We were over the moon when we heard the news that The Little Mermaid – a short film from Compendium IV: Psycho Princess – had won at Screamfest LA, the festival that helped launch Paranormal Activity and stakes its name upon screening the best in horror.
But a lot of work went into creating The Little Mermaid. A lot. So much so, that we’re going to give you two back-to-back posts’ worth of info on how this project came to be.
Part 1: The Producers. Where did this project come from, how did the team come together, and how did it all get completed on time? (Part 2 will focus on the makeup and the writing.) Obviously, there’s lots more to talk about when it comes to creating a Compendium short – which is where this handy “making-of” video comes in.
Samantha Jewell, Lindsey Mann, Aliya Tarmo, and Justin Simon make up the team behind The Little Mermaid, one of four festival-level films produced inside the Entertainment Business Management program. You can find out more about each team’s production journey on the student development blog here.
How did the concept for the short come together?
Samantha: After sending out a call for script submissions we received a flood of amazing content – the first of which was actually “The Little Mermaid” by [Writing for Film & Television grad] Meagan Hotz, which was the one we chose.
Lindsey: We all took a strong liking to this first script, and became set on the circus/freak show concept, which in all honesty made it difficult to look at any of the others.
Aliya: It was more the way that Meagan painted the setting, so visually with her words. I was seduced. You know you have a talented writer on your hands when you can’t read a word of another script without hers in your head.
Samantha: Once we had the approval to move forward (with the script), everything seemed to just fall together in a practical and creative sense. The entire team fell in love and we did what it took to stay as true to the story as we could, which meant cutting some dialogue to get to the heart of the story. It worked out incredibly well, giving our actors a lot of room to play out their emotions on camera.
Justin: The one thing I really wanted to do with the classic Little Mermaid tale was do the exact opposite of what was expected. I would say we’ve accomplished that. Every script we read had some direct link to the Disney tale – a prince, the ocean, etc. Meagan’s script didn’t, and we loved it.
What were some specific challenges you encountered in producing this project?
Aliya: The one that stands out in my mind the most was the tank. Budget restraints, safety regulations and finding one, period, was collectively the biggest challenge. So we went with our contingency plan: the bathtub.
Samantha: I had been a huge advocate of the tank, as I had such a specific vision after reading the first draft of the script, so it was hard to let go, but I am so incredibly thankful that we went with the tub. It was beautiful, fit the story exceptionally well, and was ultimately way less of a hassle. It was the right and best choice.
Lindsey: The French reverse was also an enormous challenge, with one person, [Film Production grad] Sean Young – our set designer – and us four producers, we got direct insight into the art direction side of film.
Justin: It wasn’t a challenge per say, it was more… necessary, so we went with it.
Samantha: Clomping around in heels, carrying a stage around in a pile of mulch was not as glamorous as producers are typically painted. But it was an unreal experience to be a part of and also to just to witness, on and off camera.
Lindsey: Building the set one way, then 360° changing it to look like an entirely different side in one day of filming, within one hour, was definitely a challenge and it definitely paid off.
What was your reaction to getting screened at Screamfest (and winning!)?
Lindsey: *Expletive* awesome. I can’t even describe it in words. It felt so surreal, and still does. Knowing that this film was at the start of something big, and would continue to go on, was unbelievable.
Aliya: I agree. As the first film that we were a part of being a success like this, whilst still in school, is something you only really ever fantasize about in terms of such a far-fetched fantasy. So it is definitely a dream come true.
Samantha: Established filmmakers submit to festivals like these without ever getting selected – filmmakers with real time and real money. So, to know that all of our extreme hard work – along with the donation of time and beautiful work done by our cast, crew, and team – was being recognized at this level was something that blew us completely away, even if we knew what we had was something special. We were taken by surprise. That establishment got several decibels higher in volume for the rest of the evening. So amazing.
Justin: Graduating from VFS as an award winning producer is unheard of. You hear of paying your dues over and over again just to get recognized, let alone being award worthy. The fact that it’s happened is surreal.
Samantha: Being able to actually be there in Los Angeles, to see our film up on the Grauman’s Chinese Theater screen is something that I will never forget. I mean, it’s legendary. Then winning, sitting there, in Hollywood and having them state that your film was the “best” of the bunch, it was incredible. The look on Nick’s [Humphries] face was priceless. Then it all happened so fast, his speech, going up to receive the skull, taking pictures – it’s a blur. Malcolm McDowell had a film screen with ours. Who does that happen to? And we beat him…
Where do you go from here in the program and your careers?
Justin: I am currently still weighing my options as there are so many things that I would like to do with my career. One passion project is a collaboration of seven short films in a documentary highlighting First Nation dance. Post-graduation I will be looking to enter the VFX side of film and television. I am looking to upgrade/update the aboriginal presence in modern media.
Aliya: My second film project was a passion piece, inspired by my previous career ambition to be a stunt woman. I’m a strong advocate for the often-overlooked stunt profession and I wanted to do a piece about the stunt community’s 20-year-long struggle to gain Academy [of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences] recognition for their work. After graduation, I will be focused on finding a job in casting and plan to create unique and eclectic entertainment properties.
Lindsey: Compendium gave me the confidence to take on a project that allowed me to solely produce a music video. Beyond school, I would like to continue into 360° converging media. I want to be involved in everything from film to music and marketing. Embracing the current media and moving forward is definitely something I intend to do.
Samantha: Back to LA, right next door to Grauman’s… I’m following this bad boy to the Oscars. But as far as my career and post-graduation plans go, I plan to participate as much as I can within the industry. My passion lies within creation and being part of a team getting things done, so I plan to proceed within as many opportunities I am lucky enough to have. Whether it be within talent management, casting or any other facet of production, I am up to the challenge and plan to bring the same level of commitment to future projects as I did with Mermaid, hopefully with the same success.
Congrats again, everyone!
Watch the teaser for The Little Mermaid above, or on the VFS YouTube channel, and check out all the behind-the-scenes photography on the EBM Flickr profile.
Click here to read Part Two of this story!
The Two-Weekend Intensive was a chance for aspiring screenwriters to experience a barrage of screenwriting tools, techniques, and exercises. Some attendees responded by saying “the instructors are wonderful” and that it “exceeded every possible expectation”. We hope the weekends were the beginning of something much bigger for everyone involved! Current Writing student Paul Donnett squeezed both guest speaker talks into his stacked writing schedule and has been gracious enough to offer his thoughts on two well-spent Friday nights at VFS. Guest Post by Paul Donnett Even for students who’ve mortgaged an arm and a leg to come to Vancouver Film School, stuffing a Friday night with one more teacher, no matter how “wafer thin”, can be a tough sell. Just ask the Head of Writing Michael Baser, who could be found at any given time peeking around corners and classroom doors like Kilroy on the days that Hollywood screenwriter Jim Jennewein and District 9 co-writer Terri Tatchell came to town, inviting us to attend. Speaking plainly about some of the challenges writers face in the film industry, from writing high concept comedy that sells to navigating the Hollywood food chain just to get a script read, Mr. Jennewein clearly understood how to make his Friday night presentation worth our time. With writing credits that include Major League 2, The Flintstones, and Richie Rich, Jennewein briefly reviewed the basics of story writing before moving into a dynamic discussion of the rules of comedy, why some comedies work and others don’t, and the importance of getting inside the heads and hearts of our audiences. In her disarmingly down-to-earth manner, she somehow managed to make the ego-crushing work of writing and film production feel not only doable, but eminently worth it. It was like sitting and having coffee with an old friend. An old friend with an Oscar nod and a loft on Granville Island. Sigh. One day. In both cases, Jennewein’s and Tatchell’s, it wasn’t their information so much as their inspiration that made coming out worth it. Even if we had heard some of it before, it was still hugely motivating to hear a fresh spin coming from experience in a world we’re all training madly to enter, while being encouraged to respect the needs and demands of our own humanity. Next time a speaker comes to town, go if you can – you never know what lights might get turned on in the process! Thanks, Paul! Check out the VFS Flickr profile for photos from the entire Writing for Film & Television Two-Weekend Intensive.
He’s once again teaming up with Foundation Visual Art & Design grad Ryan Copple (Co-Creator and Writer of Riese), who will serve as Writer-Producer for a new wedding-themed horror feature entitled Death Do Us Part. Acting for Film & Television grad Peter Benson is also a Writer-Producer on this project and will be starring as well. Some other familiar VFS faces include Makeup Design for Film & Television grad Sarah Elizabeth, EBM grad Sandra Gonzalez, and Film Production grad Greg Brown. A press release for the film hints at the horror to come: “What started out as a celebration quickly descends into a bloody nightmare. Friendships are ripped apart and accusations fly in this blood-filled psychological horror with a whodunit twist.” Principal photography begins this month. We’ll bring you more details as they become available. Until then, visit DeathDoUsPart.com for more info! Break legs, everyone!
Last time we spoke you were at Blink creating instructional videos for Telus Mobile. Catch us up on what you’ve done since then. Jordan: It’s been a bit insane since then. After working on Telus, I jumped onto a Pilot Season Blink was producing as the Motion Graphics Lead which closed out my time in Vancouver. During all that time I’d been going through the long process of becoming a permanent American resident, which was the only thing stopping me from interning at Digital Kitchen – something that was offered to me over a year before I finally got to go! We got the paperwork three weeks before my wife and I moved to Seattle, which was nerve racking because we had to give our notice for our apartment, jobs, phone bills, etc., before we knew anything for sure. Thankfully, everything worked itself out and we arrived at our new place for July, got settled, and I started a three month internship at DK shortly after. Since finishing up my internship on October 3rd, I’ve become fulltime at DK as a contract employee, not bound by a specific project, which has allowed me to work on all kinds of rad projects like Dodge Journey, Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, Les Schwab, and Atlantic Lottery. How would you describe Digital Kitchen as an agency, and the kind of work they do? Jordan: Digital Kitchen is a studio that really broke the mindset I had about the word “creative”. Since being here I’ve come to appreciate the vast array of talent who drink their coffee around me every day; everyone here brings multiple strengths to the table. It’s so fun to constantly be working with different people on different projects. The projects range from full-on, live action pieces to pure motion graphics, and it keeps the mind fresh and provides challenges that build great problem solving skills. I’ve made some great friends here that I feel will last a long time. Your work has a very playful tone. I’m thinking here of the hockey video you did where you asked American coworkers what they knew about hockey. What inspires you? Jordan: Thanks, that sounds about right to me. I found a while ago that if I create work that I enjoy and want to make, and keep on doing it, hopefully, eventually, someone is going to want to pay me for it. I try not to take myself too seriously, which I think shows in some of the work I’ve done. I find inspiration in a few different places, which helps me not to put what I do in a box. I find a lot of it on Vimeo, where I am an active member and enjoy interacting with other motion designers, many with whom I have formed relationships with. I also run a Monday – Friday motion design inspiration blog called Ice Cream Hater, where I post stuff that I really love, this also encourages me to constantly be on the lookout, as I have developed a bit of an audience both on Tumblr and on Twitter (@icecreamhater). Describe your workflow to us. How do you approach a project? Do you have a go-to move? Jordan: Workflow differs from project to project as the tools, teams, and timelines change, but I’ll try to sum it up concisely without geeking out too much. I try and go at a project with the highest aspirations and crazy ideas, because you can always whittle down what’s actually possible later on, rather than get hung up on what you can or can’t do in the creative moment. No matter what the project parameters, whether purely motion design or other elements, I try as much as I can to start on paper. For the record I am quite terrible at drawing, but it doesn’t matter, that’s not the point — it’s about letting my ideas flow. The computer can be a time suck if you let it. Once ideation and concepting become more complete, I’ll move onto boards, comps, and frames to illustrate what a possible scene or movement might look like for the client. After this is approved, it’s full speed ahead in whatever programs are required for the project, getting it to a state where feedback and changes can be incorporated. I don’t know what constitutes a ‘go-to’ move, but I’m a big fan of small things that are done properly. I like to replicate real-world physics and the way things move, mostly using the graph editor in After Effects to attain this movement, and this can be applied to most everything I work on. Let’s say that’s my go-to move. Thanks, Jordan! You can check out Jordan’s reel on his portfolio site, or watch it below.
As we mentioned last week, Halloween is huge for savvy makeup artists like those in the Makeup Design for Film & Television program. We’re not at all surprised their hands were very busy over the last few days as they participated in a number of local television news shoots – not to mention Thrill the World 2011! Here’s a roundup of all the well-deserved media attention our Makeup Design students and grads garnered for this year’s Halloween fun! (Click the links to see each video.) Celebrity makeover costumes on CityTV’s Breakfast Television. Plus a special thank you message to all the Makeup Design students that made it happen. Black Swan and zombie makeup on Shaw TV’s Urban Rush. VFSers also transformed CTV’s Marke Driesschen into “Markenstein” (as pictured here). We’re posting photos from all of these great makeups on the VFS Flickr profile, so stay tuned. We’ve already got a great set of photos up from this year’s record-setting Thrill the World event. Click here to watch a slideshow! Congrats to the talented VFS makeup artists that made it all happen!
