The Hound Of Heaven
[su_workflank client=”Emblem Media” disciplines=”Video Production Motion Graphics Sound Design” creationdate=”September 2014″]The Hound Of Heaven[/su_workflank]Oculus Studios, in partnership with Producer/Writer, Greg Bandy had the great pleasure to create a fascinating documentary about the groundbreaking poet of the late 19th century, Francis Thompson, and his masterpiece “The Hound of Heaven.”
This compelling biography follows the redemptive journey of a man who went from drug addiction in London’s seedy alleys, to write what many consider one of the greatest poems in Christendom. G. K. Chesterton and J. R. R. Tolkien were among those who wrote admiringly of his poetic talent, as well as his influence on their own writing.
The story Francis Thompson tells his classic poem The Hound of Heaven in a haunting story of dreams with a yearning we do not fully understand. Something comes through the poem into our own lives, kindling a desire we cannot quite put our finger on…
C. S. Lewis once wrote that stories have a unique knack of getting under our skin and hitting us at a deeper level than our thoughts. They can strengthen old certainties and open doors we thought were locked. Stories have the power to express the inexpressible and provide answers to questions that can be answered in no other way. Stories-whether told in word, picture, song or verse-have the ability to satisfy a deep longing in each of us.
Francis Thompson was born in Northwest England in 1859. The son of Catholic converts, as a boy he was initially educated for the priesthood. When he was 18, at his parents’ insistence, he entered Owens College in Manchester to follow in his father’s footsteps and study medicine. But before long, he left for London hoping to pursue what he believed was his true vocation of being a writer. As a result of ill health and subsequent medical treatment, like many before him, Thompson became addicted to opium. He soon fell into a life of despair and destitution, sleeping on the banks of the Thames with London’s homeless and selling matches just to stay alive
Yet it was during this time, in the midst of all his hunger, deprivation and hopelessness, that he was most able to see the kingdom of Heaven. These devastating experiences honed his poetic focus and insights. In 1888, Thompson sent a tattered and torn manuscript to the Catholic periodical Merry England. Its editors, Wilfrid and Alice Meynell, devout Christians themselves, not only recognized Thompson’s poetic ability, they took him under their care and gave him a home. They also arranged for the publication of his first book in 1893, simply titled Poems, which included The Hound of Heaven. The poem was immediately recognized as a masterpiece.
Thompson spent the years from 1893-1897 nursing his frail health in a monastery in Wales. He died of tuberculosis on November 13, 1907. He was 47. After his death, Alice Meynell wrote that no change in poetic tastes in the years to come could ever “lessen the height or diminish the greatness” of Thompson’s profound accomplishment. In his eulogy for Thompson, G. K. Chesterton simply concluded: “He was a great poet.” Among those who would be influenced by Thompson was the young J. R. R. Tolkien, who purchased a volume of Thompson’s works in 1913, and later claimed that it had played an important role in his own writing.
60 Second Preview
Commonwealth CU St. Matthews
[su_workflank client=”Commonwealth Credit Union” disciplines=”Original Copywriting Motion Graphics Radio Production Sound Design” creationdate=”September 2014″]CCUKY.org[/su_workflank]Oculus Studios was hired to develop a motion graphics TV commercial and radio spot to celebrate Commonwealth Credit Union’s brand new location in Louisville, Kentucky. Featuring an original script, hand built art, custom animations and a detailed sound effects mix, this production aims to spark interest and excitement with it’s playful and energetic marketing style.
Veteran Nation
[su_workflank client=”ColdWater Media” disciplines=”Video” creationdate=”February 2013″]ColdWater Media[/su_workflank]ColdWater Media reached out to Oculus for editing and post production aspects of this award winning documentary. We were honored to be a part of such an important piece and help show our thanks to those who serve our country.
“Veteran Nation” is an award-winning, 30-minute documentary on the experience of how America has treated Its veterans and their families from Bunker Hill to Baghdad; the challenges facing this generation; and how the American people can best serve those who served. The goal of the film is to inspire all of us to give back to those who gave their all. Veteran Nation was an official selection of the 2013 GI Film Festival.
The Military Channel also presented the documentary “Veteran Nation” its award for the festival which best represented the mission and values of the cable-televison network.
We encourage you to check out ColdWater Media for more information about the project and how to support vets.
