ALGORITHM TAKEDOWN, 4min., USA
Directed by Alex Budovsky
“Algorithm Takedown” is an animated music video that is commissioned and performed by Hip Hop and Hot Jazz Timpanist, Jonathan Haas aka Jonny H. and the Prisoners of Swing bringing to life the music composed by legendary drummer Lenny White, who recorded and performed with Miles Davis and Chick Corea. In perfect synchronization the animation follows and underlines the lyrics written and performed by rapper Walter West.
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
Timpanist Jonathan Haas approached me and offered this opportunity to make an animation based on the “Algorithm Takedown” track. He saw my animation at Aspen Shortfest about 20 years ago, remembered it and wanted me to do this job.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took me two months, which is unusually fast. Normally this kind of work takes from 6 to 9 months to complete the project. I work alone. I guess that I was way too inspired by the lyrics and the music, and that helped me a lot to work fast.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Algorithm Takedown.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
In this song the same words repeat three times. The biggest obstacle for me was not to repeat myself visually and to illustrate the same words differently every time.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It was amazing, because I never experienced such a thing, no one ever sent me reactions on video. I loved it.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
About 27 years ago, when I went to Brooklyn College. After graduating in 2000 I realized that I want to make animations. Made my first and second films in 2002.
Submitted to my first festival and won the “Best Animation” award. It was the Florida Film Festival, 20 years ago.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
There are a lot of films that I come back to, at least several times a year. Can’t really name just one. They are like worlds worth revisiting over and over, Coen brother’s films in particular.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I am pretty happy with the initial reactions that I got, plus The Best Music Video award. Can’t get better than that!
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It works very well. I remember, when I began to submit my films to the festivals 20 years ago, it was a very different world back then. You had to send VHS tapes all over the world, and then, if selected, send Beta SP tapes. Now you don’t have to go to the post office and everything is done with just a couple of clicks. Makes me very happy.
10. What is your favorite meal?
Don’t have one. Love many different meals, never thought of giving one particular meal a number 1 position.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
Yes, looking forward to the new musical animation.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 