When we last spoke to Classical Animation grad Mike Yosh, he filled us in on what he does as an Animation Lead at Naughty Dog Studios – who officially released Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception today. The game has been lovingly welcomed by critics, judging by the glowing reviews pulled together at Metacritic. Even late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon has offered his praise, stating on Twitter: “Uncharted 3 is so fun to play. I feel like I did something adventurous today. It’s like watching Dora.” Along with Mike, we also have to congratulate Naughty Dog’s Game Director, Justin Richmond, who is a graduate of 3D Animation & Visual Effects. Awesome work, guys!
You’ll be stretched to create a completely original soundscape based on five different categories not often associated with sound: • The colour red Get inspired and give us your best interpretation for a chance at a full scholarship to Sound Design for Visual Media! The entries will be screened by a panel including representatives from SoundCloud and VFS, but ultimately judged by all registered SoundCloud users. Not on SoundCloud yet? Head over to soundcloud.com and sign up. You can find all the details at vfs.com/soundcloud, where you can submit your entries and cast your vote. If you have questions, comments, or are looking for a little inspiration or feedback, check out the Official VFS Contest Group on SoundCloud. We look forward to hearing what you can do!
The eighth year of the contest came to a close last night, with VFS faculty and grads taking the lead with some shocking (and surprisingly funny) horror films. You can currently see all the entered films on the competition website — however, we strongly advise viewer discretion. If you’re not a fan of the horror genre, well, let’s just say you might be spending Halloween hiding out in a safe place with a favourite blanket after watching these. According to VFS Blog sources, we’ve learned that Acting for Film & Television instructor Andrew Moxham picked up the Jury Prize honours for “my guitar gently weeps”, which featured Acting grad Steve Bradley – who also received an award for Best Actor. Makeup Design for Film & Television grads Leah Cuff and Malin Sjostrom-Ewan, meanwhile, won the Best Makeup award for their work in “Full Moon Tonight” and the VFS Acting program-heavy “All Saints Day” won Best Score Congrats, all! Here’s the list of all teams featuring VFS faculty and grads – if you’re not on this list, let us know and we’ll add you! “Just One More” “my guitar gently weeps” “Full Moon Tonight” “All Saints Day” “Cerebral Static” “Satan’s Sideshow” “Nailed”
Saturday, October 29 – Thrill the World As the name suggests, Thrill the World is a worldwide event for charity, built around a shared love for zombies and the dance moves of Michael Jackson. On hand from 4:00 to 6:30PM to give the zombies their fullest attention will be VFS alumni and students Sarah Elizabeth, Cornel Zueger, Kyrra Kosar, Judy Zhu, Max Dowie, Caitlin Groves, Lillian Yang, and Joyce Tu. Check out photos from the 2010 event. Monday, October 31 Breakfast Television (5:30 – 9:00AM) The hosts of Breakfast Television will be getting the celebrity makeover treatment, as our team of students turn them into Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Freddie Mercury, and Elton John. Applying their considerable talents will be Hana Amrani, Holly Kahmal, Kristie Robin, Regina Cahill, and Larissa Higo. CTV News at Noon The public were given the vote, and their vote was clear – CTV host Marke Driesschen will become “Markenstein” under the careful skill of alumnus Susan Manning, and current students Kristen Foote and Stephanie Segaric. Urban Rush (5:00PM) Alumnus Louise Lockhart will transform co-host Mike Eckford into a zombie, while 2011 Vancouver IMATS winner Leah Cuff will give Fiona Forbes the Black Swan treatment, helped by current student Caitlin Groves.
Named after senior faculty member Miles Nurse and worth $2,500 towards tuition in the Digital Design program, the annual scholarship recognizes an incoming student who demonstrates a strong interest and passion for interactive design, problem solving, and storytelling. “My dream job would be to lead the creative design of interactive, educational software for children,” Ryan wrote in his application. “I anticipate that this position would involve collaborating with children’s authors, artists, editors, and administrators to produce stimulating media that will enhance children’s learning through the use of mobile platforms such as the iPad.” Congratulations, Ryan. Best of luck pursuing your dream! Check out Oomph for a recent interview with previous scholarship winners Arcelia Ocaña Manjarrez and Jane Haezer Saputra.
