'The Piano' FAQ

This Frequently Asked Questions section is to help address many of your questions regarding the music and the creation of the short film 'The Piano'. Thank you to all the students who have asked questions.

Special thanks to Telford Junior School and all its Year 5 students for the beautifully hand written letters and drawings, I keep them very close. I hope these answer your questions!

If your question has not been addressed here, please email me at: aidan@aidangibbons.com

 

1. What is the name of the song from 'The Piano'?

The music is composed by Yann Tiersen. The track is 'Comptine D'une Autre Ete' from the Amelie OST

2. Why did the Department of Education change the Music?

The Department of Education changed the music for legal licencing reasons. They did try their best to keep the music and every effort was made but it wasn't to be. The original version of the film can be found here

2. Do you have the sheet music for 'The Piano'?

Although I did in fact use the sheet music for creating the correct animation for the piano playing, I bought the official sheet music to use as reference. I am not sure if it is available freely online.

3. Why did you make 'The Piano'?

'The Piano' was a student project for my 2nd year of University. I was doing a BA(HONS) degree in Digital Animation, University of Hertfordshire (2002 - 2005)

4. How old were you when you made 'The Piano'?

I was 18 and made the film on my own. I made it between January 2003 - May 2003

5. What inspired you to create 'The Piano'

The music was a huge influence for me. At the time, I was trying to come up with ideas for my film project. I had happened to watch Amelie a few weeks before and Comptine D'une Autre Ete stuck in my head.

I played the song over and over and the story unfolded in front of me.

6. Is 'The Piano' about your own life?

No. My grandfather was in the Irish Army and lost his wife, so that was indeed an inspiration. However the story is not based on fact.

6. How did you make 'The Piano'?

'The Piano' is a 3d animated film. The method of creation is similar to how a feature lke 'Toy Story' or 'Ratatouille' is made, but on a much smaller scale!

7. Can you play the piano?

I can't play the piano. My sister can, however and she played the song for me. I recorded her playing and used that as core reference for animating the old man's hands.

8. Why is there no text or backgrounds?

I didn't feel the need for text because I wanted a universal film - something that can be enjoyed by all audiences. I didn't create lavish backgrounds/environments for a couple of reasons.

The main reason is that I wanted all the attention to be on the piano and the characters. Any other objects would have distracted from the story. Another reason was fpr practicality - there was strict deadline on the project.

9. Is the boy at the end of the story, the old man's grandson? Is the old man the army man?

Both are correct in my opinion. I have however heard other people's opinions which are very valid too. It is whatever you think/want it to be!

10. How/why does the ring swap hands?

I would be a very rich man if I received a penny for everything I have been asked this! This is a genuine mistake on my part, and to thia date I'm not sure how it jumped hands. Well done for noticing, I didnt!

11. Have you made any other films since 'The Piano'

Yes, and a completely different one at that. 'Diversion' (directed with Simon Reeves) can be found here: http://diversion-film.com

12. Has 'The Piano' been successful?

Im still gobsmacked at how successful this film has been. For the film to be shown at schools everday around the UK is astonishing and I couldn't ask for anymore. Im flattered by the letters and emails (especially from the students) and I hope this answers some questions.

The Piano has also been quite successful, being shown in many film festivals around the world.It is now ranked the 10th best animated film ever on Youtube with well over 1 million views and tens of thousands of comments.

 

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I will add more questions to this list if you have anymore. Again, thanks for watching the film and I hope I have answered most of your questions!

I will also upload any works of writing from students and teachers. I'll start by adding the charming accompaning text which Year 4 students wrote for 'The Piano' from Kenton Primar School - Click Here To Download