PROJECTS
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When the Smoke Clears
Director, Producer, Writer: Rebecca Shore Executive Director: Raphael Shore Supervising Writer: Fernanda Rossi Editor, Writer: Ryan Lifchitz Illustrations: Ari Binus Director of Photography: David Blumenfeld Art Director: Alex Meyler Animation Consultant: Eli Veffer Original Music: Nick Soole When the Smoke Clears: A Story of Brotherhood, Resilience and Hope tells the true stories of young Israeli soldiers whose injuries leave them fighting for the strength to live. Making breakthroughs and finding meaning by reaching out to those in need, they discover that what didn’t kill them really did make them stronger.The film shares the accounts of Gil, Ofer, and Elad – young war veterans whose unthinkable battle experiences leave them with life-altering mental and physical scars. Returning to society, their trauma disconnects them from all they once valued, turning their lives upside down. When all seems lost, a revolutionary idea gives them the hope, courage, tools and community to survive, and to embrace their identities as heroes both on and off the battlefield. Banding together in a family of wounded soldiers, they learn to face their obstacles together and discover that in conquering their pain, they might have more to offer than ever before. When the Smoke Clears follows this band of brothers during the darkest times of their lives, and proves that massive growth and healing can come through giving to others, transforming them into heroes in their own lives and in the lives of those around them. |
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The Institute
Directed by Pamela Romanowsky & James Franco Written by Adam Rager & Matt Rager Edited by Evan Ahlgren & Aaron I. Butler In a surprising departure from what might be considered my usual, I teamed up with Emmy award winning producer and editor Aaron I. Butler to create a title sequence for this horror movie he was editing. Ultimately the powers that be decided to do something different for the opening credits, but they were kind enough to still mention "Additional graphics by Ari Binus" in the end credits. Be prepared for somewhat disturbing imagery at the links below. FROM IMDb: “In 19th century Baltimore, a girl stricken with grief from her parents' untimely death voluntarily checks herself into the Rosewood Institute, and is subjected to bizarre and increasingly violent pseudo-scientific experiments in personality modification, brainwashing and mind control; she must escape the clutches of the Rosewood and exact her revenge.” I don’t actually have the final video version of the title sequence we settled on, but the one at this link (click here) is pretty close. It may take some time to load —it’s all I’ve got in files to show for it, though!
I pored over probably 10,000 public domain photographs to be considered for our selection process, and while doing so, I also happened to come across the music in this video —someone’s personal recording posted to YouTube... I honestly don’t even remember the link to the singer’s channel at this point. But the song is an old one from the time period of the film, and were we to actually use this title sequence for the film and the song along with it, our plan was to hire someone to create a similar recording. And at this link (click here) is an initial concept I worked up and put together as a suggestion of the style and feel of the opening credits, back when we were just starting to brainstorm at the very beginning of the title sequence project. We didn’t use this idea either, but I thought the idea was neat (and, yes, a little creepy —it’s all creepy). It was an interesting process to search for and select the music and images for this attempt as well. |
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Signal Bars (song from the soundtrack of the PS4 / XBox One / PC game Get Even)
Music by Olivier Deriviere Vocals by Fiona J Lyrics by Ari Binus The BAFTA award-winning soundtrack to the video game Get Even required a pop song for one of its game levels. The writing of the song called for certain ideas to be built in along with any rhyme and rhythm, so award-winning composer Olivier Deriviere and I discussed and brainstormed, and Signal Bars is the song I wrote to accompany his incredible music. |
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They Played for Their Lives
Produced and directed by Nurit Jugend Produced and co-directed by Aaron I. Butler Illustrations by Ari Binus Edited by Aaron I. Butler and Andrew Kimery Music is a universal language that has the power to express what cannot be told or explained in words. Music composed or performed during the Holocaust provided people with a semblance of emotional comfort and distraction from their horrific reality: “Music gave us so much, to escape even for a few moments to a 'normal' world,” explains Greta, a survivor from ghetto Terezin. Though they could not escape from their physical reality, “Music allowed us a complete disconnect and emotional escape from the daily life”. |
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Faithkeepers
Director: Micah Smith Producer/Writer: Paula Kweskin Research Director/Associate Producer: Zach Sicherman Illustrations: Ari Binus Senior Animator: Eli Veffer Junior Animator: Sivan Felder In the Middle East, the birthplace of Christianity, Christians and other minorities are being violently persecuted, driven out and wiped out. Even their places of worship are being destroyed. Faithkeepers is an upcoming documentary film that features exclusive footage and testimonials of Christians, Baha’i, Yazidis, Jews, and other minority refugees, as well as a historical context of the persecution in the region. |
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Harold video game cinematics (PC, Xbox One, XBox 360, PS3, PS4)
Developer & Publisher: Moon Spider Studio “As the guardian angel-in-training assigned to watch over Harold, you’re going to need a miracle to get him safely through a series of increasingly challenging obstacle courses in one piece. Shoot lightning, delay the other racers and move heaven and earth to give Harold the boost he needs to win!” During the production of the video game Harold, I had the pleasure of working with the people at Moon Spider while serving as scriptwriter for Harold’s trailer and its cinematics (movie-like cut scenes that progress the video game’s storyline between levels of gameplay). |
King David & Akavish the Spider by Sylvia Rouss
When a young shepherd boy aims a stone at a spider web, he little dreams it is the beginning of a lasting friendship, or that the small creature will one day save his life. Akavish the Spider makes a promise to David, which he keeps. But the greatest gift he gives is the knowledge that size and strength don't always win the day: by using your own special gift and your wits, anything is possible! It's a lesson for a king, and one that the future King of Israel will never forget...
