5Q's w/Mark McKinsey "Vows" Director
MONDAY | BLOCK N | 9:30 |
Vows (5 min) dir: Mark McKinsey
#1: Can you describe your movie and why somebody should see it in less than 280 characters?
Vows is an animated short I directed during my final year in university about a man named Carl, who is preparing for one of the biggest days of his life. Ultimately, the story revolves around love and the different forms of vows we make in the name of it. I wanted to tell a story that isn’t often told in animated film, but impacts many people all over the world.
#2: What do you want the Borrego Springs Film Festival audience to know about your film that isn’t obvious from its title?
Vows was made to give hope to anyone who believes in love and all its colorful forms.
#3: What is your movie making background? Tell us about yourself.
I am a 3D artist who recently graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design. During my studies, I was fortunate enough to intern at Pixar Animation Studios working on Cars 3. It was an incredible opportunity, and it helped prepare me to take on the challenge of directing this project. I don't have much experience with traditional film making, but I've always been inspired by the stories I grew up with, particularly those in the animated format. With my skill set, I usually help support the post production process of film making, but I was so passionate about this story, that I had to learn quick how to be a filmmaker, collaborating with many other artists that helped guide me to success.
#4: What was the biggest lesson learned in getting your film made?
I learned just how important collaboration is. Incredible things happen when a group of talented people work together. I knew this before, but directing a project and seeing every single part of the pipeline come together made me understand this on another level. I'm so grateful for all of my talented friends that helped make this story a reality.
#5: What does the future hold for your film and you?
I feel so fortunate that this film has been received by multiple festivals, but I'm truly very excited to release it publicly sometime next year. I hope it'll make an impact and make people re-evaluate how our society defines certain institutions. Thank you to the Borrego Springs Film Festival for this awesome opportunity to share it with your audience!
