‘Bumping the Lamp’ is a prime example of quality and attention to detail that is not immediately noticed but completely changes the experience for the end user. So where does the phrase come from?
Well, it all started with the 1988 film Who Framed Roger Rabbit…
A down on his luck detective solving a murder case in Toontown to prove the innocence of a cartoon rabbit – a timeless family classic.
But to get to the bottom of ‘bumping the lamp’, we need to look behind the scenes; We need to look at the animation department.
Using both live action and animation, Who Framed Roger Rabbit creates a merged world where real people and cartoons (‘Toons) live side by side. A complicated feat for the animation team to begin with but they took it further… they ‘bumped the lamp’.
The scene that coined the phrase involves a handcuffed Detective Valiant (Bob Hoskins) and ‘Toon Roger Rabbit bumping into an overhead lamp.
Did you spot it?
Don’t worry – Most people wouldn’t.
It’s all about the shadow cast on Roger.
The simplicity of a shadow cast by a bumped lamp. An attention to detail by the animators demonstrating pride in their work, even if it is not immediately noticed by the audience. But it elevates their emersion in the scene, with or without their knowledge. It shows that going above and beyond for the end user doesn’t always have to be noticed and recognised to be appreciated.
Watch the clip again – look for Roger’s shadow. Think about the dedicated time and commitment of the animators to create a realistic experience in a scene lasting no more than a minute. Think about the animation team’s decision to do this for both them and the audience. Think about how easy it is to miss, but the impact it has on the scene when you know it’s there.
It may be a phrase normally used in the film industry but the Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise sector (VCSE) ‘bump the lamp’ all the time. We take our services that extra bit further to ensure our service users have the best experience possible. We deliver high quality services due to a dedication and passion to support those who need us.
WE BUMP THE LAMP!
How does your organisation ‘bump the lamp’? Tell us below.
