PETER GABRIEL - OLIVE TREE

Olive Tree is a track taken from Peter Gabriel's album i/o. This is the Bright-Side Mix, by Mark 'Spike' Stent.

The album i/o was released on 1 December, 2023.

"This song is one of those taken from this next brain project that I am working on. We are entering a time in which reading each other’s thoughts will become a normal part of our lives. In this story our hero puts on the brain scanning helmet, that turns thoughts into pictures, and then sees all the deep connections he has with the natural world and in particular to one olive tree." - pg

Created by Oranguerillatan, December 2023-January 2024.
Additional Motion Design by Graeme Cornies

AI / VFX TOOLS:
ChatGPT: Concept and narrative themes / Initial shot-list.
StoryboardHero.ai: Initial storyboard frames
Adobe Premiere Pro: Board-O-Matic / 2D animation / Final Edit
RunwayML Gen-2 / PIKA Labs: Additional AI img2vid motion to bring the source material to life.
Mixamo / Maya: Additional 3D character/camera animation
ComfyUI: AI vid2vid processing, utilising SDXL / AnimateDiff / IPAdapters and ControlNets.
Nuke: Colour grading, VFX compositing, shot cleanup.
TopazVideoAI: Upscaling of ComfyUI outputs.

SHIFTING SEASONS - A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME:
As our hero embarks on their journey through the changing seasons and the passing of time, each transition mirrors the evolving emotions and narrative of the song. From the mysterious allure of winter nights to the vibrant energy of summer days, the visual landscape shifts in tandem with the song's tempo and mood.

The journey commences in the depths of winter and the cover of night, setting the stage for the mysterious and enchanting ambience of the track's introduction and opening verse. This wintry landscape serves as the perfect backdrop for introducing the protagonist and unveiling their intriguing discovery propelling the narrative forward. Each post-chorus transition to a new verse brings the viewer back to the dark, chilly embrace of winter night, accompanied by the timeless symbolism of the full moon, a motif dear to Peter.

As the song progresses, the visuals transition to the bright hues of sunrise and the promise of a new day, signifying spring's arrival. This season symbolises growth and renewal, reflected in budding flora and the protagonist's burgeoning curiosity as they interact with a mysterious device in their backyard.

The arrival of the climactic chorus comes with the midday summer sun. The video explodes into a vibrant display of sunshine and revelry, characterised by uninhibited joy and boundless energy. The colourful and euphoric imagery captures the essence of interconnectivity and togetherness, embodying Peter's concept of 'the melting of the solid world.' Amidst the chaos and fun, the underlying theme of unity and interconnectedness shines through, offering a respite from the cynicism of social disconnection.

As the video transitions into the post-chorus autumnal sections, viewers witness the serene beauty of dusk and sunset, signalling a moment of introspection for our protagonist. Here, amidst the fading light of the day, they reflect on recent experiences and contemplate the implications of their newfound interconnectedness. The juxtaposition of light and shadow prompts viewers to ponder the balance between safety and uncertainty in embracing this vivid interconnectivity.

With each cycle, our protagonist undergoes a transformation, evolving from a curious observer to a determined explorer of the interconnected world around him. As they delve deeper into this realm, their initial scepticism gives way to a sense of purpose and connection, guided by the ever-present motif of the full moon; a symbol of continuity and cyclical renewal. Throughout this journey, time becomes fluid, transcending conventional notions of age and linear progression.