Film

Alumni Spotlight: Sahil Yadav

by

Summer 2023 was a busy one for CEP but we are back with an alumni update! (By the way, from May to September, we had over sixty exchange visitors come to the U.S. to start their programs! Wow!)

Alright, now on to the blog: today we are excited to introduce Sahil Yadav, an animator and digital artist from India, who completed his J-1 scholar program as an Artist in Residence at the Experimentally Structured Museum of Art (ESMoA). ESMoA serves as an experimental artistic center in the South Bay and greater Los Angeles areas, encouraging locals to reimagine what art programming and art spaces can look like.

Even though Sahil’s program was only two months long, he was able to participate in plenty of events and activities. He taught three “Just Draw 2-D Effects” workshops and led three animation classes at a local middle school. At the end of his residency, ESMoA held an open studio showcase to share all the work he created throughout the residency.

Keep scrolling to find out more about Sahil’s wonderful experience in LA, as he explored animation in the birthplace of Hollywood.

Can you tell us about some of the activities and responsibilities you had during your program?

During my stay [at ESMoA], I conducted a number of events which included:

  • Three “Just Draw” Sessions where l taught the participants about 2DFX sketches from basic to intermediate level and worked out water 2DFX animations.
  • Three classes for the students of El Segundo Middle School. We discussed what is animation, what are its types, and how we make one. They worked out their water drop flipbook animation which was followed by a little animation of their own.
  • An open studio event, where I presented my learnings, journey, and an exclusive animation made for the organization.

Sounds fascinating! How did the residency influence your communication skills as an artist?

My communication skills have been greatly influenced in a positive manner. Being able to communicate is a major milestone for an artist whether it is through art or vocal form. I learned how to break down things that are easily digestible for a participant or a viewer. Along with the enhancement in my teaching skills, I learned about American culture and art and that has greatly affected my broad view and understanding.

What did you learn about American culture, design, and arts?

American culture is vast and influential. I was exposed to animation studios, original art pieces, by specifically Disney. It presented me with how they were motivated to bring the animation wave, even with restricted resources. My visit to museums exposed me to beautifully crafted storyboards and character designs. I learned about how to bring character into an inanimate object just by manipulating flow and volume. I felt motivated and moved by my visit to the Academy Museum.

Sahil also kept busy by visiting lots of museums and cultural organizations with his peers and new friends! Eva Sweeney, Co-Founder and Director of ESMoA and Sahil’s supervisor, said: 

Each week was filled with visits to different cultural art and science institutions, including LACMA, The Academy Museum, The Natural History Museum, and The Science Center, and the Long Beach Aquarium. We even had the pleasure of taking him with our team to Frieze LA, where he got to see exhibitions from LA’s top arts galleries. Sometimes he would attend these cultural activities by himself or with our staff, while other times he would make friends from his “Just Draw” sessions, who would take him to art openings around the greater LA area.

Any last thoughts you’d like to share?

My supervisor and colleagues were immensely helpful during my stay and in the execution of assignments. They were able to guide me and help me clear my thoughts to take an idea from raw form to the final presentation. They helped me by providing all the necessary resources and conducting the teaching sessions smoothly. My host environment was the best experience for me. They were really helpful and provided more than needed. I am happy that I got to know them.

Thank you Sahil and ESMoA! 

Want to share your own J-1 experience with us? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us here.

Alumni Spotlight: Rory Diamond

by

We are extremely excited to highlight our J-1 alum., Rory Diamond, from Canada. During his program at Sony Pictures in Los Angeles, Rory gained hands-on television writing experience in the Writers’ Room of the hit show, The Good Doctor. He also found time to experience life in California to the fullest by going to concerts, sporting events, and learning to surf!  He is now working as a Script Coordinator for The Good Doctor in Canada. Keep reading to join his wonderful journey in Hollywood!

 

What impact has your J-1 experience had on your life and your career?
I got to live in the city where the heart of my industry is, which not only was a dazzling life experience, but an eye-opening step in my career. I am now fully trained and able to Script Coordinate, a unique and valuable skillset, which grants access to the fabled Writers’ Room. I’m currently exploring ways to do it in Toronto for other Canadian shows. Not only has this allowed me to continue working on The Good Doctor from Canada, but also has opened many doors and created connections of which the value is difficult to measure.

What is your favorite memory from your J-1 program?
My favourite memory was of my first day being in the Writers’ Room. Just walking in and seeing the whiteboards covered in chicken scratch that may or may not be seen by millions of viewers. The free lunches, the coffee runs, the nervousness of speaking up, and the incredible feeling when something lands. By all accounts, deciding to be a TV writer is a silly decision, but in the Writers’ Room, those doubts seemed to melt into a warm sense of validation that I hold close to my heart.

What were some of your favorite cultural activities to do Los Angeles?
Eat delicious food and see amazing comedy and music. And if I could do both of those in one night, which was something I did often, I was a very happy boy. I loved living in Los Angeles. I saw my favorite band, Phish, play at The Forum, which is a classic venue I’ve always wanted to go to, which was a great experience. I did a lot of hiking, which you can’t really do in Toronto.

What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States?
Rent a furnished apartment if you can, to avoid the trouble of purchasing a bunch of furniture off Facebook Marketplace and then having to sell it all on Facebook Marketplace a year later. Sign up for classes and meet people. Go to as many networking things as possible; make connections that will help you in the future, wherever you end up. Take advantage of the unique things your city has to offer. Hike, bike, eat, and have fun.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?
It’s the true definition of a win-win. It makes me happy and gives me hope that two countries can work together to provide such a wonderful program and experience for their constituents. I think anyone who is able to endeavor this experience would be better off for it.

Any last thoughts?
At this point, I think I could thrive in any Canadian Writers’ Room and I don’t know if that would have been the case a year ago. [The exchange] was an amazing experience.

 

 

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Rory!

Looking for a place to get started with your own exchange program? Check out our website to explore different fields or explore different cities!

Host Spotlight: UnionDocs

by

Based in Brooklyn, NY, UnionDocs (UNDO) is a non-profit Center for Documentary Art that presents, produces, publishes, and educates. It brings together a diverse community of activist artists, experimental media-makers, dedicated journalists, big thinkers, and local partners to search for urgent expressions of the human experience, practical perspectives on the world today, and compelling visions for the future.

Each year, International Arts & Artists partners with UNDO to provide J-1 visa sponsorship for international fellows participating in the Collaborative Studio (CoLAB) program. This ten-month fellowship brings together individual talents, voices, and stories to create multi-dimensional documentaries. CoLAB offers a platform for these artists to explore contemporary approaches to the documentary arts and a process for developing an innovative collaborative project. The program consists of weekly production meetings, seminars, screenings and other public programs, along with regular masterclasses and critiques with visiting artists.

We recently caught up with Ansh Vohra, one of the 2017-18 CoLAB fellows, and Sarah Lerner, UNDO’s Director of Operations, to learn more about the CoLAB program and UNDO’s experience as a J-1 host organization.

Sarah, what are some of your favorite things about hosting exchange visitors?

We are able to host up to six international fellows and six local fellows each year as part of our CoLAB program. The opportunity is as valuable for us as it is for them, as we greatly appreciate being able to expand our documentary arts community on a global scale. We have extensive international partnerships on our public facing events and workshops by bringing together artists, journalists, critics and curators from around the world, so we feel it is important to continue the tradition within the film production side of the organization as well. One of our primary goals as part of our fellowship program is to create multi-dimensional pieces in a collaborative format, and cross-cultural exchange is one of the most effective ways to do that.

Ansh, what impact has your J-1 experience with UnionDocs had on your life and your career?

