You might recall Trident asking fans of DJ Steve Aoki and Duran Duran to make videos for “Hungry Like the Wolf: Steve Aoki vs. Duran Duran–The New York Werewolf Mix.” Well, we now have an update on the contest–the contest has ended, an we now have the privilege to announce the Jury Winner, Sam Charoenchai, who got to take home the $10,000 prize; and the Fan Selection Winner, Muriel Riquelme, who won the $5,000 prize.
Check out this Q&A Trident held with Charoenchai below, and also make sure to check out the Jury Winning and Fan Selection Winning and official videos below the post.
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Please give us some brief background on your career.
After studying Communication Design and Computer Animation at FIT in New York City, I ended up working at a studio called UVPhactory (www.uvphactory.com). We worked on several interesting broadcast projects for clients like Syfy, ABC, VH1 and Versus. I was there for over 4 years, eventually becoming the lead 3D animator. In May 2012, I left New York to explore the West Coast industry with my wife (who is also an animator). I’m currently freelancing in Los Angeles, and working on an occasional Trident music video.
How long have you been in film making?
I’ve been working on little comics and short animations since I was a kid. My student thesis film ‘Big Shot’ was selected as a Regional Finalist for the 2007 Student Academy Awards. I suppose that was my first ‘real’ film. In 2011, I made ‘Frankie Rulez!!!’, a 5 minute animated short that was screened at a handful of festivals and picked up a couple awards. That was my first ‘real’ film where I kind of knew what I was doing. But, not really.
What attracted you to this project?
I loved the Trident: See What Unfolds TV campaign that was posted as a reference for the music video. It had all these weird and colorful 2D animated flourishes, so I assumed there was a certain preference for a concept that was bold, graphic and animated. Myself being an animator and designer, I felt this was my strength, so it seemed like an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
Where do you hope to take your film making?
I hope to continue directing short films and music videos, and eventually work on a feature length film. If one day I directed a feature length animated film that was on the level of Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Barry Lyndon’ I think I would die happy.
Do you have any upcoming projects you would like to discuss?
I’m currently working on another music video for Genero.tv. After that I have a few other short film ideas simmering, but nothing really solidified. You can always get an update on my work at my personal website -www.mulletproof.com
Any advice for other up and coming producers?
It sounds trite, but from my experience: it’s really important to finish what you start. I have always been guilty of getting lazy or down on myself and feeling the temptation to give up and try something else. Even with the Trident music video, I started doubting myself halfway through and wanted to give up and go take a nap. Fortunately, I kept at it, did the best I could and finished it. The hard work definitely paid off.
