Do you want to see pure imagination on screen?
From creative vlogs to inventive web series, PJ Liguori has been transforming YouTube into a reflection of his own intricate world for years. He’s left us mystified by magical creatures and itching to explore the vastness of space, and most importantly, he’s shown us just what a little creativity and a dash of whimsy can accomplish. In fact, we love PJ’s videos so much that we felt it was time to dedicate an entire article to them, which is why we’ve put together a list of ten times he enchanted us with his innovative videos.
Prepare for an adventure beyond your wildest dreams!
When he explored some tiny planets
A true PJ classic (he starts each video with his traditional “Hello, tiny planet explorers”, after all), PJ, TINY PLANET EXPLORER has two essential parts: a charming video effect and a compelling story. While the concept of the video is built around PJ circling around “tiny planets”, what makes the film truly engrossing is the gentle and thought-provoking plot.
When he took us on a train ride
In The Forever Train, a cast of fantasy characters (and frequent collaborator Chris Kendall) embark on a bizarre train ride to… Well, it’s a little unclear. And we’re not sure what’s in that suitcase. Or what’s going on. You’ll just have to watch to find out…
When he wrote a song for the year
PJ has been writing a song to accompany a reflective slideshow since 2009. For 2017, he chose to project images from his year while he played the song in front of them. The resulting video is so peaceful and aesthetically-pleasing that it should be sent to every stressed-out student in the country.
When he threw some colour
PJ’s music doesn’t stop with his end-of-the-year songs. He’s made music videos for several of his original songs over the years, including one of our all-time faves, Colour Bandits. The slow-motion bursts of coloured chalk are as captivating as they probably were difficult to clean up, and we found ourselves participating in our own colour fights not long after watching.
When he visited us from the future
By this point in the article, you’ve probably realised PJ doesn’t do anything the standard way. It’s the same for his Q&A series, which he calls Slurp (he even did one live at last year’s Summer in the City) and formats differently every time he produces a video. In this episode, he answers questions about what the future is like because he’s thousands of years in the future. Obviously.
When he taught us about fashion
While PJ often makes short films and fantasy projects, he’s also made tons of simpler vlogs that blend YouTube style with his offbeat sense of humour. In this video, he tries to figure out fashion by trying on a selection of increasingly strange and allegedly fashionable outfits.
We know you kept the gold shirt, PJ! Don’t even try to tell us differently…
When he wrote an ode to autumn
Speaking of simpler projects, Ode to Autumn was written specifically to be as minimal as possible while still being creative. The result is quiet poetry that makes you wish autumn could be here now. (Instead of all this snow.)
When he introduced us to a confused robot
PJ narrates the story of a robot trying to determine its purpose in this surprisingly touching video. Part stunning showcase for scenic views and part touching visual essay, the film imparts the most emotion we’ve seen on a robot since WALL-E.
When he introduced us to a clown
It might be time for us, as a society, to reflect on the fact that we allowed Wiggles the Clown to become a thing. In this video, we hear about Wiggles’s tragic run-in with Timmy, who is played (almost too well) by the lovely Bertie Gilbert. Wiggles returns in several more videos, including Oscar’s Hotel, and our nightmares.
When he checked us in to Oscar’s Hotel
While PJ has hundreds of vlogs, short films, and music videos, nothing beats his 2015 series Oscar’s Hotel for Fantastical Creatures. Working in partnership with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and building on the fantasy elements that he showcased in earlier videos like Forever Train, Oscar’s Hotel is a veritable bonanza of costumes and bizarre situations. It also probably features your favourite YouTuber as a charmingly ludicrous creature!
So there you have it…
Ten times PJ made us jealous with his stunning world. Can we have a ticket to visit a tiny planet now, please? Or maybe a room in Oscar’s Hotel? You know what, we’ll even settle for being able to sit in as PJ films one of his vlogs.
Want more? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered:
- PJ Liguori Announces Live Shows
- PJ Liguori: The Storyteller
- Our Ten Favourite Phil is not on fire Moments
- Ten Short Film Creators You Should Be Watching
- Nine Projects You Might Not Know Ciaran OBrien Worked On
Follow @TenEightyUK on Twitter for updates or like TenEighty UK on Facebook.
