If they would only work as hard to fix their own country they wouldn't need to come here and suck off the American tax payers teet."
- CSXRockford


"PLEASE to the people saing they are not poor! I lived in Mexico for SHORT time a few years ago, and there are MANY people that don't have food, and go hungry. The woman make the masa, and tortillas everyday by hand, flip them over the heat with their bare hands to cook them. Washing clothes? What I saw was they have a bucket holding the soap, and they wash the clothes against a flat stone, or a washing board, then hang them. Dinner? usually beans that were purchased dry, and soaked, cooked for hours, then fryed or eaten as a soup. Or eggs, milk, dry cereal. The least expensive items. which they eat EVERYDAY. No Medical care, or medicine unless you go to the Red Cross. Working sunup to sundown and STILL living that way. I saw it in the rural areas, also in the cities. Although there appeared to be more people doing better economically in the cities. To say they are not poor is like saying the night is not black. I saw it first hand, Lets ALL count our blessings. God bless."
- Jazmin Dulce






"Some people complain on here about Americans being cruel. Look what the EU did to your country and the rest of Europe. England is being flooded with new immigrants each and everyday. Are there a lot of jobs to go around? Your country is an island. How many more people can you sustain? You can't keep on giving these people clothing and free housing while they are on the dole. They system will come tumbling down. You have to look out for your own."
- DaisyMJ , Culpeper, United States


"It´s not just the migrants these gangs attack. It´s local small shopkeepers, taxi drivers, bus drivers etc. They extort money from them with threats. The local government and police just close their eyes to it. What can they do, they have family living in the district."
BobMex


"Such a sad reality. Indeed these are the people who have both nothing and everything to lose in their quest for a better life for themselves and the families the continue to support once across the borders."


- Juliana Rincón Parra


"Far We've been travelling far Without a home But not without a star Free Only want to be free We huddle close Hang on to a dream On the boats and on the planes They're coming to America Never looking back again They're coming to America Home, don't it seem so far away Oh, we're travelling light today In the eye of the storm In the eye of the storm Home, to a new and a shiny place Make our bed, and we'll say our grace Freedom's light burning warm Freedom's light burning warm Everywhere around the world They're coming to America Every time that flag's unfurled They're coming to America Got a dream to take them there They're coming to America Got a dream they've come to share They're coming to America They're coming to America They're coming to America They're coming to America They're coming to America Today, today, today, today, today My country 'tis of thee Sweet land of liberty Of thee I sing!"
- Doug Johnston , New York NY

 In response...


"Comparing those illegally entering a foreign country with rules, laws, borders, etc. to our "founding fathers" leaving England and coming to America is COMPLETELY different. aside from modern-day LAW ENFORCEMENT which keeps nations from devolving to anarchy, the founding fathers did not come for the purpose milking freebies off of the native peoples. they came with the realization that they would have to work hard to survive - not take advantage of people. moreover, say what you want, but there were no LAWS forbidding their entry. no one in the U.S. is complaining about all the people who arrive here LEGALLY (often from situations which are just as bad if not worse than those of the illegals who arrive here). When you come respecting the laws, we welcome you with open arms. When you come to subvert our laws and take advantage of our system, we want you out. There are plenty deserving foreigners who deserve our amnesty, but we cannot support them if we are being overrun with illegals."
- SBun , Dallas


"It strikes me these Mexican Drug Cartels are like the distilled essence of Capitalism...you remove or allow to be removed all the checks and balances inherent in the system and all the Moral and Social limits of Capitalism and voila you get the Zetas and the Maras, unlimited violence to the limits of the human imagination to control both the Market and your consumers...perhaps its a window into the social destiny of the West If we allow the Wealthy to continue feeding off of our childrens future."
- Anthony Papagallo


-----------------

These are but a few of the opinions surrounding the issue, and as you can tell, they are conflicting and passionate, depending on their point of view, or clearly, their point of origin. It seems many in the US are against the migrants coming and "stealing their jobs" or committing crimes and "milking taxes", and to that end, I agree. No-one should ever be allowed access to a country if only to bleed it dry and serve their own selfish needs at the expense of the countries inhabitants.