UnionDocs came into my life at a time when I was just beginning to comfortably settle into my work as a filmmaker. However, I wasn’t sure that being comfortable was the right thing to do at the age of 25. I began making film four years ago and I couldn’t help but wonder whether I’d pushed myself to have new experiences. My time here at UnionDocs has been a big step forward in overcoming that obstacle. I’ve had the opportunity to challenge my notions of what makes for a good film, and I feel as though I will come out of this opportunity a filmmaker who isn’t afraid to take risks. Additionally, living in the United States, and in New York especially, has given me the opportunity to interact with cultures that I wouldn’t otherwise be privy to back home in Delhi. I’m working on projects that focus on people of Indian, Syrian and Azeri origins, something that probably wouldn’t have been possible in any other city in the world.

Sarah, what are some of activities that CoLAB fellows get to take part in?

​​Our fellows spend ten months at UnionDocs, meeting twice a week for production meetings, master classes and seminars with notable members of the documentary field. We have had the opportunity to work with notable filmmakers (such as Deborah Stratman), radio producers (such as Jad Abumrad) and curators (such as ​ Sally Berger​). We are sponsored by AbelCine, one of the industry’s most comprehensive sources for state-of-the-art camera equipment and accessories. Our fellows receive training support from AbelCine staff. ​We are also sponsored by Canon, who lease cameras for Collaborative Studio productions.

Ansh, what are some of the projects that you’ve been working on during your time at UnionDocs?

I’m currently working on three documentary projects at UnionDocs, two of which I’m directing. The first one is a film that follows three immigrant narratives that originate within a 100 miles of each other in Punjab (India) and culminate in a taxi school in Queens, NY. The second one, which I’m co-directing with Daniel Sitts, is an animated film that chronicles the family history of some of the first few Syrians to arrive in the United States back in the 1890s. The third one follows an Azerbaijani family and tells the story of a generational divide between a traditionally Azeri grandmother and her American granddaughter.

Sarah, tell us about some of the cultural activities that UnionDocs fellows participate in during their program!

Our fellows are able to attend all of the 100+ events held at UnionDocs free of charge, and are encouraged to do so. We take an annual trip to the Camden International Film Festival in Maine each fall. Group field trips have also included Documentary Fortnight at MoMA, Art of the Real at Film Society Lincoln Center and HotDocs in Toronto. In addition, we share word of local events at other micro-cinemas and festival opportunities that might be of interest.

Ansh, what does cultural exchange mean to you?

Over the past couple of months, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. We’re a group of people you would usually have never found inside one room had it not been for a program like UnionDocs and International Arts & Artists. To work with all of them as equals, exchange ideas, collaborate on projects and become friends has been an incredible experience. I will hopefully be in touch with everyone for a long time.

Learn more about the CoLAB program here and follow Ansh Vohra on Instagram!

Taking a Leap of Faith with Megan Shave

by

While pursuing her law degree, Megan Shave decided to take a huge leap of faith and apply for an internship with Chain Camera Pictures. The production company behind the film The Hunting Ground, Chain Camera Pictures had inspired Megan to write her thesis on how social media can be a catalyst for change in legal culture. She had no idea that this bold leap would lead to the opportunity to work alongside the people she admired on social justice issues that she is passionate about. The fact that she was in Los Angeles, the center of the film and entertainment industry, was just a bonus!

Fast forward four months and Megan is now returning to her home country of South Africa with a newfound confidence for her own potential and a new career path. We caught up with Megan to hear about her internship, her experience living in Los Angeles, and the self-growth she experienced during her exchange program.

Why did you choose Chain Camera Pictures for a J-1 internship?