UKFCU: FREE TV Commercial
[su_workflank client=”University Of Kentucky Federal Credit Union” disciplines=”Video Production Original Copywriting Motion Graphics Composed Music” creationdate=”July 2014″]uky.edu/UKFCU[/su_workflank]UK Federal Credit Union contacted Oculus for help with promoting their new FREE Checking accounts. With gorgeous Kentucky imagery, top-notch video production, motion graphics and custom music the final piece helps people reflect on simpler times and fun summers in the sun.
UKFCU: Better Your Loan TV Commercial
[su_workflank client=”University Of Kentucky Federal Credit Union” disciplines=”Video Production Original Copywriting Motion Graphics Composed Music” creationdate=”May 2014″]uky.edu/UKFCU[/su_workflank]Oculus Studios was hired to create a fresh marketing campaign for UK Federal Credit Union that features warm, beautiful images with custom written and composed music bringing a fun and relevant face to auto refinancing.
Cegelka For Council Campaign
[su_workflank client=”Cegelka For Council” disciplines=”Video Production Original Copywriting Brand Management Motion Graphics ” creationdate=”May 2014″]CegelkaForCouncil.com[/su_workflank]Oculus Studios was hired to create a bold and memorable brand for the 2014 Cegelka For Council team. By breaking the mold with a round yard sign, and blue/green color combinations, Oculus aimed to bring Cegelka to the front of the pack going against two incumbents and a seven-time councilman.
Along with branding, the Oculus marketing team created a concise 30 second spot as a springboard into what Bill is passionate about and what drives his political stances.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions and views expressed in this advertisement do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of Oculus Studios.
Commonwealth CU On-Site Car Sale 2014
[su_workflank client=”Commonwealth Credit Union” disciplines=”Original Copywriting Motion Graphics Sound Design Radio Production” creationdate=”April 2014″]CCUKY.org[/su_workflank]Oculus Studios was hired to develop a brand new TV commercial and radio ad to celebrate Commonwealth Credit Union’s 26th Annual On-Site Car Sale. Featuring an original script, hand built art, custom animations and a custom sound effects mix, this ad aims to spark interest in the event with it’s playful and energetic marketing style.
[su_sound_cloud_audio]144293471[/su_sound_cloud_audio]Commonwealth CU Superbowl Ad
[su_workflank client=”Commonwealth Credit Union” disciplines=”Original Copywriting Motion Graphics Sound Design Radio Production” creationdate=”January 2014″]CCUKY.org[/su_workflank]Oculus Studios was hired to develop a brand new TV commercial and radio ad for Commonwealth Credit Union to kick off the new year with a bang. This ad debuted during the 2014 Superbowl, and aims to raise awareness of CCU’s different approach to banking. The final ad features an original script, hand built art, custom animations and a custom sound effects mix.
If you’re interested in the process, you can read about what went into the sound effects mix HERE.
[su_sound_cloud_audio]132577230[/su_sound_cloud_audio]Pillsbury’s “Fresh & Easy” Campaign
[su_workflank client=”Pillsbury” disciplines=”Video Production” creationdate=”June 2013″]Pillsbury.com[/su_workflank]Pillsbury, in partnership with Serious Eats, looked to Oculus to conceptualize and create a new online video marketing campaign to promote Pillsbury products from a savory point of view. With the advertising quality being held to the utmost standards, Oculus delivered over 10 separate videos featuring original recipes by Lexington’s very own Food Network Chef: Brigitte Nguyen. Brigitte demonstrates how to turn a few simple ingredients and Pillsbury products into fresh, fun appetizers and meals.
More Than A Name Ad Campaign
[su_workflank client=”University Of Kentucky Federal Credit Union” disciplines=”Video Production Original Copywriting Motion Graphics Radio Production” creationdate=”July 2013″]uky.edu/UKFCU[/su_workflank]Oculus Studios was hired to conceptualize and create a new voice for the University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union for the modern generation. Featuring an original script, custom music based off notes in “My Old Kentucky Home,” and shots taken throughout Summer, this ad campaign features images all across the majestic Bluegrass. It aims to speak straight to the heart of hard-working Kentuckians that make up this wonderful state.
Read more about how this campaign was made in our blog HERE.
[su_sound_cloud_audio]108979871[/su_sound_cloud_audio] [su_sound_cloud_audio]129845331[/su_sound_cloud_audio]