BUT, if someone simply seeks a better way of life and travels at great risk and danger in order to do that, and is fully prepared to contribute and work hard to make their dream a reality, then they should absolutely be given that chance.

I believe a fair shot at life is a god given right, and borders, territories and human nature doesn't always allow for that. And from everything I've seen through my research, reading opinions, hearing testimonies, I believe that's what the majority of migrants who ride the Train of Death are all about, and as such, deserve the protection and opportunity that comes with doing just that.

Charity Research - Talks About Causes

While I'm not trying to raise money for charity with my work, I did think it would be worth checking out some videos and projects that do deal with just that, in the sense that they're made with similar good intentions. I wanted to look at how they tackled the issue of charity, and the different, often times opposing opinions towards charity, and our interpretation of it as a society.

Ending World Hunger, One Grilled Cheese at a Time: Kristin Walter & Talis Apud-Hendricks 

Kristin Walter and Talis Apud-Hendricks are passionate about ending world hunger in our lifetimes. After meeting in college in 2004, they co-founded FeelGood as a student organization with the belief that even something as small as a grilled cheese can make a difference. FeelGood is a volunteer youth movement of changemakers committed to ending global hunger in our lifetime. Around the country, people are raising money for the end of hunger by running FeelGood Grilled Cheese Delis on college campuses. Every penny raised is invested in hunger-ending organizations with a proven track record of success.

"Kristin has been FeelGood's Executive Director since graduating in 2005 with a Finance Degree. Under her leadership, FeelGood has grown from a single-campus initiative into a vibrant national movement with over 29 chapters and 17 more currently seeded. FeelGood partners with over 1200 student volunteers, impacting the lives of thousands and raising over $1.4 million for the end of hunger. Talis manages the inovation for FeelGood's education and technology programs. With an M.S. in Innovation from the Monterrey Institute of Technology, she has pioneered an online platform for meaningfully connecting FeelGood's many student communities and developing their educational and entrepreneurial goals. Before coming to FeelGood, Talis was a professional athlete, qualifying for the Mexican Olympic team in 2008. She has over seven years experience as a consultant in intercultural management."

A beautiful quote is made in this Ted talk. "We hurt, because we care." which highlights the fact that the reason bad things affect us in the negative ways they do, is because deep down, we all have compassion and wish for such things to end. Not all of us have the tools though to help in the ways we so wish to, but you could argue it's our duty to do the best with the tools we have, which is part of my own reasoning for such projects like the one I've set myself here.

I'm nowhere near Mexico, the actual issues surrounding the Train of Death don't affect me, and it's something I will probably never get close to. But to see so little done about so much suffering is upsetting, and while I certainly don't expect to change the world with a single video, if I can shed just a little bit of light on the topic and help make just a few more people aware of it, then any time spent making it will be beneficial to the cause.


Dan Pallotta: The way we think about charity is dead wrong

Activist and fundraiser Dan Pallotta calls out the double standard that drives our broken relationship to charities. Too many nonprofits, he says, are rewarded for how little they spend -- not for what they get done. Instead of equating frugality with morality, he asks us to start rewarding charities for their big goals and big accomplishments (even if that comes with big expenses). In this bold talk, he says: Let's change the way we think about changing the world.

To me, Mr. Pallotta makes a lot of sense. Passionate, competent people get things done, but competence itself requires hard work. In our world, money and recognition motivate hard work. Maybe we should stop deluding ourselves into thinking that waiting around hoping for the changes we dream of happening, won't happen by themselves. And maybe we ought to think about rewarding such change, and the ones who dare step up and make it.

Topic Research - Images

Visually I wanted inspiration, as well as continuing my research into the subject matter. So I've been looking into different images and photographs in relation to the topic, in the hope of idea stimulation, and further study of the issue at hand

Here are many of the ones that stood out for me, as well as the reasons why.

