Assembly
2012
4 min
Coming soon
This experimental short animation is inspired by the NFB's Studio D (1975-1994), a production department aimed at creating filmmaking opportunities for women in Canada. Featuring a rhythmic soundscape and paint-on-glass animation, Assembly shows a woman’s hands cutting and editing a reel of film on a flatbed editing table as fragments of women walking in chains, protesting with placards, and speaking at podiums are inter-cut. We hear bursts of words and the percussive whir and click of the Steenbeck—until a “message” is finally revealed. The film is dedicated to the memory of Kathleen Shannon, a prominent editor and one-time Executive Producer …
Details
This experimental short animation is inspired by the NFB's Studio D (1975-1994), a production department aimed at creating filmmaking opportunities for women in Canada. Featuring a rhythmic soundscape and paint-on-glass animation, Assembly shows a woman’s hands cutting and editing a reel of film on a flatbed editing table as fragments of women walking in chains, protesting with placards, and speaking at podiums are inter-cut. We hear bursts of words and the percussive whir and click of the Steenbeck—until a “message” is finally revealed. The film is dedicated to the memory of Kathleen Shannon, a prominent editor and one-time Executive Producer of Studio D.
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writerJenn Strom
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directorJenn Strom
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editorJenn Strom
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producerTracey Friesen
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hand painted animationJenn Strom
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original scoreGordon Cobb
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sound designGordon Cobb
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director of photographyKim MacNaughton
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gafferVlad Horodinca
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editor's handsIleana Pietrobruno
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mix facilitySound Kitchen
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mix technicianChris McLaren
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post production servicesFinale Editworks
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researchSylvia Mezei
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copyright clearanceSylvia Mezei
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production assistantRonaldo AcunaDolly RenoKaren Chapman
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production coordinatorTeri SnelgroveJennifer Roworth
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technical coordinatorWes Machnikowski
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production supervisorKathryn Lynch
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marketing managerLeslie Stafford
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program administratorJanine Steele
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executive producerTracey Friesen
Education
Ages 12 to 16
Arts Education - Visual Arts
Family Studies/Home Economics - Feminism
Health/Personal Development - Identity
Media Education - Film and Video Production
Studio D was an important outlet for women filmmakers. Ask students to research the studio’s history and to consider its significance. What were some pros and cons associated with it? What is the symbolism of the production technique Jenn Strom uses in Assembly? What is the significance of the film’s title? How does the message of the audio clips change when they are presented in one longer version?
