Conversations with filmmakers selected to the festival.
Save Ralph is a ‘day in the life’ film of a cosmetics animal tester that incites a journey of devastating revelation. Rarely does a stop-motion PSA motivate us to action like Save Ralph does. Conceived, written and directed by Spencer Susser and voiced by such actors as Taika Waititi, Ricky Gervais and Zac Efron, Save Ralph demonstrates how the medium of animation can effect change. Powerfully presented, Spencer tackles the cruelty of animal testing in an original and unexpected way—using the story of one bunny to shine a light on the plight of countless rabbits and other animals in laboratories worldwide.
SPEAKER
Spencer Susser
Director // Blue-Tongue Films
(Hesher, I Love Sarah Jane, The Captain)
Spencer Susser is an award-winning director, screenwriter, and editor whose career spans feature films, short films, commercials and music videos. He made his feature film directorial debut at Sundance in 2010 with Hesher, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rainn Wilson & Natalie Portman, which Spencer co-wrote, produced, edited & directed.
Susser’s short film projects include I love Sarah Jane starring Mia Wasikowska (Alice In Wonderland), The Captain starring Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit). Spencer recently directed 2nd Unit and edited the Oscar-nominated The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. Spencer has also directed music videos, including the breakthrough video for Lana Del Rey “Summertime Sadness”. His work as an editor in music videos includes artists such as Elton John, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Jennifer Lopez, and many more.
MODERATOR
Keith Blackmore
Sr Lecturer // Vancouver Film School
As an animation historian, Keith Blackmore has been a passionate cheerleader and a voice for all-things animated in the Vancouver area for almost 30 years. As one of the producers of the SPARK ANIMATION Festival and an active member of the local SIGGRAPH chapter, Keith has presented, interviewed and moderated at many festivals, local and national.
Since 1995, Blackmore has educated, entertained and inspired students in the history of animation and media studies at the Vancouver Film School. When he’s not reading, teaching or talking about animation, he’s watching it.
Conversations with filmmakers selected to the festival.
Save Ralph is a ‘day in the life’ film of a cosmetics animal tester that incites a journey of devastating revelation. Rarely does a stop-motion PSA motivate us to action like Save Ralph does. Conceived, written and directed by Spencer Susser and voiced by such actors as Taika Waititi, Ricky Gervais and Zac Efron, Save Ralph demonstrates how the medium of animation can effect change. Powerfully presented, Spencer tackles the cruelty of animal testing in an original and unexpected way—using the story of one bunny to shine a light on the plight of countless rabbits and other animals in laboratories worldwide.
SPEAKER
Spencer Susser
Director // Blue-Tongue Films
(Hesher, I Love Sarah Jane, The Captain)
Spencer Susser is an award-winning director, screenwriter, and editor whose career spans feature films, short films, commercials and music videos. He made his feature film directorial debut at Sundance in 2010 with Hesher, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rainn Wilson & Natalie Portman, which Spencer co-wrote, produced, edited & directed.
Susser’s short film projects include I love Sarah Jane starring Mia Wasikowska (Alice In Wonderland), The Captain starring Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit). Spencer recently directed 2nd Unit and edited the Oscar-nominated The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. Spencer has also directed music videos, including the breakthrough video for Lana Del Rey “Summertime Sadness”. His work as an editor in music videos includes artists such as Elton John, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Jennifer Lopez, and many more.
MODERATOR
Keith Blackmore
Sr Lecturer // Vancouver Film School
As an animation historian, Keith Blackmore has been a passionate cheerleader and a voice for all-things animated in the Vancouver area for almost 30 years. As one of the producers of the SPARK ANIMATION Festival and an active member of the local SIGGRAPH chapter, Keith has presented, interviewed and moderated at many festivals, local and national.
Since 1995, Blackmore has educated, entertained and inspired students in the history of animation and media studies at the Vancouver Film School. When he’s not reading, teaching or talking about animation, he’s watching it.
