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Command Z is based on the Apple computer's keyboard shortcut for "undoing" an action (in Windows it's Control + Z, but that's a bit too cumbersome for a lyric). Command Z poses the question what if you could undo an action in real life as easily as you can on a computer? Is it possible that we could still be in the Garden the Eden? Command Z premiered at the Museum of Modern Art in January, 2005, as part of their re-opening celebration of their 'Premieres' series to a large and enthusiastic audience (there were cries of "Encore" to be heard!) The idea for the film came in the late summer of 2003 and Candy Kugel came up with a set of lyrics. Longtime collaborator, composer Lanny Meyers, ran with the idea and created an infectiously catchy tune. Because of the comic nature of the song, Candy Kugel and Vincent Cafarelli pursued the New Yorker cartoonist, Lee Lorenz to see if he would consider designing the images for the piece. Lorenz's style seemed such a natural for animation, yet this was the first time his drawings have been animated. Veteran animator, Vincent Cafarelli, found it liberating to animate with Lorenz's fluid brush line and Candy Kugel, who created the storyboard, was delighted and surprised at Lorenz's interpretations of her sketches. It took a bit over a year to complete the film. Adding to Lanny Meyer's rich orchestration of Command Z, sound designer Richard Fairbanks filled out the sound track with silly sound effects. In order to keep true to Lorenz's brush ink and watercolor look, much care was taken to emulate that style digitally. Adobe's Photoshop and After Effects were proven to be versatile enough for the challenge. Rick Broas assisted at Buzzco and Marilyn Kraemer was executive producer.
Produced by: Buzzco Associates, Inc. Sound Studio: No Fat Studio
•Museum of Modern Art Premieres Series, New York, NY USA - Invited Command Z
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