While pursuing my law degree, I chose to do my thesis on how social media could be a catalyst for change in legal culture and how it dealt with rape culture, especially at universities. This paper was inspired by one of Chain Camera Pictures’ films The Hunting Ground, which I watched in class. I realized that law was not right for me at that moment, so I took a chance and asked if I could participate in Chain Camera Picture’s internship program. I had no idea what to expect when I applied because I was still very focused from my legal education background. I was from the other side of the world, and I did not know nearly enough about film (or so I thought) to be a productive member of their team. Yet they took me on!
I do not think I chose Chain Camera Pictures because I would never have the arrogance to think I would be capable of choosing a company as brave, brilliant, and creative as Chain Camera Pictures. Rather, I believe that Chain Camera Pictures chose me to be a small part of their incredible journey. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of a team of the most talented, hardworking, dedicated, and inspirational people I have had the pleasure of meeting. Everyday has presented an unbelievable chance to learn, grow, and discover something new about myself, America, or film in general.

What was your favorite part of your internship at Chain Camera Pictures?

To narrow it down to one moment would be impossible. Every activity, no matter how small at the time, has let me grow and develop my skills as a researcher and allowed me to learn an industry I hope to continue working in when I return home. I participated in a phone campaign with [former Vice President] Joe Biden, which was amazing and exceptionally surreal. I was also able to go on set and learn the entire post-production process of a film. My colleagues and I have lunch together every day, which has allowed me to forge really special relationships with all of them. They let me choose research topics and invited me to interesting cultural events to make sure I was getting the most out of my time in Los Angeles.  All of these isolated moments have created the most unbelievable time for me, and I could not thank Chain Camera Pictures enough for having me.

What has it been like living in Los Angeles?

I have experienced a plethora of cultural activities, from attending the tapings of The Late Late Show with James Corden, to attending a live production of Willy Wonka at the Hollywood Bowl to soaking up the awesome theatre and food scene in Los Angeles. I was lucky enough to go to The Museum of Ice Cream, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and other incredible pop-up exhibitions that exposed me to new artists and encouraged me to diversify my taste in art. Walking around Los Angeles is a cultural experience, with people from all over the world all living and creating in the city, you really are immersed in a cultural melting pot when you live Los Angeles. This has been an incredible place to live and work, and I will forever love the world of art and culture that of Los Angeles created for me.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

This exchange has meant that I can return to a country that is brimming with potential full of my own potential. I now have the most unbelievable skill set, tastes, preferences and ideas that were given to me from cultural exchange. My previously held beliefs have been expanded, eviscerated, and tested, and I could not thank America enough for that. It has meant that I can grow while also witnessing firsthand how I can help my own country grow. I have been able to educate people about South Africa and what an amazing place it is, while experiencing the unique realities of living in the United States. I have been able to encounter cultures that were previously foreign to me and which I now embrace. Cultural exchange means being extremely far away from all that I know and yet feeling totally at home from the very first moment. It has meant being brave and bold when I was apprehensive and nervous. It has meant being happy and excited while embracing people and experiences that are now so engrained in my future yet absolutely absent from my past.

What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States?

Enjoy, savor, and relish. Those three words have taken on a whole new meaning to me since doing this exchange. Enjoy everything, even the boring or uninteresting moments, because they will be the moments that teach you about yourself, test your patience, and make you grow. Savor every smell, sight, and taste. There is so much diversity in America, and the people, places and things you will encounter are indescribable. You will never experience anything like it again, so make sure you take it all on and embrace every curveball thrown your way. Relish every moment. I cannot fathom how quickly this experience has flown by, and I would not change a thing. Every mistake or choice that I have made has resulted in me meeting new people that will be friends for life, tasting foods that I will crave forever, and teaching me to grow in ways I did not think I needed. So throw away your preconceived notions of America and allow yourself to get caught up in the clichés. After all, you are there to exchange cultures with a completely foreign world, so make sure you embrace that. Do not hesitate to speak up and pursue opportunities that cross your path because they will not come around again, so pursue them and be proud of yourself for taking such a leap.

To read more from Megan, connect with her on Twitter!

