Animations
Raven Kaliana creates award-winning puppet animations using rod puppets or cut paper shadow animation, which gives an unusual and distinctive look. Shadow animation is quicker and costs far less than hand-drawn or computer animation, and lends itself well to online and video applications. Raven creates a storyboard – or works from one provided – then creates the puppets and scenic elements, performs and films the scenes, then edits together the final animation, coordinating the imagery with any sound provided, into a video file. These animations have been commissioned for a number of documentaries, music videos, and theatre productions, and work well for public service messages, informational videos, how-to demonstrations, and more. View example videos below…
Priya and the Twirling Wind
Priya, a comic book character created by Ram Devineni, is India’s first female superhero – named “gender equality champion” by UN Women. Raven Kaliana wrote the script, directed, designed, and hand crafted the rod puppets for this animation with ecological themes for young children. The puppetry was shot on green screen and the backgrounds illustrated by Syd Fini. The animation was paired with an interactive comic book which featured Priya interviewing scientists and other experts on climate change. The film was supported by Little Angel Theatre and received ‘Best Animated Film’ award and much global press coverage.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress
Awareness-raising film, co-produced by Charlie Ryder, Sue Hanisch, and Raven Kaliana and included in Charlie’s documentary Stories of Healing. Storyboard, direction, puppets, and performance by Raven Kaliana with assistant puppeteer Sabrina Daniele and additional puppetry help by Charlie Ryder. Editing by Raven Kaliana and Daemiane Marais.
Reflection
Music video produced by Framestore for Mercury Prize-nominated band I Am Kloot, puppets and performance by Raven Kaliana with puppetry assistance by Sara Kirkpatrick. This video featured in several film festivals, including California International Shorts Festival, USA; Dixie Film Festival, USA; and the Bristol Festival of Puppetry, UK.
The Art of Ubuntu
Title animations produced by Raven Kaliana commissioned for documentary produced by Charlie Ryder.
Anne Gallagher's Story
Colour animations produced by Raven Kaliana for a tribute section on Anne Gallagher, peacemaker in Northern Ireland, as part of The Art of Ubuntu documentary by Charlie Ryder.
Fables for a Boy
Animation produced by Raven Kaliana which was projected onto a ‘storybook’ prop onstage within a dark musical, ‘Fables for a Boy’ by Sandvaer Group.
Get in touch
To enquire about commissioning puppets for your production; puppetry coaching for performers; puppetry performance in your show; teaching puppet-making or shadow puppet workshops; shadow puppet animations for films, television commercials, or music videos; presentations of the Hooray for Hollywood film; or booking performances of Love vs Trauma with associated workshop.
Please email Raven Kaliana at puppets@ravenkaliana.com or fill in the following contact form: