Hyperactive (Stop-motion Beatbox) (2006)

About

On YouTube, Human Beatbox (a.k.a “Hyperactive” videos) refers to amateur beat-boxing videos that are pieced together in rhythm through post-production editing techniques. “Hyperactive”—the original clip that spawned dozens of response videos and remixes—was first uploaded in May 2006 by a Norwegian videographer named Lasse Gjertsen. The video shows Gjertsen sitting in his room and apparently beatboxing, but rather than taking the conventional “one-take” approach, it was heavily edited and reconstructed using stop-motion techniques.

Popularity

While it remains disputable whether the Norwegian videographer was the first ever to employ stop-motion techniques in beatboxing, the popular YouTube clip has been viewed over 5 million times (as of July 2009) and achieved third place in the category “Most Creative Videos” in YouTube’s 2006 Video Awards.

Remixes & Imitations

Although most existing derivatives and response videos are imitative and nearly identical in nature, the sheer number of responses posted on YouTube is something to be noted as an internet phenomenon. Outside of interweb, “Hyperactive” was copied by Cartoon Network in an advertisement for the show “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends” and it was also spoofed in an advertisement for the popular sitcom “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Version:

Cartoon Network Commercial – Bloo Beatbox: