High Falls Film Festival - Ornithology
A birdwatcher gets the opportunity for a closer view.
Interview with Director/Producer Emily Haldeman
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I've always been intrigued by the concept of wanting something you can't have. This film explores that situation in a way that can initially be received comically, but also has some darker existential undertones.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
If nothing else, it's entertaining! While the platform of film and animation can and should be used to spark conversation about important topics, it is also a media of entertainment. Although I hope viewers will be intrigued to think about themselves and look introspectively after watching my film, I also hope they simply enjoy watching it.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Almost every single one of us wants something they can't have. At what point is it worth it to chase after something we love even if it hurts us? Ultimately what is it that makes life worth living, or even not worth living?
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development
Having made this film over the course of a college semester, this film really didn't have time to evolve much. From the start of this project, I had to hit the ground running and go into production almost immediately, leaving little time for pre-production and reworking the story. Fortunately, since it is a very simple story, there was not much within the story to change and reshape anyway. Most of what changed over the course of this film's development were the visual aspects like camera angles and lighting.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
This film was very well received, and I was pleased to find that the majority of viewers said they were able to relate to the main character and really empathize with him.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Since this film is somewhat goofy, I was surprised that so many people saw it from the existential perspective that I had when creating it. Many people commented that they found the film to be very depressing even though there is a big joke to it. When making it kind of comical, I assumed viewers wouldn't catch on the sad side of it as much.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'd like to bring more attention to 3D animation as a medium. Hopefully, it may spark someone to see 3D as a more feasible option for short films, not just feature length Pixar films.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Any film festival directors who are interested in having this film be a part of their festival!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
First and foremost, I hope the people who watch this film enjoy it and have a good time watching it. Ideally, the audience would also be intrigued to think a little bit about themselves and what it is they want in life.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What is it that you want in life and what would you do to get that?
Would you like to add anything else?
There's a huge personal irony involved with this film: I have celiac disease and have to be gluten free, so I can't eat bread. Bread is what it is that I want but can't have, whereas for the main character bread is what he has but perhaps wishes he didn't.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently working on my second 3D animated short film!
Interview: October 2017
_________________________________________________________________________________
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
_________________________________________________________________________________
Ornithology
A birdwatcher gets the opportunity for a closer view.
Length: 00:02:04m
Director/Producer: Emily Haldeman
About the writer, director and producer:
Emily Haldeman is a 3D animation student at the Rochester Institute of Technology
Key cast: Voice: Beau Marwaha
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Film festival directors!
Made in association with: Rochester Institute of Technology