MSPIFF MN Filmmaker: Maria Juranic

Name: Maria Juranic    

Your Role:  Director/Editor/Animator

Film Title:  King Tales    

Synopsis:  A musical fairy tale of a rusty doll who falls in love and wins against all odds.  

What inspired you to make your MSPIFF accepted film:
King Tales was a pet project, a short that weaved fantasy into the real world.  I love the idea that playthings and objects live among us, there is nothing better than creating a new, odd world, something that doesn’t resemble daily life. I also experienced how brakers have to be animated and charismatic at each battle.  So I took what inspired me in my own life and made a love story.

Where/how did your filmmaking path begin:  
I always created plays when I was younger, I drew and painted, joined art clubs, so I was always very visual. I went to Minneapolis College of Art and Design and truly started to learn all the elements that go into filmmaking.  After that I experimented with cinematography and crewed on sets.  

Who are some of your major influences:
My friends.  I am constantly challenged and inspired by all of them.  I am so happy to have that, I surround myself with artists of all sorts.  

How much prep work do you put in before production:
A lot!  I am a bit of a perfectionist, so things get prepped really well.  Although once I start shooting I do let go if things take a different direction.  My short is very elaborative, so to not waste time it’s only to my advantage to have everything figured out.
Also it started out with a simple idea and a great soundtrack.  I had my friend, Cecil Otter, make the soundtrack, we pieced it together, from that I continued to write out the story.

What is your favorite part of the process and why:
Seeing the final product, when the story that only existed in your head finally comes out.  Although being on set and seeing the creation happen while you shoot is also something that is amazing and really makes me happy.

How do you determine if a project is a success:
If you are satisfied with your project it’s already a success.  Artists are the worst critics of their work, if one can look at their work and be satisfied that’s a huge thing.  For others to appreciate it and want to watch it is an honor.

What advice do you have for those starting out:
Try everything out, because there is no one way to tell a story or go about making one.  Crew on sets, and don’t be afraid to not know something, it’s expected!  But if you have a good attitude, and ask questions, people are going to take you seriously and start to want to work with you, and later even help you make your own film!  

Are you currently working on any projects:
I am prepping for another music video to shoot in June.

Where can we find more of your work:
www.mariajuranic.org