Last Monday was a special day for me.
Roughly one year ago I created the first animatic shots to my graduation movie which was presented at the Puskin Cinema as part of the 6th Animascope program. One year ago I would not have thought that this movie would be so close to me and would brought friendships that fill my heart to the fullest. I am loss of words when I want to express my gratitude to the extremely talented and hard-working staff with whom we created this movie.
As an entrant making and directing this movie was the greatest and most instructive experience that I have ever dreamed of. To be honest, I would work on this film for a whole eternity - I will always find something that should be changed in my opinion, but I had to let go of its hand and learn from my mistakes. I needed to learn to watch forward and never take a step back, to have confidence in the work I do and the opinions I have.
I started to find myself asking the same questions - before that film and this whole experience I made animated projects only for myself, but now I needed to let go of my selfish "artsy" perception and look at the bigger picture; what do the audience want and how can I tell my story in the best possible way to reach out for viewers outside of my profession as well?
This whole situation first made me really anxious but I needed to learn from my mistakes and also learn to let go of my negative thoughts and be proud of my work. I'm already massively self critical and a perfectionist so being able to share and put my work out to a crowd was really pressuring me - but despite all the hard times I think I came out not only as an emotionally stronger human being but as a better artist and director.
I am beyond grateful to Eszter Jenei, with whom I first met at the early stages of the production but I can confidently say that she became one of my best friend besides one of the most hardworking people and animator I know. Without her help this film would not be completed.
I also had the honor to work with Péter Csornay, the co-producer of this short movie, to whom I owe a lot of experience - he did not hesitate to tell me what to do better or what to change in order to make the film better. He also introduced me and my work to professionals, which I am very grateful for. He is not only a good producer but a great teacher aswell.
Being able to see my movie within the program that included other amazing animated short films aswell on the big screen at Animascope was a dream come true! I was so nervous the day before but when it came to the occasion I was just enjoying the company of my friends, family, teachers and schoolmates.
As a filmmaker you will always notice small mistakes at the first screening but before you break down and start to feel bitter and sad about it, keep in mind that you've seen your work for months but the audience will embrace the story with fresh eyes! Small mistakes can be fixed, but the experience is one-off - this is why I decided to sit back and enjoy the fruits of our hard work. :)
Thank you for my amazing cast and friends for making this animated short and thank you to everyone who came to watch it to the Puskin Cinema!
CAST of Bardo
Producer: Péter Csornay/Melinda Kiss
Lead animation: Eszter Jenei/Fiorella Spitzer
Art & background design: Regina Pekárik
Animation: Dóra Csóka/Henrietta Dudás/László Sztán/Orsolya Blanka Tóth/Éva Zsilinszky
Painting: Dóra Oltány/Amélia Connolly/Kata Fodor/Laura Hegedűs/Paulina Offenbacher
Music & sound desing: András Pongor
Production manager: Krisztina Holló-Leleszi
Post production: StudioLamb
Colorist: Szandra Bognár
Consultant: László Csáki/Klára Muhi/Mihály Sikur
Script doctor: László Kolozsi
Cinematographer: Róbert Maly
Technical consultant: Zoltán Fritz
Executive producer: Viktor Uhrin
And I am especially grateful for my Mom, Grandma and my boyfriend, Gábor!
You guys encouraged me to keep moving forward at the hard times aswell and I will forever be thankful for all the energy and love you give me.
Thank you for reading and see you in the near future ;)
- love, Fiorella
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