I’m here with Alice Bibette, of DeepSheep Studio. I bet, if you are a follower, you will be in deep sheep. And if you’re not, uh you’re going to see one of the most creative uses of animation in a music video that might just wow your socks off. The influence of Studio Ghibli on modern animation is undeniable. Its whimsical storytelling and breathtaking visuals have left a lasting imprint on the industry. But for French animator Bibette inspiration isn’t always so clear-cut.
“Well, yeah, of course, Studio Ghibli is so ingrained in our overall consciousness,” she admits with a thoughtful pause. “There must be some inspiration from it, but honestly? I just had fun making this. I don’t really know where it comes from.”
Her journey into animation wasn’t conventional. “I’m from France,” she explains, “but I studied in the UK. My first job was at a small animation studio, doing projects for places like Tate Britain and Cambridge City. It was more on the communication side of things. Then I landed a job with Al Jazeera in Qatar, where I started making animated documentaries. That opened the door to working with French and UK television.”
Documentaries eventually led to music videos—a new avenue to explore her personal style. “I just wanted to experiment more,” she says. “So, I started working on music videos, seeing where that would take me.”
“So where are you based now?” I ask. “France, the UK, or a mix of both?”
“Both,” she replies with a small laugh. “Not in a major city, though—not Paris. It’s nice to travel, find briefs in London or Paris, and then return home to just… draw in a quiet town. I like that balance.”
Her latest project is an animated music video for the band Nubiyan Twist, featuring Nile Rodgers. But how did this come about I wondered.
“The label reached out to me, wanting a music video for the song. I instantly loved it,” they recall. “I listened to the lyrics, got a few ideas, sent them over, and it was just… an instant artistic connection. The band loved everything. They basically let me do whatever I wanted.”
One fascinating detail about Lights Out is how its story serendipitously aligned with the title of Nubiyan Twist’s album. “In the video, the cat is playing with a little ball, almost bullying it, but then we realize there’s fire inside,” Alice describes. “The story revolves around this idea of discovering your inner flame.”
She chuckles, recalling an amusing revelation. “I had already finished the entire storyline before I found out the album was called Find Your Flame. I had no idea beforehand—it was just pure intuition.”
It’s a process that feels strikingly similar to songwriting. “I used to write lyrics,” I mention. “I still write poetry for orchestras. It feels like the same creative spark—you hear something, feel something, and then translate that into an artistic form.”
“Exactly,” Alice agrees. “It’s all about sensations. This song, in particular, is about confidence—the back-and-forth between feeling self-assured and doubting yourself. That’s why I chose this idea of a cat chasing a bull, almost tormenting it, but in the end, they find harmony after overcoming obstacles.”
“It’s the human condition,” I muse. “Conflict—whether mental, emotional, or just playful.”
“Yeah,” they nod. “Though, you know, cats can be a little less than playful sometimes.”
The Video
Alice Bibette’s music video debut for the lead single from the 2024 sun-drenched album Find Your Flame “Lights Out” examines the concept of awakening one’s true self. The beautifully vibrant and textural film follows a cat and… a flame that, diminished by a hostile world, ignites into a humanoid figure. The pair go on a magical journey together. It starts with a cat playing with a bouncing ball in a desolate landscape, filling the inert space with playful fun, when the ball suddenly escapes. Driven by an irresistible desire for freedom, the ball is propelled towards a mountaintop where the flame dances. After jumping from the summit, the ball unexpectedly transforms, sprouting arms and legs into a humanoid. Now capable of running, flying, and jumping, the humanoid discovers its abilities as it courageously explores a dazzling world with the cat by its side. Each moment is filled with the promise of adventure. It embodies two voices that resonate within the human mind: one, full of confidence, urging action, and the other, woven with doubts and insecurity, holding the soul back. These voices confront each other, then intertwine – and in this duality discover their freedom.
In my opinion, she is one of the more creative video artists that I have seen in a long, long time. I wanted Alice to tell me a little bit about her process which is old-fashioned. She is committed to hand-drawn animation. It is the most striking aspect of Lights Out. This technique has become increasingly rare in the animation world. “This music video is completely traditional,” Alice explains. “No 3D, no shortcuts.”
I ask if that makes the process more expensive and time-consuming.
“Yeah, it takes a while,” she admits. “But it’s a very meditative process. You don’t see much of this style anymore because it’s considered old-school, but I mix in modern techniques, like digital tablets, to keep it practical.”
Her commitment to this technique is unwavering. “It’s my signature,” she says. “Every frame feels unique, like there’s a piece of myself in every drawing. It’s not overly polished or digital, and that’s what makes it special. Even though it’s time-consuming, I’m committed to keeping this art form alive.”
What’s Next
With Lights Out making waves, Alice is eager for her next project. “I’d love to work on another music video,” she says. “Maybe something in indie rock or Indian rock—I’m open to new directions.”
As she continues to explore possibilities, one thing is certain: Alice Bibette is keeping the art of hand-drawn animation alive, one beautifully crafted frame at a time.
For those attending SXSW, Lights Out is a must-see in the Music Video Program. Beyond its stunning animation, it encapsulates the universal human experience—self-doubt, ambition, and the beauty of transformation.
“Lights Out” by Nubiyan Twist featuring Nile Rodgers https://m.imdb.com/title/tt35543216/mediaviewer/rm1447596290/?ref_=tt_ov_i
Presented by deepsheep and Strut Record
Running Time: 3 mins
Director: Alice Bibette
Producer: Rob Rogan
Website & Screener