When a young shepherd boy aims a stone at a spider web, he little dreams it is the beginning of a lasting friendship, or that the small creature will one day save his life. Akavish the Spider makes a promise to David, which he keeps. But the greatest gift he gives is the knowledge that size and strength don't always win the day: by using your own special gift and your wits, anything is possible! It's a lesson for a king, and one that the future King of Israel will never forget...
The Littlest Tree by Sylvia Rouss
This inspiring installment in the popular and award-winning, "The Littlest…" series by Sylvia Rouss proves that worth and character are not to be judged by outward appearances. The littlest tree in the forest triumphs as the villagers search for wood to build their new synagogue. While the sheer size and mocking attitudes of the massive trees surrounding our hero are daunting, he has faith and hope—plus a pure desire to be put to good use in the new synagogue.
This inspiring installment in the popular and award-winning, "The Littlest…" series by Sylvia Rouss proves that worth and character are not to be judged by outward appearances. The littlest tree in the forest triumphs as the villagers search for wood to build their new synagogue. While the sheer size and mocking attitudes of the massive trees surrounding our hero are daunting, he has faith and hope—plus a pure desire to be put to good use in the new synagogue.
Hayyim's Ghost by Eric A. Kimmel
A classic Jewish tale. Hayyim wakes up one morning only to find out that the entire town thinks he’s "gone to Heaven." But he’s still here! With the help of the Rabbi, Hayyim sets out to learn what really happened. A humorous "Kimmelesque" story that children and adults will enjoy. Eric A. Kimmel has written over 50 children’s books, winning The Caldecott and Children’s Choice awards, as well as The 2004 Storytelling World Award for The Brass Serpent and The National Jewish Book Finalist Award for Why the Snake Crawls on its Belly.
A classic Jewish tale. Hayyim wakes up one morning only to find out that the entire town thinks he’s "gone to Heaven." But he’s still here! With the help of the Rabbi, Hayyim sets out to learn what really happened. A humorous "Kimmelesque" story that children and adults will enjoy. Eric A. Kimmel has written over 50 children’s books, winning The Caldecott and Children’s Choice awards, as well as The 2004 Storytelling World Award for The Brass Serpent and The National Jewish Book Finalist Award for Why the Snake Crawls on its Belly.
Izzy Hagbah by J.J. Gross
The children in the synagogue listen wide-eyed to the tale of Izzy, King of the Hagbah, who was able to lift the Torah scroll more than 9 columns wide. Where Izzy came from, no one really knew, nor did he dress like everyone else when he came to synagogue. But one thing was certain: Izzy was driven by some mystical force to do the mitzvah of Hagbah like no one else in the world. As Izzy gets older, his strength begins to wane until, one day, something happens and the people in the synagogue witness a true miracle.
The children in the synagogue listen wide-eyed to the tale of Izzy, King of the Hagbah, who was able to lift the Torah scroll more than 9 columns wide. Where Izzy came from, no one really knew, nor did he dress like everyone else when he came to synagogue. But one thing was certain: Izzy was driven by some mystical force to do the mitzvah of Hagbah like no one else in the world. As Izzy gets older, his strength begins to wane until, one day, something happens and the people in the synagogue witness a true miracle.
Around the Shabbos Table by Seryl Berman
Did you ever watch children argue about where they want to sit - in the car, the classroom, or at the table? All are sure that one spot is the "best," so someone must settle for something less. Around the Shabbos Table demonstrates that there is always another way of looking at things.
The story starts one Friday night when Tova Leiba's brother is unhappy with his seat. Tova Leiba agrees to change places with him, as she is confident she can be happy there. And, thanks to her positive attitude, she does discover a hidden benefit to her new position at the table.
This happens again and again when Tova Leiba's other siblings want to switch, too! Find the advantage of each new seat as she makes her way... around the Shabbos table!
Winner of the 2010 Sydney Taylor Notable Books for Young Readers Award
Did you ever watch children argue about where they want to sit - in the car, the classroom, or at the table? All are sure that one spot is the "best," so someone must settle for something less. Around the Shabbos Table demonstrates that there is always another way of looking at things.
The story starts one Friday night when Tova Leiba's brother is unhappy with his seat. Tova Leiba agrees to change places with him, as she is confident she can be happy there. And, thanks to her positive attitude, she does discover a hidden benefit to her new position at the table.
This happens again and again when Tova Leiba's other siblings want to switch, too! Find the advantage of each new seat as she makes her way... around the Shabbos table!
Winner of the 2010 Sydney Taylor Notable Books for Young Readers Award
