In the beginning of them She created us.

Interview with Director/Producer/Writer: Evelyn Jane Ross

Watch Adam here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

At the time, I was majoring in Film/Animation/Video at the Rhode Island School of Design and made the film initially to complete my senior year requirements. The film is self-directed and inspired. I believe in the story and purpose of “Adam.” Truth is I was mostly compelled to animate it because I wanted to graduate.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

I believe Adam is an eye-opening film. Most audiences aren’t used to this type of claymation. It’s nothing like Wallace and Grommit; it’s neither a children’s story nor does it have a distinct character. Instead, it’s poetic narra- tive depicting love and emotional sincerity. It uses the malleable nature of clay to emphasize the main idea, creation. “Adam” also defies the perception that animation is a children’s medium. The film could easily be rated “R” for “MATURE” audiences only.

Evelyn Jane Ross: The initial panning sequence was the first image I had imagined before I planned to animate. My idea was to make a world that resembled a land of creation. Everything after this shot was planned intuitively without a storyboard. I work better when things aren’t so delicately planned, it lends room for the imagination to explore all angles and possibilities that the film has to offer.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

In my high school years, I was apart of a chamber ballet. I think that experience has lead me to think intuitively about movement in my work. I feel I know a sense of space and understand body form.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

My film didn’t have a script. The sound I mixed for Adam went through numerous changes. Initially, I wanted someone to compose a classical soundtrack for it, but the sound of piano juxtaposed with my image flattened my meaning. Honestly, figuring out the sound was the most difficult part. Eventually, I landed on record- ing sounds that felt earthy and warm to me. Using that as my guide made it a much easier task. In fact, I recorded rain sticks, which are popular decorative household items in New Mexico, where I grew up.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

So far, I think Adam has done fairly well. I’m proud the film has gotten into some of the largest animation festivals: New York, Sao Paolo, Brazil, “Animation Block Party” and “ANIMA MUNDI”.

Evelyn Jane Ross: During my research, and from what I’ve already surmised about many religions is that historically creation stories have weighted heavily on the idea that a man created earth. In response to this idea, I wanted to emphasis the female figure in my own land of creation.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I believed that it would do well, but I didn’t anticipate that it would lead me to international opportunities. I was offered a free stop-motion workshop in Valencia, Spain after I graduated, for example.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

Hopefully it will get more public recognition, and I’ll be seen as an upcoming animator/filmmaker in the industry. Also, I am looking for a job, so shout out to all employers!

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

This was a one woman show. I am director, producer, animator, and sound artist.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Hopefully, a positive one, right? If anything, I hope it gives viewers a nugget of beauty. The aesthetics of the film were an important element - all the bodies were created by an eternal mental rhythm.

*Evelyn Jane Ross: I decided to make Adam a woman in my animation instead of a man.*

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Does this resemble your idea of feminine land of creation?

Would you like to add anything else?

I read a quote by Stanley Kubrick, "A film is - or should be - more like music than like fiction. It should be a progression of moods and feelings. The theme, what's behind the emotion, the meaning, all that comes later”. This quote really guided my progression. It seemed like a wonderful way to think of structure and timing. The meaning, yes, came later.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am freelancing a music video for a band called “Stolen Jars”.

Interview: December 2016

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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Adam

In the beginning of them She created us.

Length: 00:02:27

Director: Producer: Writer: Evelyn Jane Ross

About the writer, director and producer:

Evelyn is a 2016 graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in film/animation/video. She is an interdisciplinary artist with a focus in claymation, with experience in hand-drawn and Maya animation. She grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico and has since then had her work featured internationally and has worked on profes- sional film sets.

Key cast: Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

Evelyn Jane Ross

Release date: May 2016

Where will it screen in the next month?

Spain