Kristian Ferrell
The short animated film 'Dear Basketball' is a love letter to the sport from the late Kobe Bryant, who narrates the film. Directed and animated by Glen Keane, the film depicts Bryant's journey from shooting hoops as a child to becoming a professional basketball player. The film is based on a poem Bryant wrote for The Players' Tribune in 2015, announcing his retirement from the sport. 'Dear Basketball' won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2018, making Bryant the first African American to win an Oscar for this category.
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What You'll Learn
Kobe Bryant's love for basketball
Bryant's passion for basketball was evident throughout his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. He was driven by an unwavering dedication to the sport, a high threshold for pain, and an unconquerable spirit on and off the court. Even after retiring, Bryant remained involved in the game, mentoring young women in basketball and showing admiration for the current and future generations of players.
Bryant's love for basketball extended beyond the court. He was inspired by animated European films about sports and studied NBA games that his grandfather mailed him. He also worked as a ball and mop boy while his father played for Olimpia Basket Pistoia, practicing shooting at halftime. Bryant's dedication to the sport was such that he chose to go directly into the NBA at just 17 years old, forgoing the usual path of playing in college.
In "Dear Basketball", Bryant's retirement letter, and the subsequent film, he expresses his enduring love for the sport. He reflects on how basketball gave him his Laker dream and how he will always love it. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, a testament to the power of Bryant's love letter to the sport.
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The animation style
Keane, a veteran Disney animator, experimented with new techniques to bring the film to life. One notable aspect is the animation of sweat, where Keane used a separate sheet over the drawing with a soft layer of graphite. By converting iPhone pictures into negatives, he created the effect of sweat running down the character's face. This innovative use of technology added depth and emotion to the animation.
The film also incorporates depth and reality by including small details such as flashes of light from people's iPhones in the stands. The use of lighting and negative space enhances the overall animation style. Additionally, the film's message of pursuing one's dreams and never giving up is brought to life through the animation of Kobe Bryant's thoughts and actions.
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Glen Keane's direction
Glen Keane is a legendary animator, well-known for his work with Disney. In 2017, Keane directed and animated 'Dear Basketball', a short film written and narrated by basketball legend Kobe Bryant. The film is based on a letter Bryant wrote for 'The Players' Tribune' in 2015, announcing his retirement from basketball.
Keane's direction of 'Dear Basketball' is a testament to his mastery of animation and his ability to bring the poem to life. Keane worked closely with Bryant to develop the animated short film, with the two forming an unlikely artistic pair. Keane analysed hours of game footage, studying Bryant's mannerisms and tendencies during games, frame by frame. He also worked with Bryant to recreate scenes that were not captured on film, such as Bryant as a child, watching basketball games.
Keane's direction of the film also deviated from the clean lines of his previous work with Disney. 'Dear Basketball' has a rough, sketchy feel that celebrates the origins of animation. Keane experimented with new techniques, such as animating sweat by laying a separate sheet over the drawing with a soft layer of graphite, and taking pictures with his iPhone and turning them into negatives.
Keane's mentor, Ollie Johnston, advised him to "animate what the character is thinking", and this is evident in the film. Keane animates Kobe's thoughts through his actions, bringing the beauty and fluidity of motion to the project.
'Dear Basketball' premiered at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival and won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. The film is a powerful tribute to the sport and a collaboration between two legends in their respective fields.
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John Williams' music
Kobe Bryant's Oscar-winning short film "Dear Basketball" features music composed by the legendary John Williams. The film is a love letter to basketball and is based on a letter Bryant wrote for The Players' Tribune in 2015 to announce his retirement from the sport.
Williams, known for his work on films like "Star Wars", "E.T.", and "Indiana Jones", created a bittersweet melody that captures a range of emotions. The score is said to be elegant and emotional, perfectly complementing the narration and creating a touching message of love and loss.
Bryant and Williams first met in 2008 when Bryant sought leadership advice from Williams, drawing parallels between conducting an orchestra and leading a basketball team. Bryant has long been a fan of Williams' music, even using the "Imperial March" theme from "Star Wars" to mark his arrival at centre court when he returned to the Lakers in 2013.
The collaboration between Bryant and Williams on "Dear Basketball" premiered at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival and was later screened at the Hollywood Bowl, with Bryant narrating and Williams conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The film and its score earned Bryant, Williams, and animator Glen Keane the Best Animated Short Oscar in 2018.
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The film's message
The film 'Dear Basketball' is a love letter to the sport and a heartfelt goodbye to Kobe Bryant's career. The message of the film is a powerful and emotional one, as Bryant pours his heart out to the game that gave him so much. It is a tribute to the sport, but also a reflection on the journey of a young boy with big dreams.
The film carries a message of determination and passion, showing how a six-year-old boy with a dream can become a legend. It is an inspiring message to any child with a dream, to take it "step-by-step and never give up". It is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication, and how a person can achieve their wildest dreams.
The film also conveys a message of gratitude and appreciation for the game. Bryant acknowledges the role basketball played in shaping him, and he is thankful for the opportunities it presented. He accepts that it is time to move on, but he will always cherish the memories and the person he became because of the sport.
Additionally, the film highlights the importance of recognising when it is time to let go. Bryant acknowledges the physical toll the sport has taken on his body and accepts that it is time to retire. This message of self-awareness and acceptance is a powerful one, showing that even the greatest athletes must eventually say goodbye to their sport.
Overall, the film's message is a powerful and inspiring one, celebrating the beauty of dreams, hard work, and the sweet sadness of goodbye. It is a reminder to cherish our passions and to embrace the next chapter of life when the time comes.
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