A new claymation promotional video for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics has been unveiled by CCTV, Chinas state-owned broadcaster.The two-minute-thirty-second clip was posted to Weibo, a microblogging site, on December 16. It features a dozen clay figurines partaking in various winter sports.<\/p>\n
Each of the adorable characters can be seen in the intro with the tools of their respective sports: a hockey stick, skis, a snowboard, a luge, and figure skates, among other winter sports equipment.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, each represents one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. And the symbolism doesnt stop there: The color red features prominently in the video, and many of the figures are dressed in traditional Chinese clothing.<\/p>\n
This is brilliant it shows Chinese culture to the rest of the world, commented one Weibo user under the promotional video.<\/p>\n
Another netizen summed up our thoughts about the video perfectly, writing, This is adorable! Good luck to those who are competing.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
While stop-motion videos using clay are not unique to China, this particular style appears to draw inspiration from traditional Chinese clay molding that dates back to the Song Dynasty.<\/p>\n
Specifically, the figures resemble Chinese tea pets (chachong), which are served on a tray alongside tea. With each serving, drinkers pour tea over the little figurines, causing a gradual color change over time.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Its a beautifully made video, and a lot of work went into the production. At the end of the clip, you can see the labor-intensive behind-the-scenes process as it unfolds.<\/p>\n
The final 40 seconds show a fast-forwarded version of the same shots, with the in-between actions included a bunch of busy hands and hardware assisting with the motion of each frame.<\/p>\n
With just over six weeks until the opening ceremony for the Beijing Winter Olympics, the animation is a welcome reminder of the revelry that lies just over the horizon.<\/p>\n
All images via Weibo<\/p>\n
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See the article here: <\/p>\n
Impressive Claymation Video Unveiled for Beijing Winter Olympics - RADII<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A new claymation promotional video for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics has been unveiled by CCTV, Chinas state-owned broadcaster.The two-minute-thirty-second clip was posted to Weibo, a microblogging site, on December 16. It features a dozen clay figurines partaking in various winter sports. Each of the adorable characters can be seen in the intro with the tools of their respective sports: a hockey stick, skis, a snowboard, a luge, and figure skates, among other winter sports equipment. Continue reading