One of the four Shynola founders suddenly passed away at age 33. Terrible news. I heard this via the tribute on David O´Reilly's site.

Most of their videos are archived at The Directors Beureau, RSA/Black Dog. Always good to revisit Shynola's work, and I urge anyone unfamiliar to have a look. An immensely inspiring operation, showing personality and ingenuity trumping the usual constraints.

Does anyone know of pieces more specific to him that should be highlighted?

More regards written in the comments...

         

I too just read about this, and it broke my heart.. To me Shynola have always been in a rare league of their own, sort of the Michel Gondry's of animation. Always pushing the envelope like no one else, often with insane amounts of fun, other times in a purely poetic way. Can't tell you how many times I've rewatched those amazing videos, and will continue to do so - they always crack me up! Even though I didn't know you Gideon, the joy, inspiration and amazement you and shynola have brought through your works has affected me deeply.

         

very sad - Shynola fell into that rare category of directors who don't work super often, but when they do they make amazing stuff. My favorite will always be "Move Your Feet."

anyone know what happened?

         

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an immense talent and an extremely generous soul who seemed to see beauty and humour everywhere, and which lives on in his work. forever grateful.

         

i'm sorry to hear that i loved the littlest robo

         

More quicktimes at RSA/Black Dog

         

More from Promo News: "The circumstances surrounding Gideon’s death are still unclear, but they appear to be connected to him suffering an accidental blow to the head earlier in the day on Saturday."

         

naj - your choice of screencap is beautifully poignant (great to imagine gideon linger just a moment at the embankment - and then hop up and merrily off into the great beyond...), and, for myself, uncanny: it was the beauty of "is a woman" (which i came across on a shots shynola anthology, i believe) that got me so hooked into the loop here...

         

I am deeply saddened. I worked with Gideon (and Kenny, Chris, Jason) from the very first, from Grooverider to sitting in Clear watching the awesomeness of Go With The Flow. The bond they had between them was incredible on a creative level with innate understanding of each other, and the ability to totally rip the piss out of themselves and anyone else within range. But they could, because they were and are special. Every video was a delight, not just the incredible execution but the idea that fizzed out of every seam. And Gideon was a powerful part of that.

Gideon, I salute you, and my heart goes out to Kenny, Chris and Jason.

Tobe.

         

I can recall exactly returning home late at night from a prolonged film school shoot - the kind that makes you want to give up on the whole thing - and flipping on Channel 4 to tune into another episode of Mirrorball, which was my first exposure to Shynola's work.

That was the first time I glimpsed a collective at work, and I recall footage of the digs they shared, and how inspiring that was to see a group working so selflessly together. It seemed like most ideal situation a filmmaker could ever find - the ability to do it with friends and to create unparalleled work. After watching that I had no doubts that filmmaking can offer one the life of kings.

And the work, god, I still think Shynola's work to this day is underrated. The things I had to do to get a copy of their reel, which i still treasure to this day.

Again, I'm filled with a peculiar sadness this year that I'll never see another glimpse of this man's imagination. Cheers for sharing, Mister Baws. Rest in peace.

         

unbelievably tragic.

         

In addition to being a member of such a hugely talented and influencial directing team, he was a truly nice guy. Our thoughts are with his family and friends in the face of such an unexpected tragedy. 33 is so young... Be careful out there everyone.

         

My heart goes out to his family, friends and collaborators. His work as part of the Shynola collective is truly inspiring and always will be. Such a sad loss at a young age, much love.

         

Update on Gideon's passing, from Flux:

From PromoNews “Gideon, 33, died on Saturday night in Los Angeles, where he was attending a wedding together with Shynola colleague Richard Kenworthy and his wife.”

While Promo said Gideon’s death could be attributed to a head injury, in fact there may be no direct cause.

         

gideon was a one off original - that rare thing of huge talent, generosity of spirit, enormous fun and a totally nice man. the world needs more souls like him and his loss has robbed us off someone very special who was loved by so many. my thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and shynola. i was lucky to have know him and the guys early in their careers and see their work rightly reach stellar acclaim. the great work lives on and so does his remarkable spirit. may it burn bright in all our memories. he will never be forgotten. from us all at onedotzero past and present it was an honour to have known and spent time in his company.

         

Gideon Baws' hometown's local paper speaks with his family. Very sad, sounds like it came out of nowhere.