Meet FableVision's Fall 2016 Interns!

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FableVision Studios' Fall 2016 interns. From left: Adam Reed, Jen Sanchez, and Tessa Berliner. 

A new school year at Hogwarts (or, uh, FableVision Studios) means a fresh batch of interns, and the fall 2016 interns are nothing to sneeze at. These FableFirst Years may come from opposite coasts (with a quick pitstop in the Midwest), but they’re joining forces to bring a new culture — and a whole lot of food — to FableVision Studios. Despite some major identity crises caused by the updated Pottermore Hogwarts sorting hat quiz, these three have proved that they’ve got pretty magical abilities in the studio. After only a month, they’ve spiced things up with gummy bears, empanadas, an exclusive cookbook (more on that later), and just a dash of magic.

FableVisionaries, wizards, and friends alike, get ready to fall for this semester’s FableVision interns!

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Tessa Berliner, Marketing Intern

Education
Northeastern University ‘17: Journalism with a double minor in CS & Game Design

Hometown    
Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Expected Hogwarts House
Gryffindor

Sorted Hogwarts House
Hufflepuff

Quidditch Position        
Seeker                

Favorite Food            
Pancakes            

Favorite Dog
Pug

Why do you consider yourself a Gryffindor?
I like to look at the pros and the cons of the Hogwarts houses a lot, especially the ones usually considered “perfect.” I can be incredibly stubborn but I’ve also found that I fit best in leadership positions. I can be a bit of an idealist but I also have a habit of looking at the world in black and white rather than with theoretical grey areas. I also definitely subscribe to the “Gryffindor is best” way of thinking, which is 100% just a Gryffindor belief.

What's your favorite Harry Potter book and movie?
Favorite book is Prisoner of Azkaban because it introduces Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. Favorite movie is Sorcerer’s Stone because of all of the nostalgia it carries with it.

How does being a Gryffindor affect the way you work?
I have a tendency to take the lead on group projects or in student groups — I even directed a musical last fall — though that doesn’t mean I don’t take advice from others. Harry would’ve gotten nowhere if he didn’t have Hermione’s research and logic and Ron’s understanding of the wizarding world! I also think that the Gryffindor sense of right and wrong binds me to the timeframes, schedules, and deadlines I perpetually set for myself. Who knows what would happen if I didn’t follow them? (I do. It’s not pretty.)

Favorite Harry Potter quote?
“One can never have enough socks.” ― Albus Dumbledore

What do you hope to gain from your time at FableVision?
I’m honestly just excited to be surrounded by so many creative, multi-faceted people. When I work on games teams in school I usually wear a few different hats myself as director, producer, designer, and writer. I’m hoping to learn from interdisciplinary professionals here at FableVision and figure out not only what makes them tick but also what about their positions makes them happy.

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Adam Reed, Art Intern

Education
University of Saint Francis ‘18: Animation

Hometown            
Noblesville, IN            

Expected Hogwarts House
Hufflepuff       

Sorted Hogwarts House
Slytherin

Quidditch Position
Chaser

Favorite Food            
Chocolate milk and blueberries    

Favorite Dog
Lab or Boston Terrier

Why do you consider yourself a Hufflepuff?
I feel like I'm a Hufflepuff because I value patience, working hard, and being a nice person, above all else. I think the whole ambition aspect of Slytherin is what got me sorted in there, haha.

What's your favorite Harry Potter book and movie?
My favorite book is Deathly Hallows but my favorite movie is Sorcerer's Stone.

How does being a Hufflepuff affect the way you work?
A Hufflepuff works hard and values patience. You need both of those things as an artist, so I try my best to use those two traits when it comes to my mindset towards art. Hufflepuffs are also known for being friendly and welcoming, I feel like my drawing style illustrates that because it's fun and silly.

Favorite Harry Potter quote?
“You sort of start thinking anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.” ― Ginny Weasley

What do you hope to gain from your time at FableVision?
During my time at FableVision I want to learn what it's like to work in a studio environment because it's something I've never been able to experience. More than anything though, I just want to grow as an artist/animator and be a sponge so I can soak up all the knowledge I can during my time here.

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Jen Sanchez, Art Intern

Education
Savannah College of Art and Design ‘17: Animation

Hometown            
Peabody, MA        

Expected Hogwarts House
Hufflepuff    

Sorted Hogwarts House
Ravenclaw

Quidditch Position
In the stands

Favorite Food            
Burrito bowls            

Favorite Dog
My dogs!

