BREAKING BOUNDARIES: EXPLORING ATRIUM'S REVOLUTION IN NFT IPS
In the past, we’ve cherished animated classics like The Simpsons, Rick and Morty, and South Park.
Today, a fresh wave of animated series surfaces, created using intellectual properties (IP) from non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Despite mainstream media claims of “NFTs being dead” and common misconceptions about them as mere JPEGs, NFTs possess untapped potential, serving as IPs for Web2 products, particularly in animated series, as we’ll explore in this article in our exclusive interview with Atrium’s Head of Community, Anaroth.
ATRIUM’S VISION AND GROWTH
Atrium stands as a network of independent Web3 artists and creators, dedicated to bringing stories to life through NFTs and blockchain technologies.
Founded by Supriyo Roy and Scott Lewis, Atrium aims to democratize animation, providing an alternative model for animators and creators.
Anaroth highlights the shift from the traditional studio mentality to a decentralized production platform, fostering self-sovereignty and accessibility for creators.
"You hear about the ‘cog in the machine’ mentality that exists within many studios, but until Atrium existed, there wasn’t a good liaison for an artist to step away from the defined industry and into something new."
PIONEERING COLLABORATIONS AND INNOVATIONS
Over the years, Atrium has grown from a close-knit collective of artists into a formidable production entity, rivaling even the most esteemed AAA content creators.
Anaroth fondly recalls the humble beginnings of Atrium, akin to many crypto teams, where a handful of passionate individuals embarked on a shared journey.
“Supriyo Roy knew having an experienced animator from the beginning would allow us to have a strong foundation,” says Anaroth.
Lets make a movie!!! Congrats to the whole @AtriumNft team and @nounsdao! The Nouns Movie proposal just passed!! 📽️🥳 pic.twitter.com/vsDhbRUbQw
— 3D Print Guy (@3D_PrintGuy) March 11, 2023
The key moment arrived with the arrival of 3D Print Guy, who assumed the role of Creative Director, infusing Atrium with fresh perspectives and guiding its evolution.
Among Atrium’s standout achievements is the creation of MeetQuack, a charming animated series starring the lovable ducklings Quack & Lola.
Quack and his iconic Nouns glasses just got past 1M followers on Instagram.
— maria (@MariaShen) February 20, 2024
Bella Hadid liked half the posts. Friends have sent me reels without knowing anything about NFTs.
Congratulations to the team behind the page @AtriumNft 🐥🐥 https://t.co/dFnS8ypHMW pic.twitter.com/au7NJUDI2b
With a substantial following of 1.6 million on Instagram, MeetQuack showcases Atrium’s creativity and rising influence in the animation world.
Meet the Quacks:
— Atrium (@AtriumNft) February 13, 2024
Kicked off by Atrium 8 months ago with a goal to make a brand new IP built on top of Nouns primitive ⌐◨-◨.
Some numbers at a glance
- 160mil views on the most viral piece of content
- 98mil accounts reached in last 90 days
- 200% growth in the last 1 week pic.twitter.com/f406QGpXr8
CULTURAL IMPACT AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
Atrium’s collaboration with Nouns DAO stands as one of its notable achievements, marked by the creation of the first-ever animated film funded by a DAO, titled “The Rise of Blus: A Nouns Movie”.
Anaroth, with evident enthusiasm, shares insights into the impressive project’s progress. “The journey of this film has been truly extraordinary,” he comments.
“From completing the pilot in a mere 90 days, covering scriptwriting, character development, casting, voice acting, modeling, and animation, every step has been filled with dedication and creativity.”
A new era begins. Part 2 out now. pic.twitter.com/OtntP1YcBQ
— The Rise Of Blus - A Nouns Movie ⌐◨-◨ (@nounsmovie) November 15, 2023
Reflecting on its response, Anaroth adds, “While the reception for the first episode was positive, the second episode truly captivated audiences in a new way.
“We are eager to unveil the next 12 minutes of content in April and more throughout the rest of 2024.”
Anaroth also shares their aspirations for the film’s future, expressing hopes for nominations in prestigious festivals like the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
CULTURAL RELEVANCE IN IP CREATION
The world of NFTs can seem intricate, but within Atrium’s framework, Anaroth simplifies the concept, suggesting that we view the NFT IP they’re creating just as intellectual property.
“NFTs provide a new avenue for distribution and access,” he explains, “but the heart of any IP lies in its ability to resonate culturally. Compelling storytelling, relatable characters, and consistent engagement are the core elements of building IP.”
In 2023, the highly anticipated “Krapopolis”, a brainchild of Dan Harmon, co-creator of “Rick and Morty”, made its debut on FOX. But this wasn’t just another animated series, it was a groundbreaking experiment in fan engagement.
The show’s direction would be influenced by owners of the Krapopolis Krap Chicken NFT, granting them voting rights on show components, exclusive access to content, gamified experiences, and even real-world events with the cast.
Around the same time, “The Simpsons” aired an episode centered on NFTs, signaling a growing cultural awareness of this emerging technology.
Anaroth emphasizes the importance of making TV shows based on NFT IPs culturally relevant.
He argues that DAOs and chains need to adopt this approach to raise awareness and encourage adoption.
"I believe the broader vision within Web3 entails not only content creation limited to Web2 streaming and distribution but also the eventual development of a native Web3 distribution platform. There are certainly individuals working on this goal currently."
LOOKING AHEAD
As the world of NFTs keeps changing, Atrium stays ahead, leading the way in shaping the future of digital art and storytelling in this dynamic space.
“We continue to see Hollywood double down on known IP,” observes Anaroth.
“Atrium, by providing access for a new generation of creators, can change the way we think about financing a film and content,” he adds.
"Similar to how HBO used to fill the unique content space, and how A24 and Apple TV Plus have emerged to do so, Atrium has the potential to transform the accessibility of animated content and create the next generation of characters capable of captivating a global audience."
For more information about Atrium, visit their official website at atrium.art or follow them on their official X account, @AtriumNFT.
XGA will also be covering Atrium’s MeetQuack in our Stories from the Community segment next week. Stay tuned!
For more Web3 news, check out the XGA newsfeed.
