High Falls Film Festival - The Final Touch
An artist battles with his own sleep-deprived clumsiness in order to finish a painting in time for a special deadline.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Alyssa Minko
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
This film was my first official encounter with 3D as a medium for short films. I made this film as part of my studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology. I chose to tell this story because it is one that I know well. It is often said to "tell stories that you know" and draw from your own experiences, which I sought to do for my first filmmaking experience.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This film is an encouragement for young filmmakers everywhere to dive in and create. I had to learn many aspects of the 3D production pipeline along the way, and am proud of how it came to fruition after countless struggles and learning efforts. I want student filmmakers everywhere to watch this and realize their own potential when they simply dive in and create something. Anything is possible when you put your mind to it.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
There are underlying themes of hard work and exploration, but ultimately this film was an educational experience. I used my love and appreciation for my parents to drive this film and my efforts, and sought to learn as much as I could about all aspects of a 3D film's pipeline.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script and the film evolved every week over the course of 15 weeks during its development. Ambitions were both met and conquered, as well as altered for feasibility. My creative vision evolved to meet my technical abilities, but also constantly challenged me as a filmmaker, student, and 3D artist.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Most of my feedback has been story-centric, which was my biggest weakness in this film. I played it safe with story for this film, and focused on the 3D technicalities of filmmaking. Going forward, I used this feedback on narrative to inform my later filmmaking processes.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback on the story has most definitely challenged my point of view, and pushes me to be a better, well-rounded filmmaker. While I am pleased with the outcome of this film, there has been so much I have learned from it and am looking to use such feedback to improve my filmmaking skills.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I would love to inspire other filmmakers and students in the 3D genre, as well as let it be a learning experience for other students from my mistakes. This film is a small step in my journey as a filmmaker, and it's presence on www.wearemovingstories.com will help to document this journey for myself and for other similar artists that may follow it.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I would love for any producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists, or future collaborators to come on board and amplify the experience of making this film.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Ultimately, I want other students, filmmakers, and artists to learn from my film's struggles and successes. While I hope they enjoy watching this film, I hope it is also a documentation of what perseverance, hard work, education, and one's ambition can achieve.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is the work I'm creating challenging me to my fullest potential?
Would you like to add anything else?
This film has been amazing to create and develop, but even more so, I have learned so much about my potential and my ambitions as a filmmaker. More than anything, I am proud of the filmmaker it has made me into compared to the filmmaker who made this film.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently co-creating my second film with 3D animator Amy Adams, which is an equally rewarding learning experience. I am also developing a children's book with partner Rachael Bindas, called Before The Sun Wakes Up. I am equally involved in others' student films, serving as a texture artist, asset modeler, and other various art roles.
Interview: November 2017
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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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The Final Touch
An artist battles with his own sleep-deprived clumsiness in order to finish a painting in time for a special deadline.
Length: 3:40
Director: Alyssa Minko
Producer: Alyssa Minko
Writer: Alyssa Minko
About the writer, director and producer:
Alyssa Minko is a 3D artist and illustrator from Pittsburgh, PA. She is a filmmaker who balances her career in 3D computer graphics with her long-time passion for illustration.
Key cast:
Voice: Ruth Teitel
Composer: Alec Gerchman
Technical Direction: Levi Davis III
Sound Mixing: Eliza Inez Good
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists, collaborators
Social media handles:
Instagram: @alyssa_minko
Made in association with: Rochester Institute of Technology