Indian animator grabs Spielberg’s eyeballs!
People strive for years, yet grabbing the attention of a legendary film-maker like Steven Spielberg remains a far-fetched dream. Therefore, it’s wonderful to have a 19-year-old lad make his mark. Krishna Bala Shenoi, a 2nd year Animation student, has floored none other than Spielberg with his 'impressive' video, which he made as a tribute to the veteran filmmaker.
An avid fan of Spielberg, Krishna admires his films namely E.T, Superman, Close Encounters of the Third Kind etc. Blessed with creativity and talent, Krishna began trying his hand at filming using his old Sony camcorder with building blocks, clay models etc., from a very tender age of 8.
Krishna is also the youngest Far-Flung Correspondent on film critic Roger Ebert’s blog. “In 2010, the world’s most read film critic, Roger Ebert, contacted me via e-mail after seeing my films and writing on the Internet, and invited me to the Foreign Correspondents’ blog on his website,” says Krishna.
Krishna Bala Shenoi
So, what did it take to impress Spielberg? Well, it took Krishna four months to complete this ‘impressive’ video. Then he sent it to Roger Ebert. “He posted it on his blog along with a note I wrote, and posted it on Twitter and Facebook. Later another foreign correspondent for Ebert’s blog, Anath White, sent the video to Lois Burwell, a make-up artist who has worked with Spielberg on films like Lincoln, and Saving Private Ryan, who passed it on to Spielberg,” says Krishna.
Impressed with Krishna’s short and crisp film, Spielberg wrote: “I watched your sweet and respectful short movie. Your image choices and clever transitions gave your tribute film a real narrative.”
In a tete-a-tete with Tuulika Misra of Shiksha.com, Krishna gets candid about his achievements and his dream coming true.
Q. Did you know as a child that you will carve a niche in Animation?
But I haven't carved a niche in animation. What I did was rotoscoping, which is a technique by which one traces over the original video, frame by frame. While it is very time consuming, it is also much easier than animation. In some sense, it's a technique of animation, but it isn't the traditional technique. And while I think animation is one of the most freeing of visual forms, and one with endless possibilities, I don't think it's my thing. I find it very tricky to do. I have immense respect for people in that field, and I greatly enjoy watching it.
Q. What do you think made this video exceptional. Was it the technique of ‘Rotoscoping’ you used?
I think it's how wonderful the imagery I used was, and that has nothing to do with me; I simply translated Spielberg's iconic imagery to animation. So I think the answer to your question is 'Spielberg and all the people involved in the movies he has made'. Also, I have to point out that half the reason this animation, and Spielberg's films, work so well is because of John William's music. If I had to give myself credit for something, it would be for the incredible amount of time I poured into it, and even more the determination and resilience. There were so many points I wanted to stop working on it because of various issues, but I didn't.
Q. Tell us about your academic background.
I studied CBSE Science in Grade 12, although I knew I wanted to study film and art. And so I have; I'm now in my second year at Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology. It's a great place to be if you're into creating things, and it offers students opportunities to do such a variety of work.
Q. Any tips you would like to offer animation aspirants?
Surely I am in absolutely no position to offer tips to animators, but from my little experience, I think aspirants should just watch animated movies. Many of them. And to make your work more unique, move away from Disney, because there's so much great independent animation out there, and some fantastic animation from other countries. Some of them use incredibly interesting and unexpected techniques and designs. Also, more importantly, practice, practice, practice. Each time I tried something, I got better at it.
Q. What are your future plans?
I don't plan that far ahead, although I know I really should. I want to pursue films.
Q. Are we seeing you in Steven Spielberg’s entourage in the near future?
Like I said, I don't know what I'll be doing in the future. Spielberg's entourage? No idea. All I know is I'm a fan. I'm a huge fan. I have always been in awe of the filmmaker, but now I'm in awe of the man. I am thankful that he took the time off to write such a kind letter to someone, to encourage that person to pursue his dreams. It is an act of such kindness that demonstrates his goodness isn't just restricted to his films. I want to stress on that. Receiving it is one of the great events in my life. I treasure this letter with sincere humility.
Q. How did it feel when your ultimate hero Spielberg used the word ‘impress’ twice in his handwritten appreciation letter?
Getting this letter from my hero was such a shock, I was shivering. My knees were wobbly. I am so thankful to Steven Spielberg for being gracious enough to have taken the time to write me such a kind letter. I am convinced that his goodness isn’t restricted to just his films. I’d also like to thank Roger Ebert for changing my life. And the Foreign Correspondents, for being so supportive, and especially Anath, for getting this seen! I’d like to thank my family for being so supportive, particularly my mother. And last, but certainly not the least, I’m grateful for my friends. I am convinced that no letter or acknowledgement from anyone means as much to me as just my friends and I being there for each other.
