Profile Spotlight: Anthony Ferrara

[Profile Spotlights]

Who are you and what is your profession?

 I am Anthony Ferrara. I work in all types of differnt mediums and artforms. I currently work as a freelance Motion Graphics artist working with After Effects, mixed media and creating Stop Motion work. 

 

NYC Pier 45 from Anthony Ferrara on Vimeo.

 

Can you tell us a little about your background and upbringing?

I grew up on Long Island, New York and have three sisters. Two are older, one is younger. I have always been a weird kid playing with sticks and bugs in the backyard. My first art medium was dirt and my first friend was a rock named Charlie. 

I later moved to New York City and studied Computer Art at the School of Visual Arts. I have lived and worked here in the city since graduating in 2009. 

 

What inspired you to become a filmmaker?    

I personally do not call myself a filmaker. Similarly I do not call myself a photographer or a singer while I do a lot of each of these. That being said the whole notion of capturing moments which you can play back later never seems to loose its novelty on me. Growing up and constantly drawing images took me first to animation. I would use pads of "post-it-notes" to make flipbooks. I loved creating images and am still amazed at what a different experience you can create with just a little bit of motion. 

 

Who or what do you most admire?

My grandma Louisa Muscerella. She art directed much of my early view of the world. She being a talented artist herself pushed me with my drawing at a young age. She taught me never to feel sorry for myself and I see many of my "beter" qualities referenced from watching her as a child. 

 

What did you film on 10.10.10?

I took a very laid back approach to 10.10.10.  At first I spent a while thinking and stressing over all of the great places other people will film and the great social happenings they would capture. Then in a taxi cab on the way to some strange party in Brooklyn rite before midnight I suddenly felt completely liberated. I realized how amazing it is that I need only capture that which is going on around me. That day I grabbed my camera, hopped on my kick scooter and pressed record. 

 

What are you planning on filming for 11.11.11?

I imagine I will approach this day in a similar fashion. Head down to the street and let the camera take me where it wants to go. I am prone to wanting to film wildlife and I may even get up the courage to ask the very old bag lady on my street if I can follow her around a bit. 

 

Sketch Book Flipping from Anthony Ferrara on Vimeo.