Guest Post: Tatchell & Jennewein Inspire Screenwriters
During the recent Writing for Film & Television Two-Weekend Intensive, VFS played host to two special guest speakers: alumna/Oscar nominee Terri Tatchell and Advisory Board Member Jim Jennewein.
Academy Award nominee Terri Tatchell brought a profoundly human vibe to a presentation that was less lecture than conversation, this one with instructor Kat Montagu in an engaging exchange straight out of Inside the Actors Studio. Opening up on the real life balancing act of writer-as-parent, Tatchell also talked about projects past, present and future, including the upcoming adaptation of Amanda Hocking’s Trylle Trilogy and the full-length feature Chappie, currently in development with husband [and 3D Animation & Visual Effects grad] Neill Blomkamp (Elysium). Wedding-Themed Horror Features VFS Elite
As director of The Little Mermaid – an award-winning short film from Compendium IV: Psycho Princess – Entertainment Business Management instructor Nicholas Humphries is no stranger to working with VFS students and grads.
Jordan Scott Cooks Up Tasty Design
Digital Design grad Jordan Scott has found a home, where his interests and skills can flourish to their fullest, in Seattle. It’s been almost a year since we last spoke to Jordan, and we caught up with him to find out what he’s been up to in the world of motion graphics.Halloween Makeup & Media Roundup
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is a Hit!
VFS and SoundCloud Present a Full Scholarship Challenge
Think you have what it takes to join the ranks of professional sound designers? Prove it by competing in our Full Scholarship Challenge!
• The birth of an idea
• An imaginary animal being born
• Falling in love
• A post-apocalyptic landscapeVFS Faculty and Grads Go “Gore” at Bloodshots 2011
You might’ve heard of the annual Bloodshots 48-hour Horror Filmmaking Contest. Films created during this twisted filmmaking frenzy can be scary, gross, horrifying, or just downright wrong. And that’s the point. ‘Tis the season, right?
Team Awesome
Film Production grads Katelynn Mann (Producer), Jan Floor (Art Direction), and Carson Haight (1st AD), along with Makeup Design grad April Beer (Makeup Artist).
The Studes
Acting grads Andrew Moxham (Director/Editor/Story), Steve Bradley (Story), and Andrew Dunbar (“Driver”/Camera Op), along with Makeup Design grad Jennifer Kaminski (Makeup Artist).
Borrowtime
Acting grads Lauren Martin (“Chloe”) and Tom Belding (“Jeremy”), Film Production grads Darren Borrowman (Director), Joshua Mark Guitar (Editor), Darshan Rickhi (Grip), and Sean Avery (Grip), Entertainment Business Management grad Sebastien Dryland (Assoc. Producer), Writing for Film & Television grads Bob Woolsey and Andrew Menzies (Writers), and Keith Opatovsky (Producer), Makeup Design grads Leah Cuff and Malin Sjostrom-Ewan, and Digital Design grad Ian Berg (Motion Design).
After Shock
Acting grads Matt Fentiman (Director/Writer – also a VFS Acting instructor), Scott Alonzo (Writer/Producer), with VFS instructor Suzanne Hepburn and Head of Acting Bill Marchant appearing on screen as well. Digital Design grads Drew Hutchinson (Editor) and Matthew Lawless (DOP), and Makeup Design grad Jennifer Kaminski (Makeup Artist) also contributed.
Team Lost Boys
Sound Design for Visual Media students Luis Orlando Ruiz (Boom Op, Sound Editor/Mixer), Bryce Raffle (Music/Boom Op/Sound Editor), and Juan Carlos Aguirre (Boom Op/Sound Editor).
Hora Morior
Makeup Design grad Shimona Henry (Producer/Makeup).
Bloodclot
Film Production grad Hope LaVelle (Producer/1st AD).A-Haunting We Will Go
Candy, fake blood, and Makeup Design for Film & Television students and alumni – clearly Hallowe’en is just around the corner. While you’re busy putting together a last-minute costume, be sure to check out the following events to see their handiwork. Meet the 2012 Miles Nurse Scholarship Winner
Digital Design will soon be welcoming a promising young designer to the VFS community. We’re proud to announce the winner of the 2012 Miles Nurse Scholarship is Ryan Ali from Cranbrook, BC!