Dance from the Angel and Faerie Operettas by Terry Ulick, 27min., USA
Directed by Terry Ulick
Ballet and modern dance numbers from the Operettas “An Angel’s Love” and “Shameless Faeries” by Terry Ulick from Wherever Music and Wherever Movies. All rights reserved and not for use without express written permission.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Creating a ballet that was timeless and contemporary had me thinking of new ways of stage dance — and tell a story where all dancers sing and play instruments along with LED screen backgrounds and even an LED dance floor to create the Angelic world. I wanted to “show” how effective an operetta can be done today using LED backscreen and lighting/blocking. I decided to create an AI prototype to help others visualize such a production — then I put all the AI prototypes together for a pitch and the reaction was that it worked well as a film.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you two make this film?

I think about a project — all of it — for a while to have a clear vision in my head for the entire production. Because it’s already “done” in mind, writing the libretto and music then the diagramming, staging, and dance was less than a month. The AI visuals took about a week simply as I’m a experienced filmmaker and have a precise vision for any finished work.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Philosophical fantasy.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Knowing how hard it is to get anyone to view it or look at a pitch for a stage production. It can be discouraging — even if I finance it myself.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Wow! They “got” it. They understood it was 1) AI, 2) Real Dance 3) It used color to define the storyline, and 4) They accepted that as a pitch it’s a new way of getting a production started. All great comments.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

All my life. I began making for-real films when I was 13 (16mm and then 35mm) and it’s always been “what I do.” I never wanted to do anything other than write literature and music — then put them out as a film. I moved to digital and now AI engines are good enough to allow what looks to be realistic dancing and acting and I make it very clear when I’m using AI. All my words, lyrics, dance choreography are not AI and I only use AI as simulation or a new art form as it is evolving to allow new types of art.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Room With a View.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Live screenings and audience comments/videos are the most important — and you do that!

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

I think FilmFreeway is fantastic and much needed.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Any my wife and I make together.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

A full start-to-finish, live-performance real-people production of “An Angel’s Love” if I can find funding or a producer for a Broadway show or traveling company. Also, and quite different, a live-action film version of my “Not Taken” best-selling novels which are action-thrillers.