Behind the Scenes of “Little Evil” with Alex Campbell

by

Filmmaker Alex Campbell has developed an impressive international career that spans film, television, commercials, theater, and photography. Based in London, the young writer and director was awarded the inaugural Sundance Ignite fellowship after his film Journey Home won the Sundance Ignite “What’s Next” challenge in 2016. Alex’s most recent short film HUSH premiered at the British Film Institute and has since gone on to win awards at film festivals in North Africa and Europe. His films Journey Home, The Trench, and HUSH have also been screened at a number of prestigious International Festivals around the world, including the Africa International Film Festival, the Encounters Film Festival, and the Aesthetica Film Festival.

Last year, Alex participated in IA&A’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and spent five months as a film production trainee on the set of Little Evil, an American horror-comedy film that was recently released on Netflix. In the movie, a recently married man named Gary (played by Adam Scott) wants to bond with his stepson, who seems to be a bit unusual. Soon, Gary begins to fear that the boy might be the anti-Christ and chaos (naturally!) ensues. As a trainee, Alex spent his days with the film’s production team, shadowing the director and learning the in-and-outs of post-production.

To get in the spirit of Halloween, we caught up with Alex to hear more about his experience working on the set of Little Evil and how his exchange helped advance his filmmaking career back in London.

What was it like to work on the movie’s set?

I started my traineeship in the film’s “prep week”. During this first week, I had the opportunity to take part in table reads, assist during storyboard review sessions, and sit in on major production meetings between the director, director of photography, and other heads of department. This was a great opportunity to really meet and get to know the crew, and allowed me to get great time shadowing and interacting with key members of the production team as they ran test shoots and made final preparations for the start of the production.My responsibilities and duties changed and adapted over the duration of the traineeship due to the ever-changing nature of a film production. As we moved into production, I received mentorship on how to make the frame surrounding the main action feel alive and natural for when directing background and extras. I also had the chance to shadow the director and production team during shooting and assist them with day-to-day tasks of all kinds whilst receiving on-the-job training and guidance.

The duration of my traineeship was spent deeply integrated in the Assistant Director’s (AD) department. The AD department works with all members of the production team and was the ideal place to gain an overview of the entire production as they work and liaise daily with the camera, lighting, grip, electric, hair, and makeup departments. There is never a dull day on set, with so many locations and set ups, from monster truck stunts to household interiors. Every day was energetic and different with each posing its own challenges and rewards!

How has your on-set production training advanced your career as a filmmaker?

Since my traineeship, I have learnt so much through shadowing and working alongside numerous members of the production team for the entire shoot. The placement has given me a chance to gain an understanding of the style and process of the key creatives involved in bringing Little Evil to life. From their techniques and craft, to how they shoot a scene, and to an insight into how Eli, the film’s director, directs actors and his crew to achieve his vision.I felt as though I had undertaken a complete crash course in the rules, rights, and wrongs of making a mid-budget feature and gained a greater understanding of how an independent film is made, both on- and off-set in the United States.

Since returning from the United States, I’ve continued working as a director back in the UK, most recently completing a documentary called Voices of Britain commissioned by the British Film Institute for broadcast by the BBC. I have also recently taken a position in the creative production department at the London School of Fashion where I work directing content for their internal and external clients.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

Having spent time in Cleveland, OH, and Los Angeles, CA, I’ve experienced different ways of life, different cultures, and the different interests, passions, and work that creatives in America are exploring today. I gained a greater understanding, empathy, and interest in the American film and arts culture, along with a set of friends, teachers, and mentors who I hope to spend time with and collaborate with for a very long time to come.From visiting LACMA and The Broad, to roller skating and big sporting events, to seeing film premieres and being invited into artist’s personal studios, to meeting with filmmakers at the Sundance Film Festival, this opportunity has given me the best insight I could have imagined into the “American Experience” and how that differs from what I grew up with in the UK.

I think the ability to share with those that I met along the way my experiences and perspectives from growing up in the UK, and to hear their stories, is at the heart of what cultural exchange really means to me.

 

To see more of Alex’s work, check out his website, connect with him on Twitter, or follow him on Instagram! 

