In 2006, as the legendary rock band Oasis prepared to release their best-of collection, “Stop the Clocks,” they sought something more than just another music video. What emerged was an animated masterpiece that not only promoted their retrospective album but, for many, fundamentally shifted their perception of a band whose trajectory they might have thought they had fully charted. This captivating piece, a visual feast accompanying their iconic track “The Masterplan,” proved to be a powerful artistic intervention, rekindling interest and reminding audiences of the band’s profound depth.
A Rapidly Crafted Gem from Across the Irish Sea
The genesis of this pivotal music video was a remarkable sprint of creativity. The entire project was undertaken by the talented Irish company, Brown Bag Films, renowned for their animation prowess. In an incredibly tight turnaround, they managed to complete the intricate animated narrative in a mere six weeks. This rapid production schedule underscores the dedication and efficiency of the Dublin-based studio, which brought the vision to life with stunning precision and emotional resonance. The collaboration extended to the directorial helm, where Ben Jones and Greg Fay, representing the esteemed London-based production company Partizan, guided the artistic direction. Their combined expertise helped shape a narrative that transcended typical music video fare, creating something truly beautiful and moving.
The Artistry Behind the Reappraisal
The sheer scale of the animation effort for “The Masterplan” video is staggering. It was composed of approximately 6,500 individual drawings, each meticulously crafted to contribute to the fluid and evocative storytelling. This immense commitment to hand-drawn artistry lent the video a timeless quality, setting it apart from more conventional productions of its era. The detail and depth embedded in every frame spoke volumes, transforming a beloved song into a profound visual journey. It was a clear demonstration that animation could be a powerful medium for emotional storytelling, not just light entertainment.
Its official premiere was a significant event in itself, gracing the airwaves of TOTP2 on BBC Two, a staple music television program in the United Kingdom. This high-profile debut ensured that the video reached a vast audience, allowing its poignant message and exquisite artistry to resonate widely. For many, including those who had perhaps grown weary or detached from Oasis’s output over the years, this visual interpretation served as a compelling invitation to listen anew. The immediate impact made the video a trending topic among music enthusiasts and critics alike, generating considerable news and discussion.
Reinvigorating a Legacy
More than just a promotional tool for “Stop the Clocks,” the animated video for “The Masterplan” acted as a critical artistic statement. It was described by many as a beautiful and moving piece of art in its own right—a testament not only to the animators and directors but also to the enduring power of Oasis’s music. The visual narrative provided a fresh lens through which to appreciate the song’s lyrical depth and emotional grandeur, prompting a reappraisal of the band’s catalogue and legacy.
At a time when the music industry was experiencing significant shifts, with the rise of digital platforms eventually leading to widespread streaming, music videos retained their crucial role, especially on traditional television. This particular video proved how a creative partnership could elevate a band’s standing and reconnect them with an audience, both old and new. It underscored the enduring power of visual storytelling in popular music, reaffirming that well-executed artistic ventures can breathe new life into established acts. The animated short became more than just a companion piece; it became an integral part of how “The Masterplan” and, by extension, Oasis itself, would be remembered and rediscovered by generations of fans.
Lasting Impact
The “Masterplan” video stands as a powerful example of how creative collaboration can redefine an audience’s connection to a band. Created with remarkable speed and meticulous detail, the 2006 animation by Brown Bag Films, under the direction of Ben Jones and Greg Fay of Partizan, not only fulfilled its purpose of promoting “Stop the Clocks” but transcended it. It became a piece of art that encouraged a fresh look at Oasis, solidifying its place not just in the band’s history, but in the broader landscape of music video artistry within the united kingdom and beyond. It is a lasting reminder of the unexpected ways art can move us and prompt a profound re-evaluation of what we thought we knew.
