Filmmaker Interview for “Dodgeball”
Dodgeball
Director: Jesse Van Norman (USA)
When a tiny robot decides to play a friendly game of dodgeball with a heavily-armed military robot, things don’t quite go as planned.
Animation – Student
MUSIC VIDEO AND ANIMATION SHORTS (11:00 am – 12:30pm)
What drew you to create this film?
This film was originally inspired by anime fight choreography! As the concept evolved over the years, modern day films such as Spiderverse and Arcane drew me toward a more creative style of animation; blending 2D and 3D animation together. I really wanted to break out of my comfort zone by creating a unique camera and fight choreography I had never done before, and I’m very happy with the result!
What does filmmaking mean to you?
Filmmaking is purley a feeling for me. When I watch something cool happening on screen and get that indescribable feeling in my chest of pure epicness, I’m reminded of why I love films so much. It’s nothing fancy or deep for me, it’s just the adrenaline rush of watching art at its finest. Something that takes me to a different world, even if it’s just for a moment.
What advice would you give students or beginners that want to make films?
Don’t get caught up trying to perfect one project! You get better with each project you complete. You will learn faster by creating 100 bad films rather than spending 100 years trying to make one good film! I guarantee you’ll approach each project in a completely different way than the last.
What films do you watch again and again?
Spiderverse, Arcane, Demon Slayer, and many more. It is amazing how much detail can be squeezed into each frame of those movies. I’ve watched those fight scenes one frame at a time, and they never cease to amaze me.
