For the second consecutive year, the Ethical Fashion Initiative made it to the La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival where its short film was nominated among the best fashion films of this edition. By Chloé Mukai Further to being nominated, one of Kenya’s leading illustrators and graphic artists, Brian Omolo, designed the film poster (opposite) with his signature comic book illustration style. Chloé Mukai speaks with Mark Tintner and Brian Omolo about their experience working on this short film. Mark Tintner Film Director, London Chloé Mukai: Was this your first time in Africa? Mark: This was my second trip to Africa. I was eager to return and was very happy when this opportunity to work with the ITC Ethical Fashion Initiative arose once again. My first trip was on mission in Kenya filming a project with the Australian luxury brand Sass & bide. Who were the main characters of the film? How did you involve them? There are so many inspiring characters in this film. Most, if not all, are artisans working with the Ethical Fashion Initiative in both rural and urban settings. I tried to involve the artisans in which ever way they felt comfortable. The ladies are just so graceful, so strong and naturally chic. They exude confidence, which made it easy to capture them and tell their story.
142
creates their best work. It’s not solely about my contribution.When making films about products, I focus on the stories and reality around the product. I find that it is more engaging and relevant.
Voices Count and other portrait commissions. How did you learn to design? Do you use the technology/internet a lot?
I like the challenge of trying my hand at different ways of telling stories, it keeps it interesting. I also specialise in 3D so I get to work on some very innovative and technically challenging projects which is cool. I am quite fortunate because my time is constantly filled with directing, writing, producing or pitching on various projects in different stages of development. I am also a parttime Film Lecturer for the University of Arts London at Ravensbourne’s School of Post Graduate Studies.
I first learned about design at 19 when I went to a college in Nairobi called the Academy of Graphic Technology. Before that I was a fine artist, using colour pencils and pastels to express my art. AGT gave me an introduction to design and all that core skills needed, like how to use a Mac, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Once I obtained my diploma, I flew out to Coventry University in the UK to study Illustration Graphics. I was blown away by the creativity they had at the university and the UK in general. The experience really opened my mind and helped me develop the artistic style that I use today
What was the best part of shooting this film in Kenya?
How did you come up with this concept?
The diverse urban and rural landscapes are very inspiring places to shoot. Coming from London, I would have to say - the light and colours are amazing. But actually it’s most definitely the people, both in front of and behind the camera. They are wonderfully positive and keen to do excellent work.
Well I watched the film over and over and the thing that stood out for me most was the impact this initiative was having on the women in the community. I wanted that to be at the for-front of the design I made, so I singled out the beautiful Maasai lady, drew her and made her the centre of the whole piece. The other elements also feature like the scissors, sewing machine etc. but she was the star and I wanted people to feel that.
Do you only direct these kinds of films?
Brian Omolo Graphic Designer, Nairobi
It’s very difficult to convey a message with just a product and two days of shooting. How did you manage that?
Chloé: What’s your profession and how long have you been doing this for?
Because turn-arounds are so quick, I work extensively on references and boards in pre-production and personally communicate my vision with the team before we’re on the ground. I am very open to collaboration and find giving the team freedom to interpret my vision
Brian: I’m an Art Director by day and an Illustrator and Digital Artist by night/weekends Who are your main clients? My main clients are Kuona Trust Art Centre, Romeo 9, Making All
Watch Mark’s film: http://bit.ly/1MjEeii View Brian’s work: www.behance.net/brianomolo