Hundreds of migrants sit atop the train as they journey towards the US. This photo shows just how congested the trains can get, reflecting not only the sheer number of people desperate enough to take the perilous journey, but the conditions they're willing to put themselves through in the hope of something better.

Taken during one of the resting spots along the route, what this photo shows me is the comradery and bond between all the passengers. They all come from similar, poor backgrounds, they all risk life and limb taking this journey together, and they all dream of the same thing, a better life at the end. United by hope, all too often divided by tragedy.

An amazing image of the train in motion, as passengers hang off the side taking food and water from the people of the neighboring villages that the train passes through. The residents just turn up and offer these supplies off their own backs, with no profit or gain, barely even a thank you as the train rushes past, to the people aboard, knowing their sacrifice, and what they risk by their travels. The sheer spirit of goodwill and fellowship that exists between these strangers is incredibly touching.

 A woman shoots heroin in front of her lover and a baby they are supposed to be caring for. The poverty, desperation and poor conditions seen in just this one single image speak volumes about the way of life that many try to flee from. It's heart wrenching to see, and captures the true misery of a country ravaged by cartels.

Migrants hold on for dear life. This great shot shows both the speed of the vehicle, and the unconventional methods of boarding it. With no safety guards or even platforms in some cases, these migrants are often risking their very lives by holding on to a thread.

A young adult male rode the beast, but was tragically devoured by it and left with hardly any limbs. Armed cartel boarded the train and demanded he pay a fee. As he had nothing to give, he was tossed from it to the unrelenting tracks below as an example to others still aboard.

Many weren't even that lucky. A haunting image of a fallen migrant, who braved the beast to achieve his dreams, only for it to end in fatal tragedy, a sadly all too common occurrence.

Topic Research - Video Footage

Many articles and mini documentaries have been made on this issue in recent year, as the problem only seems to be worsening, with no apparent solution in sight.

Most take the similar form of showing the train, chronicling the journey, speaking with the people, and highlighting the dangers. 

I'm posting them all here for both easy access in my own research, and also to let you know what I've been watching in regards to the project.

This one follows a bunch of actual workers making the journey...

This highlights the journey itself...

The following two are samples of the actually documentary that inspired my project in the first place, "LA Bestia" by Pedro Ultreras... (incidently, the only english dubbed ones I can find anywhere now).

This features an interview with Ultreras himself on the issue, as well as a panel debate onthe state of immigration in the nation...

This is a heart warming little clip of the train passing through a town, as the residents offer food and water to the people aboard. Beautiful.

This takes a look at the dangers of illegal immigration itself, not just focusing on the Beast.

Topic Research - Articles

I wanted to read up on as many articles and editorials as I could about the matter, and gain as much knowledge on the issue as I could.

Here are just some of the articles I found regarding it that I have used extensively to broaden my knowledge on the subject matter, as well as key quotes from each that stood out and fuelled my research.

Mexico's ‘Train of Death’

A great source of facts and information from Global Voices about the issue in a bigger, broader sense, looking at the dangers Mexican immigrants face from different angles, shifting it's focus to Pedro Ultreras's documentary La Bestia, its window into the matter at hand, and it's importance in shedding light on the many dangers that await. It highlights key occurrences that each played their part in the rise of the dangers, which has been brought to a head with the problems right now.

"In the United States many people refer to them derogatively as “illegals.”  In the heart of Central America, these human beings represent some of the most disposed, desperate yet tenacious men and women leaving their impoverished countries in hopes to make it to the United States.

Unable to afford another form of transportation but also seeking to avoid Mexican immigration check points, thousands of Central American nationals from countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras or Nicaragua, dangerously and boldly hop on top of moving freight trains going from southern Mexico to many northern destinations along the U.S.-Mexican border."

