‘Erasmus’: Behind the scenes of an upcoming student film
When SCAD students unite for a project that drives their passion and creativity, you can expect outstanding results, and such is the case of “Erasmus,” a student film directed by graduate student in film and television Suraj Savkoor, and produced by fourth-year student Mariana Gomez, and graduate student Deeksha Biddappa.
“Erasmus” follows a police officer investigating an old man after catching him for speeding, only to find him covered in bruises. He realizes there is more to this old man that meets the eye.
“We hope that this movie not only makes people value the elderly in their lives but everyone who’s close to them,” said Savkoor.
To get an insider’s view on the project, The Connector has reached out to SCAD student Mariana Gomez: a Mexican actress, production designer, and producer of “Erasmus.”
Q: What are the main responsibilities of a producer?
A producer does … everything. Their responsibilities vary from hiring crew, all the way to making sure everybody eats on set. They are the first person arriving on set and last one to leave. Personally, my biggest priorities are making sure the film gets done no matter what, making sure people are happy and, most importantly, SAFE.
Q: How is this production different from the others you’ve worked on before?
“Erasmus” stands out in a lot of ways. For some reason, destiny introduced me to a crew of fantastic people and incredibly talented artists who made the campaign process very enjoyable. We’re from all over the world, so the perspectives we bring to the table are new and unique. It is rare to find a crew of people where everybody is on the same page and none of them have even seen each other in person. “Erasmus” is a story about family and love amongst the different generations.
After watching the film, I hope we transmit what we got out of reading the script, which is appreciating the elderly and everyone around you because you never know their background story.
Q: How would you describe the movie in three words?
Heart-warming, life-changing and familiar.
Q: What can we expect from you in the beginning of 2021?
In the beginning of 2021, I’m trying to start strong. I just wrapped up a project with the government and a production company of my state Querétaro in Mexico, where I produced 12 TV commercials, radio spots and public infographics. I am also in the middle of a Mexican production where I wrote, produced and starred in this upcoming weekend. I am coming back to Atlanta to star in a thesis, and to shoot my own thesis film “Erasmus.” In spring 2021, my show has been selected to be produced, which hopefully will happen with all this madness. Then, I will be ready to graduate in June!
Q: How did all these filmmakers come together for the project?
I actually jumped on board after the script was made. Suraj, the director, and Deeksha, co-producer and now also lead editor, called me on board to be a co-producer. Later on, I jumped to become the lead producer.
After that we called Mike Lindenmayer and Omar Derby as co-producers, and Natasha Sequeira as a Consultant Producer. Already then, we had a KILLER team. Yeliz Motro and Samuel J. Lemberger came later as part of the art team. Finally, Andre Wynter, the Director of Photography; Danyal Facemyer, Production Designer; Katie Esparza, Art Director; and Chloe Spencer, Storyboard artist; joined us to complete the pre-production team.
Q: Why the title Erasmus?
“Erasmus” means “beloved” in Greek.
Q: who is your favorite character?
My favorite character is Ernest, a weathered old soul, well into his 90s who still gets out and about as he refuses to let his age get in the way of his lifestyle. There is so much depth in that character and I can see a piece of any of us in him. He is very special to me as he reminds me of my dad and my grandparents particularly.
Q: As a producer, what challenges are you facing right now due to social distancing and COVID-19?
First, nobody teaches you how to produce a film during a global pandemic — that is new to the whole industry! Zoom meetings, coordinating location scouting, casting reviews, auditions, are all extremely hard when everybody is all around the world with different time zones. Especially where none of these people know each other at all. Not having access to equipment was also a challenge in order to create content for social media and our campaign. My biggest fear right now is safety on set, specially while having an elderly person as part of our main cast.
Q: What advice would you give other filmmakers who are pursuing their own independent films?
DO IT! Just go ahead and DO IT! We’re all scared. The difference between successful and unsuccessful people is that they also have fear but they do it with fear anyways.
Q: How has this project changed your perception of empathy?
This project has changed my perspective of empathy in a sense that I had not expected before. I always had a special connection with the elderly but now I believe that has grown to a way I cannot even put to words. All I can say is that I really appreciate this film and the change it has done to me. Thanks to it, I have enjoyed every second I have with my family.
Erasmus will hit the screens in 2021. In the meantime, the crew would appreciate support on their campaign at Seed and Spark.
And make sure to follow them on social media.
