Characters spring off the page in new children’s app ‘Two Left Feet’ by Adam Stower via Resin

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TWOLEFTFEETAPP_03-1024x576.jpgResin, an Australian animation and visual effects company is breathing new life into a beloved children’s book with the launch of Two Left Feet.

The app, based on the book by Adam Stower, is a modern day pop-up book that uses augmented reality technology to bring existing copies of the physical book to life with 3D animation and narration. It launches today for iPad, iPhone and iPod.

TWOLEFTFEETAPP_04-1024x576.jpgThe technology used in Two Left Feet could have a revolutionary effect on children’s bookshelves as it works with existing editions of books. Parents don’t need to buy a special copy.

 

Two Left Feet tells the story of Rufus, a monster who loves to dance despite his two left feet. It’s an uplifting tale about embracing and celebrating our differences and how everyone can find their perfect match. Written and illustrated by Adam Stower, the book is aimed at children four and up and was originally published in 2004.

 

When users of the Two Left Feet app point their device’s camera at the physical book, the characters and scenes are brought to life using 3D animation and narration on the screen, appearing as if they are in fact performing on the pages of the book. They can move their device around to explore the animation from any angle and up close providing a true 3D experience.

 

The app works with any existing edition of the book and users without the book can print out a special canvas to create the same effect and enjoy the full experience. It also includes a 2D mode featuring the book’s original illustrations combined with narration.

 

The developers, an animation and visual effects company based in Adelaide, Australia, developed the idea after optioning the book, Two Left Feet.  Their initial plan to translate the book into a 3D animated film was put on hold and the studio developed the concept for a new hybrid between interactive books and 3D animation to create the app. With the first book finished, they are now in discussions with publishers and authors to bring more books to life using the process they are calling boooKAPP.

 

TWOLEFTFEETAPP_06-1024x576.jpgSays Grant Lovering, creative director at Resin: “Because the boooKAPP technology works with existing editions of books there is a huge potential to apply the same process to other beloved stories that are already in millions of homes. My young children were mesmerised the first time they experienced Two Left Feet. It’s a new way for children and parents to experience and explore their favourite books together and use the technology in a really positive way.”

 

Says Stower: “I am a huge fan of animation and when I illustrated Two Left Feet I tried to give as much movement to the characters as possible. I am very excited to see this new app breathe life into Rufus and his friends. I hope it will bring lots of extra enjoyment to fans of Two Left Feet, and introduce many new readers to Rufus too.”

 

Two Left Feet will be available from August 28, 2013 on the App StoreSM on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. It is priced at AU$5.49 / US$4.99 / £2.99 / €4.49.