Ben Treat Interview
Q. You describe your work as 'internet candy.' What does that phrase mean to you, and how do you want people to feel when they consume your creations?
Internet candy to me, are videos that simply bring joy and can be consumed by anyone! Videos where you just can't get enough and you want to share with your friends, that's what I aspire to create.
Q. Frantic Frames plays with speed, chaos, and delight. What first drew you to this style of visual storytelling, and how did it evolve into your signature?
I think this became my style over time, I found it naturally because it is what I like to consume, I like fast paced chaos, even in my lifestyle so I try to bring that same excitement to my work and that became my type of visual storytelling!
Q. The internet is full of noise, yet your content cuts through with immediacy. Do you design with virality in mind, or do you focus more on personal creative instinct?
I'm of two minds on the internet as I think authenticity is so important, impact and meaning are deeply human while creating and I also know what can cut through the noise, so I like to use both when I can to make something that has an impact that actually makes it to people. Sometimes I have to do one for myself and one for the world to keep a healthy balance.
Q. Many of your videos feel like tiny explosions of energy. What’s the process behind creating something that looks effortless but clearly requires craft?
I think the process exists as a bit of an explosion of energy! Some of my favorite animations were created frantically out of a sense of urgency to express an idea I am excited about! I often burn out of that energy mid way through creating and have to fall back heavily on craft to actually make something last to the finish line.
Q. The name 'Frantic Frames' itself suggests motion and frenzy. How do you balance that chaotic energy with clarity, so the story still lands?
Story should always be King in communicating, I let the idea always lead and I like to frantically create into the gaps of an idea to make it feel full!
Q. Your work often blurs the line between art, meme, and experiment. Where do you see yourself on that spectrum, and does the label even matter to you?
I think at one point the label did matter to me, nowadays I prioritize what is sustainable and finding an Identity that most aligns with me so I can keep expressing in the future.
Q. You’ve collaborated and reached audiences far beyond a niche. What’s the most surprising reaction you’ve gotten to your work so far?
I love seeing how people interact with what I create, my favorite is hearing from people who know me in person and understanding how they experienced what I created, it's always such a joy to be perceived and create any form of impact.
Q. And for fun, if you could turn any everyday object into a piece of 'internet candy,' what would it be and how would you remix it?
I think there are certain objects with endless story potential, such as Bananas, such a classic image with so much whimsy behind it. I would let a banana be a creature the way it should be as nature truly intended!
Bio:
Ben Treat, the visual artist behind the TikTok channel Frantic Frames, is a stop motion animator, working on projects for brands such as Toyota, Irish Spring, Adobe, Netflix and Samsung. While stop-motion has existed on the internet since its inception, Treat creates animations that are purposefully intricate, involving fluid, complicated movement. Ben aims to push the boundaries of practical animation and inspire people along the way.
Interviewed by - Divya Darshni
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