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David Burns
US based artist
His video “Visual Orchestra” is part of the selection “image vs music”
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Interview : 10 questions
1. Tell me something about your life and the educational background
Grew up in Miami, received MFA in Design and Technology from Parsons School of Design, New York City, practiced digital media in New York for a decade before joining Southern Illinois University Carbondale as a Professor in Animation Media Arts.
2. When, how and why started you filming?
I began filming short narratives as a child. I would wake up from a dream and have an insatiable need to tell a story that I dreamt.
3.What kind of subjects have your films?
Memory, Post-Memory, Surveillance, relationship between man and technology, explorations of form, color and audio-visual rhythms.
4. How do you develop your films, do you follow certain principles, styles etc?
My typical production process begins with a dream, a thought, an idea, that leads to research on that particular thought or theme, followed by several studies, sketches and storyboards that guide my digital production work. Most of my work might be recognized as abstract, experimental or conceptual work. I don’t subscribe to any one principle when I work.
5. Tell me something about the technical equipment you use.
Apple Mac, Maya, AfterEffects, ProTools, Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro.
Using Maya is a great way to break out of the 2D plane and experiment with virtual space. AfterEffects is helpful in compositing 2D and 3D computer graphics for more complex compositions. Having the ability to author DVD content opens up economical pathways to creative distribution.
6. What are the chances of new media for the genre film/video in general and you personally?
The possibilities for different forms and types of new media for film and video work to exist on and develop are wide-open. We are only at the infancy stage of all of this. The media and delivery of content will constantly be in flux. Good design, aesthetics and content will always be good design, aesthetics and content; regardless of the technology/format used to deliver the content. Expect a lot more niche-content in the future.
7. How do you finance your films?
Through academic grants and personal funds.
8. Do you work individually as a video artist/film maker or do you work in a team? if you have experience in both, what is the difference, what do you prefer?
I Work alone within the context of interfacing with other digital media artists. I prefer to work alone in my studio but not in a vacuum. I keep a regular dialogue going with many practicing media artists. It is valuable to share thoughts and ideas in discussions with others in your creative field.
9. Who or what has a lasting influence on your film/video making?
Oskar Fischinger: A true pioneer and genius that piloted experimental abstract animation work. Pixar: The studio that updated animation technology tremendously and will leave a lasting impact on digital animation.
10. What are your future plans or dreams as a film/video maker?
Leave the media arts with a body of work that will serve to instruct, challenge and encourage future generations.