The Sims 3 Team interviewed machinima artist Faalq in their latest edition of their Machinima Artist Spotlight.  Catch the questions, answers and of course, some of Faalq’s works below!

About the above video:  This machinima is a Sims 3 Remake of the PV (promotional video; music video) “Kokoro” (“Heart” in Japanese) by the vocaloid Rin Kagamine. This version is sung by Namakonyuruko though.

The video tells the story of a scientist that spends his entire life trying to find a “Heart” for his robot. You’ll know more about them as the video reaches the end.

I got inspired mainly by the song, but I had to see most of the fan made music videos because they explained the story behind the song too. I wanted this video to be really sad and full of emotions like the original PVs. The first time I watched a “Kokoro” fan video I cried haha.

What got you started in The Sims 3 machinima creation?

It’s kinda hard to remember, I just wanted another chance as a Machinima creator. At the time I made my first Sims 3 video I already took into account a couple of tips from some marvellous underrated Sims 2 Machinima creators. In fact, I used to create Sims 2 Machinimas when I was younger too. They weren’t good at all haha, but I still like them.

What programs/tools do you use to create your machinimas?

I use Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 9.0 for the edition, but I’m starting to get a lot of errors so I’m thinking of moving to Sony Vegas 9. I’m also trying to understand the magic behind Adobe After Effects, but I’m just really lazy.

About the above video:  This machinima follows the story of Eric. He’s the new guy at a school ruled by a group of bullies. There he meets Leni, a girl that will blow Eric’s mind.

The song is called “Leni” by Goodbooks.

I got inspired by the song, I came to it thanks to Crystal Castles’ remix of “Leni”. I wanted to create a story where the viewers would sympathize with the main characters. At least it worked for me, I really liked the relationship I portrayed in the video between the two characters.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Mostly from Music, I really LOVE music. Sometimes there’s a new song that suddenly interrupts my routine and I can’t get it out of my head until I plan something for it. Until then, a bunch of ideas comes to my mind and you can see me trying to write everything down. If you watch my videos you should notice that I have an undefined taste on music.  But then again, music is not where all my inspiration comes from. I also have in mind situations in real life and some uncompleted illogical parts from my dreams that my brain can remember.

Which of your videos are you most proud of?

I know this is going to sound a bit egotistical, but I’m proud of all my videos including the ones that aren’t good. There’s something special about all of them that makes me proud.

You have to be proud of your own creations because it’s something you have done with a lot of effort.  Anyway, If I had to choose I would pick my horror series called “Unforgivable”. It took a lot of my time last year. There was a moment I thought I wouldn’t make it, but I eventually finished it. I regret not putting voices in it though.

About the above video:  This machinima is a Sims 3 Remake of the PV (promotional video; music video) of one of the best break up songs ever in my opinion, “Just be Friends” by the vocaloid Luka Megurine.

Behind this surreal video and song there is a story about a couple that is ending their relationship. Even though the girl is singing, the lyrics are describing what the guy feels towards her. I think a lot of people might feel… like reflected in the story. It’s hard losing your other half.

I decided to make this video after discovering it, I felt the main characters’ pain. I have been working around 7 months on it ever since then photoshoping like crazy. I’m proud with the results.

Is there a specific theme that could be seen across all you’re the Sims 3 machinimas?

Hmm… Not really. You can find wide different themes in my machinimas.  For example, you can find contemplative or surreal machinimas such as ‘Swim’, ‘A Love Suicide’, ‘Bonne Justice’, ‘Just be Friends’, and ‘Unforgivable’. Even though there are no similarities between them, the reason I put them in this group is because of the way you can use your imagination to interpret things. Some people just want action. They want a background story that doesn’t require them to wonder ‘IF SO…’ or ‘MAYBE THAT…’. In short words, a completely understandable story like I showed in ‘Leni’, ‘Perfect Exceeder’, ‘Kokoro’, ‘Common Reaction’, etc.  It’s like in horror movies. Some people prefer Psychological Horror that are designed so that your imagination does the work, and the others prefer gore movies with monster popping out of everywhere.

Are you working on a new project? Tease us with details!

Yeah, I’m currently working on a mini-series called “Heartful”. I don’t want to spoil everything but It’s going to be a drama about a “writer to be” and his past.  I had to do researches about a lot of stuff to complete the story and make it as realistic as possible.  This time I’m planning to make it with voices so I’m really excited about this project. Hopefully it will turn out as good as I’ve been expecting.  Anyway, it’s going to take a while so I might still upload machinimas until Heartful is complete.

Artist info:
TS3 Username: Phantomhive
Website Link: http://www.youtube.com/user/faalq
Twitter: http://twitter.com/LePhantomhive
Youtube Link: http://www.youtube.com/user/faalq