The Super 8 Video LP
(DVD Video)

No Message / Complex World -- film by Nicholas Nedelkopoulos Butane -- film by Ben Ryan No Rest For The Wicked -- film by Tony Woods Save Your Breath -- film by Stu Thomas Monkeyface -- film by Minh Ly Truthbender -- film by Louise Curham Irony -- film by Shane Lyons Combination -- film by Christos Linou Pendulum -- film by Victoria Armytage Long Blue Shadows -- film by Travis Dean That's The Law -- film by Rad Rudd Schoolyard Bully -- film by Joe Robinson No Vacancy -- film by Melanie El Mir Call From Detroit -- film by Phaedra Press Nitespot -- film by Perry Laird Spin Cycle -- film by Stu Thomas

Released March 2007 on The Brass Bed's own label Bar Hum Bug. It was conceived to be the visual companion to The Brass Bed's "Save Your Breath" album of 2001.

This project began in 2002, with an open call to the pool of underground filmakers which was the Melbourne Super 8 Film Group (This group is now defunct; it morphed into the Moving Image Coalition, a loose collective of enthusiasts now, rather than an organisation). Around 1999 Stu Thomas involved himself with this group because of a mutual love of short film-making and the medium of Super 8. Also, he wanted to filter The Brass Bed's music through a filmic portal and the band played at quite a few live film events, often in a darkened theatre whilst films were projected, providing a spontaneous soundtrack. Stu got inspired to rope in this collective talent for a project beyond the confines of the band or the film group.

So, why did it take so long?

After 15 film-makers had agreed to be involved, they were given a song each from the album to freely interpret, but they were asked to strictly use Super 8 film, which was provided to them. A deadline was imposed on the whole thing (which, in the end was stretched beyond recognition). They all worked for free, some were quick and some took their time (years in some cases). Stu kept the project bouyant, keeping track of the filmakers thru house-shifts, false starts, work commitments and other brick walls. Stu provided, helped, pep-talked & pushed a little when required.

Until, finally, all the films were complete. Stu then undertook the long processes of getting the film processed, transferring each film to miniDV (via Rotascope), then into a computer for editing, another elongated process [made longer by Stu recording and releasing his first album, gigging, touring Europe 3 times (twice with Kim Salmon), working days, joining Dave Graney's band, touring Australia, buying a house, moving, changing jobs....that's why it took so long].

Technology took a leap during the project's gestation, and so did Stu's knowledge curve of video editing. It's turned out to be an interesting DVD, featuring every filmaker's quirks, obsessions and Super 8 trickery. There's scratching of film, bleaching of film, cutting/pasting, colouring, general abuse of film, but also a respect for Super 8 and it's qualities. With a lot of careful manipulation by all the directors, the vision fits the sound and vice versa. The synchronicity of chance has won again. Risks were taken. The dice was thrown at the start and there was no doubt they would land right.

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