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Dive deeper into the creative process of filmmaking. Explore the inspirations and challenges faced during production, and gain a richer understanding of some of the films selected for this year's festival.
These candid conversations not only shed light on the artistry and technical expertise that go into filmmaking but also provide a glimpse into the personal stories and motivations that drive these talented creators.
Jump into the world of (S)KiDS with producer Leah Solis and director Les Solis as they reveal the journey from concept album to feature-length film.
In collaboration with the band Rare Americans, Leah and Les embarked on a creative adventure that not only led to a unique punk rock musical but also to the launch of a new studio alongside the band.
Here they discuss the challenges of bringing a concept album to life on screen, the tough choices behind cutting some songs, and the energy, grit, and creativity that went into making this one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.
Image Credit: (S)KiDS © 2024 Crooked City Studios. All Rights Reserved.
SPEAKERS
Leah Solis
Producer // Solis Animation
((S)KiDS, Freaky Tales, KIMOTIWIN: THE ACT OF STEALING, Gary and His Demons)
Leah Solis is head of production at Solis Animation Inc., an independently-owned and family-run boutique studio based in Toronto.
Prior to joining the family business in 2016 Leah worked in the public accounting sector for 10+ years.
Leah strives to help transition the studio from service into IP creation. Animation producing credits include: John Ware Reclaimed, Gary and His Demons, Canadoodaday and Secret Path.
Website // IMDb // Facebook // Instagram
Les Solis
Animation Director // Solis Animation
((S)KiDS, Freaky Tales, Gary and His Demons, Secret Path)
Essentially raised by Saturday Morning cartoons, Lou Solis has been animating professionally for over 20 years.
Notable credits include the Comedy Central series Ugly Americans, Moonbeam City, VRV's Gary and His Demons, Gord Downie's CSA award winning Secret Path, and his collaborations with Rare Americans. He is humbled and privileged for every opportunity to bring silly drawings to life.
Website // IMDb // Facebook // Instagram
MODERATOR
Marina Antunes
President // Spark CG Society
Marina has been writing and discussing film for over 15 years, first on a personal blog, followed by a decade-long tenure on the now retired Row Three. In 2008, she joined the writing staff at Quiet Earth, becoming Editor-In-Chief in 2014, a role she still holds. Over the years, she has also produced and hosted a number of podcasts including Before the Dawn, a long-running podcast on the Twilight franchise, Girls on Pop, a podcast on film and popular entertainment from women’s perspective and After the Credits, bi-monthly film podcast with nearly 300 episodes.
Marina is a member of ACM and ACM SIGGRAPH, the Online Film Critics Society, the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, and the Visual Effects Society. She is the President of Spark CG Society and the Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH chapter. She has also served on juries for several film festivals including DOXA, St. Louis International Film Festival, and the Whistler Film Festival. She joined the Spark CG Society in 2014.
Dive deeper into the creative process of filmmaking. Explore the inspirations and challenges faced during production, and gain a richer understanding of some of the films selected for this year's festival.
These candid conversations not only shed light on the artistry and technical expertise that go into filmmaking but also provide a glimpse into the personal stories and motivations that drive these talented creators.
Jump into the world of (S)KiDS with producer Leah Solis and director Les Solis as they reveal the journey from concept album to feature-length film.
In collaboration with the band Rare Americans, Leah and Les embarked on a creative adventure that not only led to a unique punk rock musical but also to the launch of a new studio alongside the band.
Here they discuss the challenges of bringing a concept album to life on screen, the tough choices behind cutting some songs, and the energy, grit, and creativity that went into making this one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.
Image Credit: (S)KiDS © 2024 Crooked City Studios. All Rights Reserved.
SPEAKERS
Leah Solis
Producer // Solis Animation
((S)KiDS, Freaky Tales, KIMOTIWIN: THE ACT OF STEALING, Gary and His Demons)
Leah Solis is head of production at Solis Animation Inc., an independently-owned and family-run boutique studio based in Toronto.
Prior to joining the family business in 2016 Leah worked in the public accounting sector for 10+ years.
Leah strives to help transition the studio from service into IP creation. Animation producing credits include: John Ware Reclaimed, Gary and His Demons, Canadoodaday and Secret Path.
Website // IMDb // Facebook // Instagram
Les Solis
Animation Director // Solis Animation
((S)KiDS, Freaky Tales, Gary and His Demons, Secret Path)
Essentially raised by Saturday Morning cartoons, Lou Solis has been animating professionally for over 20 years.
Notable credits include the Comedy Central series Ugly Americans, Moonbeam City, VRV's Gary and His Demons, Gord Downie's CSA award winning Secret Path, and his collaborations with Rare Americans. He is humbled and privileged for every opportunity to bring silly drawings to life.
Website // IMDb // Facebook // Instagram
MODERATOR
Marina Antunes
President // Spark CG Society
Marina has been writing and discussing film for over 15 years, first on a personal blog, followed by a decade-long tenure on the now retired Row Three. In 2008, she joined the writing staff at Quiet Earth, becoming Editor-In-Chief in 2014, a role she still holds. Over the years, she has also produced and hosted a number of podcasts including Before the Dawn, a long-running podcast on the Twilight franchise, Girls on Pop, a podcast on film and popular entertainment from women’s perspective and After the Credits, bi-monthly film podcast with nearly 300 episodes.
Marina is a member of ACM and ACM SIGGRAPH, the Online Film Critics Society, the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, and the Visual Effects Society. She is the President of Spark CG Society and the Vancouver ACM SIGGRAPH chapter. She has also served on juries for several film festivals including DOXA, St. Louis International Film Festival, and the Whistler Film Festival. She joined the Spark CG Society in 2014.