Why do you consider yourself a Hufflepuff?
I consider myself to be loyal, a little shy, and a diligent and hard worker. That and I have an affinity for food, sweets in particular.

What's your favorite Harry Potter book and movie?
My favorite would have to be Goblet of Fire.

How does being a Ravenclaw affect the way you work?
Despite my initial doubts, I actually find it quite fitting. I’m very hardworking, analytical, and practical when it comes to my work. I typically like to research and find references for things that I draw/ animate before actually getting started. I also have pretty nerdy interests such as studying anatomy and learning about ancient civilizations. (Minoan Crete in particular.)

Favorite Harry Potter quote?
“I am what I am, an’ I’m not ashamed. ‘Never be ashamed,’ my ol’ dad used ter say, ‘there’s some who’ll hold it against you, but they’re not worth botherin’ with.” ― Rubeus Hagrid

What do you hope to gain from your time at FableVision?
What I had hoped to gain during my time at FableVision is the experience of what it’s like to work in a professional studio environment. FableVision has not only reached my expectations, but exceeded them as well. During the short time I’ve spent at FableVision, I’ve already learned far more than I ever imagined I would. I’ve learned how to properly collaborate with the other interns and pitch a project. I’ve learned new things about software I thought I was proficient in. I’ve even been exposed to new and upcoming artists that have already started impacting the way I think about art. I’ve already learned so much from the FableVision staff and I simply can’t wait to see what else they have to teach me.

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Interested in interning at FableVision Studios? Learn more and apply on our website!

FableVision’s first interns of 2016: marketing, art and animation!

Okay, so Spring may be taking its sweet time getting here, but FableVision’s Spring interns arrived right on time, excited to learn about their chosen departments. We are two artists and a writer, but we’re so much more! We have a wide range of interests from creating games to playing drums to flying planes. And at least one of us knows how to be dangerous with a Spork (stay tuned).

By the time Spring is sprung, we’ll know a lot more about animation, marketing, and the ins and outs of life at FableVision. Here’s a little more about who we have at the Studio.

Meghan Williams, Animation Intern

Hometown: Tolland, Connecticut
Education: Senior at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, B.F.A. in AnimationCelebrity Spirit Animal: Nick Offerman

I'm an animator, illustrator, and designer who resides in the Boston area. As a chairperson of our school’s very own Game Design Club, I am driven by the idea of always having a hand in creating films and games. Animation is an expansive field that enables me to combine my interests in illustration, character design, asset building, scriptwriting, and sound work. Coming from a very disciplined traditional art background drives me to explore the bridge between digital and traditional mediums, by implementing my understanding of color theory and brushwork. During my time at FableVision I expect to develop techniques with new software, learn professional habits, and connect with other artists!

Fun Facts!

Favorite Board Game? Chess or Stratego
Favorite Childhood TV Show? Pokemon or Samurai Jack!
Where can we find you on a Sunday afternoon? Out on a walk in the city or closed in with my sketchbook
Something you love that everyone seems to hate? Raisins, weirdly enough.

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Allison Eddy, Animation Intern

Hometown: Sugar Hill, Georgia
Education: Graduated 2015 from The Savannah College of Art and Design, B.F.A Animation, Minor in Storyboarding
Celebrity Spirit Animal: Gwendoline Christie, especially in Game of Thrones. I have strong feelings about Brienne of Tarth.

Bio: Allison Eddy is a reclusive hermit from the shores of Lake Lanier who sometimes likes to write in the third person. She started her animation career when she was twelve. One day her Dad gave her an old webcam and told her to grab her playdough. For the next hour they would nudge the clay a little here, and then snap a picture. Nudge, Click. Nudge, Click. At the end of the hour they had a pile of pictures that, when played, transformed her purple playdough into the Loch ness monster. It was magic. She eventually ventured down to Savannah, where she spent the last four years locked in a windowless box with the rest of the animators, making movies the long way. Once she was allowed back into the sunlight, she used her newfound freedom to move up to New England, in the winter. Eddy is an animator, but likes to explore other aspects of the 2D Pipeline. If given the opportunity, she will repeatedly ask, “How does that thing work?” until she gets an answer. Just know that resistance is futile, she has a Spork, and she knows how to use it. In her free time, she likes to read books and fly airplanes. She is also afraid of heights. That probably explains most of it. 

Fun Facts!