One City, Two Stories: A Double Feature with Arielle

by

What could be better than one incredible cultural exchange experience? Two! Just ask Arielle Estrada, an aspiring filmmaker from France who spent the past year in San Francisco, CA, splitting her time between internships at two different host organizations. The first was at the California Film Institute (CFI), an organization that uses the power of storytelling through film as a way to educate, inspire, and entertain. While at CFI, Arielle helped to develop educational programs and manage special events, including the Mill Valley Film Festival. She also learned about the technical tools and skills necessary for video productions. At Canyon Cinema, a foundation dedicated to educating the public about independent, non-commercial, experimental, avant-garde, and artist-made moving images, Arielle was able to enhance her knowledge of film archives and preservation. Through these two distinct, yet complementary, internships Arielle was able to develop the skills that will help her become a well-rounded filmmaker.

We caught up with Arielle to hear about her exchange experience and how it has impacted her future career in filmmaking!

What impact has your exchange experience had on your life and your career?

My experience has definitely been extremely positive both on a personal and on a professional level. I had the chance to be challenged at the California Film Institute, to be offered responsibilities and a diversity of projects to work on that gave me more confidence and ideas for the future. And interning at Canyon Cinema once per week was more like an opportunity to enter a world that brings a now-endless interest for me: the world of archives preservation and the culture of American experimental cinema! The connections I created in the Bay Area are one-of-a-kind and will remain very strong. In general, people here seemed to me to be extremely considerate, creative, and straightforward. I learnt a lot from the diversity and inventiveness of this place!

What is your favorite memory from your exchange program?

I enjoyed biking to the Canyon Cinema every week. I would enter this big industrial building full of workshops and studios, push open the door to Canyon Cinema and feel as if I was entering a secret place detaining a big slice of cinema history. At the California Film Institute, one of the best memories was leading the Young Curators summer program. It consisted in teaching a group of young movie aficionados how to curate a “Youth Reel” section for the Mill Valley Film Festival. We watched and discussed 150 short films in three days and it was wonderful! Another tremendous memory was producing a five episode TV series from scratch. In it, I would invite teenagers to be the hosts of the show and they would talk about a storytelling and filmmaking workshop they had participated at the California Film Institute many years ago. They would then comment on the evolution of their inspiration and stories.

What was your favorite cultural activity to do in San Francisco? 

A lot happens in the streets of San Francisco, particularly in the Mission district. Carnaval, Halloween, Pride Days, Dia de los Muertos, or regular Sundays at Dolores Park . . . these certainly were my favorite cultural activities. I enjoyed the beautiful performances and drag shows in SoMa, and regularly went to the BAMPFA events in Berkeley. As a person involved in film, I tried to go to as many theaters as I could and appreciated the variety of their styles. One of the best things about living in the Bay area was also the proximity of beautiful mountains and natural landscapes. The south coast of San Francisco was one of my favorite places to go.

What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States?

In the United States, the work culture is very interesting. It is intense, but very challenging and you feel a real commitment to work collaboratively. There is also definitely a sense of “giving a chance” to young people and creators that I had never felt as strongly in other countries. Take advantage of it! Coming from Old Europe, North America felt to me like the land of optimism: if you are committed to what you are doing, you will find support and positivity. Finally, remember that you also have a lot to bring from your own culture and background. Your difference will really be appreciated by your hosts and you should not be scared to value it.

What does cultural exchange mean to you? 

It is hard to give a personal definition of what cultural exchange is because it feels like the words never fit quite well. I prefer the idea of intersections. It is more relevant with the way I have experienced culture and situated myself since I was a child in a complex network of cultural references and values. Nevertheless in a broad sense it could be learning humility and always putting in perspective what you think constitutes the core of your beliefs. It could be getting to know yourself better by knowing others, or reinventing yourself, getting multiple selves by becoming more creative. It could also be embracing diversity and be inspired by it.

To see more of Arielle’s amazing work, check out her website or follow her on Instagram!