'Train of death' drives migrant American dreamers

Great article on CNN by Ken Penhaul, detailing the Train of Death, which people seek it, how they get there, and what happens to them when they arrive. Features many testimonies and eye witness accounts of the daily routine of the train, be it opportunistic for some, and dangerous for all. Accompanied by original photographs taken on location which provide a fascinating visual insight into the situation.

"To thousands of dirt-poor migrants, this thundering cargo train is a free ride to their American Dream -- or their modest dreams of working hard and saving even harder to send a few dollars home to loved ones.

But along the ride, migrants who cram onto the roof of the trucks and any spare space in between risk death and injury."

Scarred but alive after riding the train of death

A fascinating follow up article to the previous one, chronicling the plight of one individual, Jessica Ochoa, who rode atop the train, only to see her dreams of a better life come crashing down with tragic consequences. Primary interviews with Jessica form the backbone of this article, as she recounts the horrific end to her hopeful journey, falling asleep atop the train, only to wake up in a hospital an amputee. A tragic story that really brings to light the dangers that await these poor people.


"The first thing you notice about Jessica Ochoa is her huge brown eyes.

The next thing you notice is her stiff walk. Her right leg was severed in February 2009, when she fell off a cargo train. The train's steel wheels did the rest."

Migrants ride 'the Beast' from Mexico to the US


A BBC report by Valeria Perasso, which takes the route of visiting the life's of those who took the trip, and succeeded, the pair in question now settled in California with a job, money, and a much safer and prosperous way of life. Includes a short but informative video on the matter, which sees Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal speaking on the matter too.


"Los garroteros [people armed with garrottes] were running from coach to coach in the middle of the night, asking for money," she says. "They said that even though the train was free and we had not paid for a proper ticket, we had to pay them to be able to ride. And if you had nothing, they would just abuse you, verbally or physically."

The train, she says, was the only means to get to the North, as she had very little money and no job, and most of those who ride the Beast take between 10 and 15 different trains to cover the distance.


Migrants risk all to cross from Mexico to the US


As a part of the Catholic Church, Caritas Internationalis reflects the social mission of the Church and the core values dignity, justice, solidarity, and stewardship. I thought reading about the issue under a  totally different light would provide an extra way of thinking to it, giving opinions I wouldn't normally have read about before. It raises concerns over the issues that lead the migrants to even attempt the trip in the first place, through the eyes of a young girl known only as Stefani.


“One does not escape violence in Honduras,” she says. “I come from a nice family. We were happy at home. But as soon as I crossed door, I entered a different world. Outside, there were street gangs, prostitution, drugs and weapons. You always kept your eyes lowered.” 

Her father was taken from home one evening by a gang and his dead body found dumped the next day.“There was no motive,” says Stefani. “I don’t want my baby to live through what I have had to endure.”



Tracking the Death Train (Chiapas, Mexico)

An article by a professional blogger, whose company enforces fair trade and human rights. Fully aware of the danger that befalls many of their workers, the article is a great insight into a shared opinion which surrounds the issue from both sides of the border. What is perhapes most refreshing is the fact that such a respected and established company actually takes a moment to care.

"We wanted to investigate the Death Train and see what, if anything, we could do to assist Dona Olga in caring for the victims. We had talked to Dona Olga about repatriating some of the survivors to their own countries, and providing some form of economic assistance and job training, as well. But, of course, these things can't be done cookie-cutter style."

These are just a few of the many articles I've been reading, and will continue to read any others I can find regarding the issue I've chosen to base my work on. Sure it's a lot of work that might not necessarily look like it is relevant to my design work, nor can I really show on paper what I gain from researching it, but I figure the more I know about my subject matter, the better prepared I can be in designing something FOR it.

Seeking Inspiration

Obviously, as a Motion Designer, I wanna create something that moves.

Just how I'm not sure yet, but I do know it can't be just a standard, linear animation. I want it to stand out and be noticed in the hope that drawing attention in a creative sense will help divert it to the cause in need.