Favorite Board Game? Chess? Especially oversized sets, for maximum Harry Potter feelings.
Favorite Childhood TV Show? Avatar the Last Airbender. My brother and I used to splash each other, pretending to be waterbenders. In hindsight, I’m glad we didn’t try earthbending. That could have been messy.
Where can we find you on a Sunday afternoon? Reading, drawing, or listening to podcasts in a cozy nook somewhere. Preferably with a cat.
Something you love that everyone seems to hate? For a self-professed bibliophile, I really like bad writing and Purple Prose (Editor’s Note: This refers to prose that is ornate, flowery, florid, verbose … you get the picture). Sometimes I like to peek into the romance section and read the titles to myself in my best radio voice. I’m all about that Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest. 

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Dan Eder, Marketing Intern

Hometown: North Merrick, New York
Education: M.Ed. Candidate at Harvard Graduate School of Education, studying Technology, Innovation and Education
Celebrity Spirit Animal: Stephen Colbert  

Bio: I just moved back to the East coast from Los Angeles for grad school. In LA I wrote and performed a lot of comedy and worked as an assistant on a couple of TV shows. I’m currently studying the intersections of technology, education and business at Harvard. I also have a bit of a side gig going, which involves writing viral video content for Walden Media (I usually have some sort of side gig going, it’s kind of my thing). As I make a shift from freelance writer dude to focusing more on marketing specifically, I’m really interested in learning about building strong brands, social media marketing, and business development. You know, more “business-y” stuff. And as always, I am also on the hunt for the best soup in town! (I’m a big fan of soup.)

Fun Facts!

Favorite Board Game? Blokus
Favorite Childhood TV Show? Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego (it’s a classic and, like a fine wine, it only gets better with age)
Where can we find you on a Sunday afternoon? I’m a new dad and my daughter Lucy just began crawling so most of our free time is spent keeping her from sticking her fingers in electrical outlets.
Something you love that everyone seems to hate? Playing the drums. It’s loud and has never been too popular with my neighbors. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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Interested in interning at FableVision Studios? Learn more and apply on our website!

Meet the Fall Interns!

Fall is here! And with it comes cooler days, changing autumn colors, pumpkin spice lattes, and of course a new group of FableVision interns! After the back-to-school jitters passed, we began our work at the exciting and eclectic studio that is FableVision.

We are learning about FableVision’s projects, diving into social media, and bringing art to life, all while experiencing the inner workings of a multi-media production studio. We are a creative bunch, outside of the office you might find us performing for crowds, sketching strangers, or attending film festivals. Learn more about who we are and what inspires us as we share our stories.

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Isabella Boettcher, Marketing Intern

Hometown: Wilmette, Illinois

Education: Emerson College, Majoring in Media Studies: Television Production

Childhood Hero: My mom

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Jon Sudarkasa, Art Intern

Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa

Education: Senior at the Lesley University College of Art and Design as an Animation Major with Creative Writing Minor

Childhood Hero: Andrew Stanton

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Karina Kolb, Marketing Intern 

Hometown: Gainesville, Florida

Education: BA in English, Film and Media. Currently a Masters Candidate at Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on Technology, Innovation and Education.

Childhood Hero: Bill Nye The Science Guy

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What is your favorite thing about autumn in Boston?

Isabella (I): Not feeling like I am trapped in the penultimate scene in Day After Tomorrow. A.K.A, that it's not Winter. Which means I get to walk everywhere. That's the best thing about Boston; because of its size, it's not impossible to avoid the T and walk instead. Also cool in autumn: the food trucks! Getting back to Boston means experiencing the joys of Roxy's Grilled Cheese and the Chicken and Rice Guys all over again. It also means seeing the money from my wallet slowly disappear.

You know nothing, Jon Snow.

Jon (J): When Boston turns into autumn everyone goes into a preparatory mode for winter, as if it could snow at any moment. The people walking down the street are on high alert and always conflicted. You can see everyone questioning whether or not to put on their scarves or gloves, etc. They create great caricatures to draw. Also the brown and orange overtone of the city is beautiful.

Karina (K): I just moved here so I haven’t experienced it yet, and I’m excited to finally see what autumn is really like! I’m from Florida and we don’t usually get to experience the seasons changing. Before you tell me ominously that Winter is Coming, I want to let you know that I’ve already bought a winter coat worthy of Jon Snow.

What are you most excited to learn during the extent of your internship?

I: How to employ marketing practices to increase a brand's visibility. In creating anything, it is important to know how to make sure people actually see it. I'm not 100% how to do that, and FableVision seemed like an excellent place to learn!