Discovering the Film Industry in LA

by

For someone looking to gain experience in the entertainment industry, Los Angeles is the place to be! For Anna Jane Edmonds, it was the perfect place to spend eighteen months training with Silver Pictures, a film production company in Santa Monica, CA. Keep reading for more on Anna Jane’s experience!

Looking back, what are your thoughts about your experience at Silver Pictures Entertainment?

I had the opportunity to be a part of a large American film production company where the experience I gathered has given me the skills to continue my path in the entertainment industry. This was an invaluable experience and I will reference back to it all the time. I was fortunate to work with amazing people and learn an exceptional amount from them.

What projects are you working on now in Toronto?

I am currently at the end of a horror movie entitled THE HERETICS with Black Fawn Films and I am producing a short science fiction film in July.

What are some of the differences, if any, in working in Los Angeles versus in Toronto?

There are many differences, mainly the access to industry professionals. LA is saturated with film and television whereas Toronto is home to many different industries. There is a lot of talent in Toronto, though, so I am excited to be back!

What advice would you have for someone who is starting a J-1 program?

Say yes to the experiences you are offered in the office, you never know what you can learn from trying a job/task that you don’t think you will like – you never know, you may end up enjoying it!

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

Cultural exchange can mean many different things. It can be argued that Canada and the U.S. are not that culturally different, however I would disagree. There are many similarities but the differences are what makes this type of exchange so valuable. The way the film industry functions in the U.S. is different than in Canada, so my experience of the culture surrounding film in the U.S. will carry me throughout the rest of my career.

Exchange Visitor Profile: Tim Fitzgerald

by

Name: Tim Fitzgerald

From: Birmingham, United Kingdom

Intern at: Escape Plan Productions (Austin, TX)

Q: Tell us about one of your favorite projects you are working on in your internship.

I am only a month into this internship, and it has been filled with a number of great projects; anything from basic editing, to really involved work from the start of the project to the finish. My personal favorite project I have worked on in my time so far in Austin has to be a 45 second bumper film that we made for Fantastic Fest 2014. Our film, Clownin’ Around (Warning: Contains scenes of violence, horror, and gore), was pretty highly regarded at the festival and almost won an award presented by Edgar Wright. On this set, I was the boom operator and sound designer, so I really got to experiment with some new and interesting design techniques.

Q: Where is your favorite place to go in Austin?

I’m a big fan of exploring cities, so I just like to hang out downtown. The city centre here in Austin is stunning, the buildings look great, everything is clean, and the people are so very friendly. Not to mention there is always something new to find in town every time you go in, be that a store, a bar or an event of some kind. There is just always something going on.

Q: Tell us about a funny or interesting moment that happened during your program.

There is a famous film production studio not too far from the Escape Plan offices, and I have admired one production company there for some time. Seeing a couple of guys from there hanging out downtown was a very surreal moment for me, as I has been a fan of this company for a number of years.

Q: What has been your favorite cultural activity so far?

Certainly the case with Austin, if you want to engage in cultural activity, just go out and meet people. Everyone here is so unique and comes from such a wide variety of backgrounds that it is seemingly impossible to pin down one culture. This may sound really obvious, everyone comes from different places and everyone has different experiences, but here in Austin, it seems to be so diverse in multiculturalism that you are constantly taking part and learning about cultures.

Q: What does cultural exchange mean to you?

Cultural exchange for me means to really engross yourself in a culture that is not your own, really get invested in something that you may not be used to. I personally think cultural exchange is how we grow as people, because we gain a better understanding of the world.

Q: What are your plans for the future once you finish your program in the United States?

I haven’t got anything set in stone yet, but I’m constantly applying for work in film, TV and video game production across the UK. This is a very short term plan, but I really think it will help me build up on my experience to become a better sound designer. As for a long term goal; I’m not certain as of right now, but I’ve always been the type to live on my wit, in that I go with whatever is going on at the time.

You can view more of Tim’s work here.