Faculty share insight and behind-the-scenes stories in film series at Little Theatre

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Tom Gasek, a professor in RIT’s School of Film and Animation, will talk about his role as a character animator on the film Chicken Run on Jan. 6 as part of the RIT Faculty Speaker Film Series. The series runs monthly at The Little Theatre.

The internationally renowned filmmakers and researchers who make up the faculty of RIT’s School of Film and Animation are presenting an “RIT Faculty Speaker Film Series” at Rochester’s Little Theatre. The monthly series allows anyone—whether a filmmaker, afficiondo or novice—the opportunity to be part of an in-depth discussion about a film chosen by the RIT faculty member, whether it’s a current film running at The Little or a film that the faculty member contributed to personally.

Tom Gasek ’79 (design), a stop-motion director and character animator, will discuss his role in the animated film Chicken Run on Jan. 6. The showing of the film begins at 6 p.m. and is followed by a discussion. In addition to Chicken Run, Gasek has also worked on Henry Selick’s Coraline and Aardman Animations’ The Wrong Trousers.

“This film series is a perfect chance for the Rochester community to get a sneak peek into the classroom and into the dynamic analysis and interpretation film students at RIT experience every day,” says David Long, professor and chair of the Digital Cinema program in RIT’s School of Film and Animation.

The series kicked off in November with professor Skip Battaglia. Battaglia’s films and animations have been honored around the world, including in Japan, England, Germany, Mexico, and Cannes.

The discussions are structured so both casual viewers and film enthusiasts have the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn more about the films in the series. The goal is to gain a better understanding of films—with behind-the-scenes stories and experiences or general analysis.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased ahead by contacting The Little’s main office at 258-0400, ext. 400. The series is sponsored in part by MVP Health Care.

The following is a complete list of upcoming RIT faculty members to be featured:
Geoffrey Alan Rhodes, Feb. 10

Rhodes, a researcher and experimental filmmaker, will speak about the groundbreaking film Timecode by Mike Figgis. Rhodes creates both feature films and installation video art. His work has been screened or exhibited at the Moscow International Film Festival, the European Media Arts Festival, the International Society of Electronic Arts, the Museum of Modern Art, and Toronto’s Images Festival, among others.
Brian Larson, March 10

Larson, an award-winning animator/director, will discuss the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit?. Larson, the former lead animator at the commercial house Celluloid Studios, animated and directed television icons like Tony the Tiger, Cap’n Crunch and the Keebler Elves.
Bob Deaver, April 14

Deaver will discuss The Adventures of Mark Twain (1985) and his time working at Will Vinton Studios. Deaver has been a senior character animator for television shows and national commercial campaigns. His work includes both digital characters and stop- motion puppets.
Johannes Bockwoldt, May 12

Bockwoldt will speak about Roman Polanski’s film Chinatown. Bockwoldt, who was raised on international cinema, has written plays and screenplays and worked most recently as a dramaturge for the Outer Loop Theater Experience.