Jon's passion and talent is clear in this example of Robin from his work.

J: Well, for a start getting feedback from the resident animators to improve my character animation. But I'm most excited to gain the skills to manage the time I have in a work day to create efficient and well-timed animation. As a student, you set your hours and can often find yourself animating into the late hours of the early morning. But when working at a studio you have to be efficient to get your work done at a certain time. I'm hoping to get good at that.

K: I’m excited to learn about the studio functions! I want to know what everyone is working on separately and how they come together to make something amazing. I’m already learning that marketing plays such a diverse role in the studio because it is a part of every step in the process, from pitch to wrap.

When not at FableVision, what do you do for fun?

Isabella, far right, hangs out with her improv troupe SwoMo. 

I: I'm on a constant search for the best burger in Boston. Additionally, I'm in an improv troupe (called SwoMo) at Emerson College, direct a satirical news broadcast (Breaking News!) and Executive Produce a late night talk show (Closing Time with Amanda Breen) and Emerson's award show, The EVVY Awards, which is the largest student-run production in the nation. I also sell cupcakes at Georgetown Cupcake on Newbury Street -- come visit me!

J: I'm currently in my senior year so I'm usually working on my senior film, animating for fun to loosen up and then getting back to work. I also like to storyboard and watch movies. Occasionally, I'll storyboard the movies I'm watching, which is always fun.

K: I watch a lot of movies. I come from a film studies background, so movies are a major passion for me. I love watching movies over and over again, and also going to see what’s new in theaters. I’m a part of a fantasy-football style movie league, in which we pick a “team” of movies coming out in each season and get points based on how well the movies do in the box office, among critics, and if they win any awards.

What do you hope to do once you graduate?

I: I want to work in television content development and production for children and teens, specifically 11-16 year olds. I think the television currently being presented to that age group can potentially undermine the intelligence and creativity of its audience. I am eager to change that.

J: I hope to ultimately end up a director of either, a short, a feature film, or television show. Once I graduate, I hope to get a job as a story artist and work my way up from there.

K: I would love to work in a studio like FableVision! I have a passion for educational media and informal learning. I hope to design/write/direct/produce/improve educational media as a career.

What art supply best represents you and why?

I: Does Play-Doh count? It would represent me because I'm happy to adjust and mold to any environment I'm put into. Also similar to Play-Doh, I am entirely composed of flour, water, salt, boric acid, and mineral oil.

J: Oh, this is tough...but if I had to choose one I would probably say an eraser. I find that reflection and revision is the best tool an artist has. Sometime it can cause you to move backwards, always taking away your first artistic impulse, but it always leaves room for growth. I love learning new things and growing and erasing what you think you know, opening yourself up to a completely new mindset, in order to learn new things can lead to pure enlightenment that rapidly matures your artistry. I always encourage collaboration and revision to first passes to get the best possible end result.

K: I think I am best represented by finger paints. I like to be hands on, I like to let my creativity flow freely (I’ve never been a fan of coloring inside the lines), and I really like to get messy, or maybe I just can’t avoid getting messy (I’m really clumsy).

Introducing “Make School Work”

I’m excited that the first episode of Make School Work is live! The opportunity to produce this podcast has enhanced my internship and has given me a window into what it’s like to work here at FableVision Studios.

Before I dive into Make School Work, let’s step back one year to see how the idea for this podcast came about.

In the fall semester of my junior year at Tufts University, I wrote a research paper called Restoring the Educational Relationship: Viewing an Ineffective Model of Education Through the Lens of Entertainment Media. It explores the ways that media reinforce a negative and top-down depiction of the student-teacher relationship and its effect on learning.

In developing my independent project at FableVision, I wanted to repackage this idea for a younger audience: from academia to the iPod. What evolved was Make School Work, a podcast that uses personal storytelling to explore mentor/mentee relationships in a school setting, and how students can use them to become better people.

When it came time to record, I brought in Laila Goodman, who you’ll learn more about by listening to the episode. It was an honor to have her in the studio; being able reflect with her on my experience was a strangely apropos experience.

Sarah Ditkoff, Andrea Calvin, and Jordan Persson helped shape my idea and guided me toward making this vision a reality. I hope to expand upon it as I being my senior year at Tufts and I hope to take all of the valuable lessons I’ve learned at FableVision with me into the real world. Happy listening!

Interested in being an intern at FableVision Studios? Check out their listing here and apply!