I know very well that this can happen, grabbing someone's eye and inciting them with creativity, informing them about a topic they didn't even know about, and by the end make them care about it. I know this, because it happened to me.

When all the KONY hysteria hit last year, I'll be the first to admit I was drawn into it. I'd never even heard the name before, but by the end of the incredible video I watched, I'd started to care about something I was previously oblivious too, and even went so far as to donate to the cause it represented.

If I could create something that even one person noticed and became aware of, maybe even donating in some form or even just spreading the word as a result, then the time spent making it would be worth it.

So what to create?

Well I'm thinking along the lines of live art, something that breaks the norm and stands out for being different. It is my intent to research different forms of live art to see what kind of forms are achievable  and draw inspiration and influence from them.

In terms of what I want my work to say, I want it to reflect the story and emotions of the very thing it represents, namely hope, freedom, danger and desperation. I plan on checking out different sources of information in order to feed this message, taking bites from different areas in order to form some sort of story or narrative on which to base my piece.

Once my research grows and grows, hopefully ideas will start to form and my project will begin to take shape.

So Where Do I Begin?

Wanting to further explore the use of art and design to help those in need, raise awareness of important issues and creatively try and contribute to making this a better world, I wanted my last project to be something special.

I was also inspired by a brief I read, for the Creative Conscience Awards, which states

"Creative Conscience is a platform for innovative ideas that encompasses world changing creativity. This is a visionary concept that uses creativity as a catalyst for positive change to benefit ethical, moral and worthwhile causes. 

The Creative Conscience Awards: UK calls upon creative students whose conscience has encouraged them to build a passion for ethical, moral and worthwhile cause. This is a competition that provides fantastic opportunities for individuals to utilize their creative talents to make a positive change for a cause they are passionate about."

While I won't be entering the competition due to time constraints (the deadline is way before our project deadline), it was refreshing to see that there are awards and companies out there promoting designers to make something for things they care about. That's where I see my work heading, having worked with the issue of bullying in my last project, and dementia in a project after this with Johnny, I wanted to base my final piece on something that means something to me.

One important issue that captured my attention in recent years is the Mexican "Train of Death".

If you've never heard of it, it's quite a horrible story, made even worse that so little is being done to help bring the situation to an end, or at least under better control.

The basic story behind it is that broke, homeless and poverty stricken Mexican people with no hope left, seek hope in the only way they feel is left for them. They head to the United states in the search for a better life for themselves and their family, and they do so by hitching a ride on the back of a single freight train, nicknamed "The Beast" which runs through Mexico and over the border into North America.

The problem is that the train runs through frightfully dangerous territory, areas run by Mexican cartel and drug barons, who board these same trains, assaulting, robbing, kidnapping, torturing and all too often murdering these hopeful immigrants, most of whom never get to see the land and opportunities they dreamed of when they chose to take this perilous journey.

They know the risks, and the immense danger they put themselves in by boarding the train. But their lives are so tough and devoid of hope that they have no choice.

It is a plight that touches me deeply, that people in such sheer desperation would subject themselves to such abuse, flying in the face of such danger just for the small hope that something better might await them at the end.

I first became aware of the situation when I saw a documentary called "La Bestia" (The Beast) by Pedro Ultreras, which touched my heart before ultimately breaking it.

Here's the trailer for it...

I've since been unable to get my hands on a copy of the incredible documentary as it seems very hard to find, but thankfully there is plenty more coverage of the actual issue itself, all of which I will look further into as part of my research for this project.

So in terms of this project, I would like to do something based on this issue, something creative, that helps tell the story of it and raise awareness so that others might too be inspired, and who knows, maybe make a tiny difference somewhere along the line?

Not quite sure yet just what I wish to create, but I'd like it to be something relevant to the topic, yet unique and innovative enough to stand out and capture people's attention. Plus, I want it to be on a big scale so I can end my degree with a bang!

So the research and brainstorming begins...