Credits:
Direction & Animation:  Giacomo Merchich
Totentanz Project by Andrea De Simeis
Music by Angelo Urso

When I first saw the Totentanz Machine, created by my friend Andrea, I was struck by the ingenuity and creativity embodied in this powerful, magical totem.

In conversation, I suggested creating a 3D model of it, which sparked an exciting collaboration between Andrea and me. Within a few weeks, I was already working on the model, and as the first forms took shape, it became clear that no detail could be overlooked, making the collaboration even more rewarding.

I meticulously recreated and assembled every component, approaching the digital simulation with an analog mindset to ensure that each element felt original and authentic. Andrea’s carousel engravings, inspired by the most renowned European macabre dances, resonate with the work of artists across disciplines—writers, musicians, directors, and performers alike.

For this presentation, I propose taking my Totentanz contribution on tour, offering an unusual perspective on the hidden, intimate mechanisms of this fascinating “musical box.” For the accompanying soundscape, I chose Angelo Urso’s double bass: its deep, solemn atmospheres perfectly complement the storytelling and the world of the Totentanz Machine.

WIP shots