'Jacques (As You Like It)' screens in Grand Rapids, Michigan for Open Projector Night

Open Projector Night in Grand Rapids, Michigan is a recurring showcase celebrating short films and the voices behind them. The event highlights a curated selection of work from local, regional, and national filmmakers who share a connection to Michigan - whether through subject matter, production location, or creative team. With a diverse program spanning narrative cinema, animation, music videos, documentaries, and experimental pieces, the animated music video Jacques (As You Like It) was screened on March 18th.

As part of the event, singer-songwriter Tony Halchak and I sat down with Spencer Everhart to answer questions for Beam From The Booth, the official newsletter for the Grand Rapids Film Society.

Spencer Everhart: How did you originally get into cinema and what has your journey been as a filmmaker up until now?

Tony Halchak: I originally went to college to pursue being a screenwriter but ended up joining some bands and hitting the road. Sometimes when things line up correctly I am able to get some of my story ideas to work with songs I have released over the years.

Mawrgan Shaw: I was first introduced to radio, then live television through a not-for- profit media organisation called the Student Youth Network in Melbourne. I later studied Arts, completed a Masters of Film, and worked with the collective 54th Story creating short films. During the pandemic, when collaborating on set wasn’t possible, I pivoted to animation — an area I’d always been interested in. I fell in love with frame-by-frame, hand-drawn animation, which has been my focus for the past five years.

What was the primary inspiration behind your film? How did the project come about?

Halchak: I’ve done some animated videos for some of my songs in the past, and I’m always hoping to work with someone who works in a style I haven’t done before. Rotoscope is a style I’ve always loved, and I saw Mawr’s work and approached her with an idea I had for one of my songs, and she was immediately onboard.

Shaw: Tony reached out with his wonderful song “Jacques (As You Like It),” and we discussed its themes, what it meant to him, and how it came about. From there we explored different concepts until a clear vision emerged, which developed into a storyboard that aimed to both tell and enhance the song’s story.

What was the biggest challenge you faced while making this movie, and how did you overcome it?

Halchak: I think the most difficult thing is trusting your gut. I tend to collaborate with people in all aspects of art that I just love their vibe and their artistic sensibilities. I don’t ever approach something where I say “this is my vision. make it happen.” I sort of enter into the idea with the other person and let them fully into the project with me. It gives up a lot of control, but I feel like that’s where art is made that is truly unique. So it sometimes is difficult to trust that initial gut reaction, but it’s always worth it.

Shaw: The biggest challenge was conceptualizing the themes in a way that felt clear while still retaining subtlety and nuance. It was important I leave space for viewers to bring their own interpretation while also telling a distinct visual story.

What about this project are you most proud of?

Halchak: I’m just proud it exists. I’m really lucky Mawr wanted to collaborate and am just blown away by what was created. I’m a really lucky person to be able to work with all of the amazing artists in my life, and I never take it for granted.

Shaw: I love the mix of surrealism and realism and the dream-like movement throughout. With this music video, I feel I captured the emotions Tony and I discussed, and I hope that when people watch and listen, a narrative forms for them - drawn not only from what’s on screen, but from themselves, and what they find meaning in.