IFCC 3Q Interview // Chris Rosewarne
1. How did you get started in your field and what advice can you offer enthusiasts and beginners?
I started in the film industry as a model and prop maker, building and making things in the workshop for four years. Then I saw the “Art Of Star Wars” book which totally turned my attention to the art department. I quit my job and began work on my portfolio. What helped me was that I was able to present my conceptual work alongside my prop making portfolio. The main reaction from art directors and designers was “so you know how to build what you draw!”. It’s something that I still get hired for now and what I consider to be one of my strengths; the ability to see beyond the shapes on the page and consider the workshop development. Since the majority of what I draw usually has to get built, if it doesn’t work or make sense then you get people asking question and rising issues. Soak up everything around you. I’m really into tech and props so every time I see something like a crane operating on the back of a truck I’m taking photos, watching it move, making mental notes. I love being in workshops too, handling equipment and looking at the machines, admiring the wear and tear on certain parts, the patina and oil stains, all those surface details that breathe life into your designs.
2. What was your favorite project so far and why?
All projects are very unique and fun in their own way but so far my favorite one was “Avengers 2: Age Of Ultron”. I was designing a lot of props whilst being heavily involved in the workshop’s activities as they were building them. It was amazing being there, watching how your designs were being made. I love resolving design issues as they develop and receiving input from the technicians, they really shed a lot of constructive light on problems, things that you wouldn’t think of. It’s a very organic process and I learn more every time I do it. The “real world” makes you have to deal with your designs head on, there’s no smoke and mirrors to hide the bad. I can’t show any of this work as the film is not out yet but you can watch the trailer > https://www.youtube.com/watch?
3. How will you be involved in IFCC 2015 and what do you expect from the festival?
I will be involved as much as I can with lectures and demos but I will also be there soaking up the mad skills of other artists. IFCC 2015 has a really great line up! “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone”. I expect to get jealous, impressed, blow away and just have a great time with some great and very talented people. In the end I think we will all come away with new ideas and methods to make us better artists!