Paul Mangan
Ireland based
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Interview: 10 questions
1. Tell me something about your life and educational background
I was born in 1985 in Dublin and attended Glasnevin National School which was founded by the writer/poet Jonathan Swift. In 1997 I began studying at Mount Temple Comprehensive in Clontarf, famed for being the school in which the members of rock band U2 first met and formed their band. After school I enrolled in the National College of Art and Design and graduated earlier this year.
2. When how and why started you filming?
My first serious films were made during my time in art college and mainly consisted of short stop motion animations. I had always wanted to work in this medium but had previously lacked the time and equipment to learn how. Programs such as Adobe After Effecrs opened up more possibilities and I focused much of my efforts in my final year of college working on films and animations.
3. What kind of subjects have your films?
My films tend to deal with surrealistic subjects often inspired by imagery from dreams and nightmares. Several of my films deal with controversial themes and use animation as a means of highlighting such subjects.
4. How do you develop your films?
Originally I tended to work without stoyboards at all and worked largely in the stop motion animation field. Over time I have learned to bring more planning into the process as well as branching out into other formats such as short live action films and cartoon animation.
5. Tell me something about the technical equipment you use?
For stop motion animation I use digital cameras in conjunction with my computer and for other styles of animation I tend to use Adobe After effects but have also used Flash.
6. What are the chances of new media for the genre film/video in general and you personally?
I dont know yet- we shall have to wait and see!
7. How do you finance your films?
During my time in college, student grants helped finance most of the equipment i needed.
8. Do you work individually as a video/film artist or do you work in a team?
So far I have just worked individually.
9. Who or what has a lasting influence on your film/video making?
Influences on my film making include Jan Svakmajer (in particular his Alice in Wonderland remake NÄ›co z Alenky), Wolfgang and Christoph Lauenstein’s animation Balance, Geoges Melies ( A Trip to The Moon).
10. What are your future plans/dreams as a film maker?
To continue to develop my skills to the point where I can effectively recreate my ideas in film form. I would also like to be able to combine my music with my films in somre form in the future.
some more examples of my videos and artwork can be viewed my personal website clockworkorchestra.com (currently under construction)