First college teaching experience

“The Specter of Ægir” by Tim Clavier

During the Spring 2021 semester, I teamed up with Professor Joshua Muntain of Villa Maria College in Buffalo, NY to develop a semester long project for his “Post Production” class. Working with a dozen students, I took on the role of “the client”, where I asked them to develop animations adapted from my audio dramatization and short story “The Specter of Ægir”. By simulating a client-creative professional working relationship, the students gained experience pitching animation concepts, adapting source material and refining their post-production workflow, all while regularly participating in reviews and receiving critique.

During pitch presentations, the students articulated why two selections from the story spoke to them the most and how they would channel visuals and animations that they loved into their own productions. Throughout the semester Joshua and I met with them to workshop their ideas, rough visuals, animatics, character and background designs. The students came with a myriad of artistic styles, choices and ideas, which kept us on our toes! We helped guide the students to find ways to pull off their vision by furthering their understanding of storytelling and how to channel the projects they love while challenging them to clarify their ideas so they would land.

For their final assignment, they presented their two animated moments – which I’m happy to share stills of here. It was incredible to see the students pour their personalities and ideas from their own lives into their pieces, which transformed the story into reimaginings that radiated their own voices. Being on the other side of the classroom has been an eye opening experience in so many ways. I’m beyond fortunate to have had this experience and hope to be in front of a class again in the near future!

Jordan

Still from animations (below) created by Tim Clavier, Mika Ervin, Brianna Scutt, Aurora Mill, Shalayah Smith and Xzavyer Barker.

Listen to the audio dramatization and read the story: www.jordanbianchi.com/the-specter-of-aegir

Thank you, Dr. Pilley and Chaser

Some of you will recognize the building shown in the included photographs, even if you’re tucked away in the north and have never seen it in person. When I was 20, my film crew and I filmed our short “As Ever,” on the steps of Wofford College’s Old Main - we shot the exteriors here in Spartanburg, South Carolina during our spring break and matched interiors back in Oswego, New York. It was a strategic way to work around the snow. The memories of directing for a good chunk of time on these steps will forever be etched in my mind. Since the scene took place outside, I never really went in (apart from poking my head around quickly). But in September of 2018, my experiences behind those doors proved to be more powerful than any set I can imagine being on - attending the Celebration of Life for Dr. John Pilley.

Dr. Pilley was a renowned professor of psychology at Wofford, and though retirement he continued to pursue research. As a octogenarian he stunned the world by announcing that he had taught his border collie, Chaser, the names of over a thousand objects. Chaser and John continue to be celebrated across all types of media - they showed us that dogs are immensely more intelligent than previously thought, and that through joy and play, they can learn from us. And that there’s much we can learn from them.

Thanks to his generosity, the As Ever production team was given access to the college, local spots in town and across the state to film and pursue our “play”. We are all enormously grateful for the opportunity he gave us.

In June, John went on to his next great adventure, and left us with a legacy that proves relationships are at the core of everything we do, that through curiosity and persistence, we can make the world a better place.

I’m glad I got to see this place again and show it to my dad. The ceremony was masterfully executed by my Aunt Pilley , John’s daughter, and with family and friends including violinist Nadia Kodakovska, flutist Dave Heath and pianist Jay Bianchi, we heard stories that ranged from paddling to pedagogy, listened as the Spartanburg Symphony performed a flash mob of “Ode to Joy”, and raised a glass to his life. 🐶🐾🥃 @chaserthebordercollie @asevermovie #2018

New Demo Reel Released

It’s been snowing all night.

Beethoven, my cockapoo, and I got up at dawn for his chemo appointment. When I took him outside we saw that the woods surrounding our house were freshly covered in snow. There was something comforting about the silence. After dropping him off at the vet, I drove back home, brewed coffee and edited. It snowed some more. A few hours later he was sporting a white strip of gauze around a shaved section of his leg and a smile on his face - he loves the company of the vet techs. On the way home we stopped at Tim Horton’s and I treated him to donut holes, known as Timbits.

This has been our Friday morning routine as of late, but we still manage to have fun while spending time together in a new way.

As I reflect on many things today, I’d like to release my new demo reel.

Demo reels are an odd thing to edit, because they require the filmmaker to reflect on his or her work. What moments am I proud of? Which shots are my best? Am I being sincere? Do these moments reflect what I’m trying to achieve? Endless feelings of nostalgia, pride, and strength arrive, mixed with a harsh critique of what could have been. These thoughts are all okay to have. Reflection offers a chance to examine ourselves so we can grow and become better at what we were meant to do.

I’m really excited to share this edit with you all. It features a collection of moments from my films that I feel best showcase my directing. I hope you enjoy.

Drink some hot chocolate, cherish your loved ones and drive safely in the snow.

Jordan

Short Film "Masquerade" Posted to Vimeo

Happy Halloween!

As a spooky treat, I’ve reedited an old horror short my friends Jessica Sarubbi, Heidi-Jo Buanno, and I produced a few years back.

Masquerade features a woman who recovers the memories of a traumatic event when demonic entities find her at her home.

Jess, Heidi and I had produced a few horror shorts together before making this one – we always had a riot doing so. Masquerade showcases a culmination of techniques we had been workshopping for almost two years. It can be watched on Vimeo or below.

I wonder what the next spooky film will be! – JB

Horror Short Film to be Released

In the spirit of Halloween, I will be releasing an old horror short film I shot a few years back that I never shared online. There are many moments in this production that I really admire. Shooting horror work is always a great fun, especially when it’s not parody and stays true to the genre. And when it’s bloody. Look out, Vimeo. A fun murder’s coming your way. - JB