This month, audiences can screen When Bugs Fly: Tale of the Nite-Kite on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is curated for the Planet Classroom Network by KIDS FIRST! Film Festival.
Directed by Joni Nowak, this enchanting animated short is a mesmerizing experience suitable for people of all ages. Through Nowak’s skillful storytelling, witness the triumph of determination as Sebastian defies his wingless nature. Surrounded by the support of his charming companions, he embarks on a heartwarming adventure that will leave you spellbound.
Get ready to be captivated by the magical world of When Bugs Fly: Tale of the Nite-Kite, and join Sebastian on a journey that celebrates friendship, perseverance, and the power of chasing your dreams.
The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome Director Joni Nowak.
Joni, welcome! How did you come up with the idea for your film? What inspired you to tell a story about a slug who dreams of flying?
The idea for my film originated from a true incident back in 2009. A friend of mine found a slug on the garden path and placed it in a terrarium as food for his snapping turtle named Bamm. However, the determined little slug managed to suction itself up the side of the container and was discovered in the middle of the kitchen floor the following morning. To acknowledge its tenacity, we returned the slug to the garden, where it could live among the beloved tomato plants. This incident became the inspiration for Sebastian, the protagonist of the “When Bugs Fly” storylines.
Motivated by this charming slug, I began writing. Sebastian possessed qualities of adventure, bravery, and unwavering determination. I knew that if he had dreams, they had to be grand dreams! As Edison, his firefly friend, emerged as a character, I realized that Sebastian desperately wanted to fly alongside him. Thus, he took flight, and the tale of the Nite-Kite unfolded. It started as a book, where children could read about Sebastian’s adventures, and later transformed into a spectacular 3D video. The aim was to inspire and ignite the dreams harbored in the minds of both the young and the old, serving as a catalyst to pursue and bring those dreams to fruition.
Can you tell us about the animation style and techniques used in the film? What were some of the challenges you faced in bringing the insect characters to life?
The film showcases stunning 3D animation. As the creator and an artist/illustrator with a passion for crafting imaginative storylines for young audiences, I initially develop the characters. The original artwork is then passed on to our 2D animation team for further character design and complete modeling packs. Our 2D team takes the lead in creating an animatic/storyboard from my initial draft, which eventually progresses to the final render. Alternatively, the process may shift to our 3D team, who create their own animatic, storyboard, and playblast before obtaining our approval for the final render. The remarkable 3D animation for “Tale of the Nite-Kite” was accomplished by our talented team based in Long Island, NY, utilizing Maya software.
Undoubtedly, there were challenges along the way. We encountered intricacies in animating the fluttering wings of characters like Edison and Dart, aiming to capture their graceful movements realistically. Additionally, the seemingly effortless flight of Sebastian amidst leaves posed its own set of challenges. The creation of highly detailed backgrounds and the seamless integration of animation, dialogue, sound effects, and scoring tracks also demanded meticulous attention. Furthermore, the final rendering and mastering stages presented their own unique challenges, as any potential modifications at that point would incur significant expenses.
Overcoming these challenges required dedicated efforts and a focus on maintaining the quality and integrity of the film’s animation and visuals.
When Bugs Fly delivers a powerful message about overcoming obstacles and pursuing one’s dreams. Was there a personal experience or philosophy that influenced the themes and messages portrayed in the film?
I like to believe that the film reflects my own personal journey. As a trauma nurse who has been drawing throughout my life, I have a deep passion for art. My father, an architect, introduced me to drawing at a very young age, and I never stopped. Despite never having taken formal art classes, I continued to nurture my artistic skills. While I have retired from active trauma nursing, I still work as a nurse to cover production costs at times.
I strongly believe in constantly striving to reach one’s full potential. Much like Sebastian, I am determined and tenacious. Together, we are reaching for the stars. I want Sebastian’s stories to instill hope, inspire lofty goals, and turn dreamers into believers, whether they are 7 years old or 70. Sebastian never gives up, even when faced with setbacks. He rises again and again, transforming seemingly impossible situations into reality. His accomplishments are celebrated by his friends, who cheer him on with unwavering support. It’s a heartwarming journey.
Through my own experiences and philosophy, I aim to infuse the film with a sense of resilience, the importance of perseverance, and the belief that dreams can be achieved. I hope to inspire viewers of all ages to embrace their own aspirations and overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dreams.
The characters in the film, such as Sebastian, Dart, and Fletcher, are memorable and endearing. How did you approach developing their personalities and creating their interactions within the story?
I must say, this is the most enjoyable part of the production process! I simply imagine myself sitting at the edge of the pond, envisioning the kind of characters I would want by my side. They are like lifelong friends, individuals with whom I would want to be connected throughout life’s journey. Friends who bring laughter, collaboration, care, support, and helpfulness to enrich the storyline and give it depth and meaning.
Creating the characters involves a delightful process of choosing their names and designing their appearance to align with the personality traits I believe will enhance the storyline and inspire those who will read or view their adventures. It’s a labor of love and, most importantly, it’s fun! I particularly appreciate how interconnected the characters are. They genuinely care about each other and share a desire to see one another succeed and achieve their dreams. This interconnectedness mirrors the core values we aim to inspire in our children and grandchildren, as loyalty and respect for one another are timeless qualities.
Through the development of these characters and their interactions, we hope to convey the importance of friendship, support, and believing in one another. It is our desire to instill these values in the hearts of our audience, as they serve as a foundation for lifelong relationships and personal growth.
Thank you Joni!
C. M. Rubin and Joni Nowak
Don’t Miss When Bugs Fly: Tale of the Nite-Kite, now streaming on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is curated for the Planet Classroom Network by KIDS FIRST! Film Festival.
Related posts:
The Global Search of Education: Director Sebastian Law on Stories From the Past that Inspire Him
The Global Search for Education: Director Carlos Douglas Jr. Talks About His Film, Kenya’s Symphony
The Global Search for Education: Directors Christopher and Erin Bishop Talk About Their Christmas Dog
The Global Search for Education: Kevin Keck’s Quest – The Search for Me
Recent Comments