Features

Tell us about your project. What inspired the idea?

Ausar Johnson: Our thesis film, Intrepid, is a 3D animated short film filled with action and hunters in a fantasy world. The film started as an alternate story created in high school, and through collaboration and development, the characters from that time were adapted into the ones seen in our current film. I drew inspiration from the folklore of Gambia, as well as the culture of Vietnam and Benin. Overall, I wanted to see people of African descent depicted in a fun and action-packed 3D student film that channels stories and ideas from African culture. As an African American artist who grew up surrounded by these cultures, I was eager to see them represented in animation. I was inspired by other artists, such as Malcolm Wope, and series like Disney’s Kizazi Moto to incorporate these ideas into my own story.

Sarah Terceros: Drawing on West African mythology and Vietnamese culture, the project allowed us to capture a journey of vulnerability and strength.

Anshul Katkar: Personally, I was inspired by my experiences growing up and my relationship with my parents, and tried to draw from those memories to help shape a story that was impactful and relatable to the audience.

What surprised you the most once you started working on the project?

Johnson: How much time goes into polishing a story, as we spent around a year just revising and developing our storyline and characters before even creating actual shots for the film. Our story was very long when we first drafted it, and trying to condense it without losing its substance was one of the most difficult challenges, and a lot less straightforward than I expected.  

Terceros: I didn’t expect how much the story would change as we developed it. With only six minutes to tell it, we had to make tough choices that shaped both the story and visuals in ways we hadn’t imagined.

What was a highlight of living and studying in New York City?

Johnson: A highlight of living and studying in New York is being in a hub with so many other artists that you can connect with and learn from. In this city, there are endless ways to be inspired, and with it being so condensed, you will always find yourself running into someone you know. As someone who’s lived in Brooklyn my whole life, I also appreciate how easy it is to travel and talk to people, as over time you can meet a lot of artists that live closer than you’d expect!

Katkar: Living and studying in New York City provided me with exposure to diverse cultures and communities, which inspired much of my work. It also opened up networking opportunities, allowing me to connect with industry professionals.

What is something you learned at SVA that you’ll always take with you?

Johnson: SVA taught me the importance of maintaining and being part of a community. I learned more from [other] students and my community than from anyone else during my time at SVA, and I think it’s essential to understand the importance of connecting with your peers, as you will form strong bonds that will make you stronger as both a person and an artist. 

Terceros: In 3D, things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Every test render teaches you something new and helps you grow.

Katkar: Asking for help! I learned to ask for help whenever I get stuck on a problem for too long, which saved me hours of frustration.

Was there a teacher or course that was essential for you?

Terceros: My teacher from production skills had a lasting impact on me. He was always there to offer guidance and helped me see mistakes as opportunities to grow, rather than setbacks.

Katkar: Our thesis class, taught by Harry Dorrington, had the most significant impact on our film. He taught us to coordinate and work as a team in a way that was productive and brought out the best in all of us. This was more important than our technical skills.

What was your favorite piece of advice that a teacher or student shared with you?

Johnson: My favorite piece of advice is a statement that I still carry with me to this day from a friend. They told me to relax and make sure I was having a good time. After that, I channeled the inspiration I had when first starting the film, rather than the present stress from deadlines and technical issues.

Terceros: Just make it exist; you can fix it later.

Katkar: My favorite piece of advice a student shared with me was to show my work to my peers, professors, and industry professionals and ask for feedback. 

What advice do you have for next year’s students going through your program?

Johnson: I’d advise next year’s students to make sure to try and stay ahead of schedule on their projects as much as possible, as the extra time I’d give myself was often what saved a project in the long run. Most importantly, though, I would advise students to make sure to have fun and love what they’re doing, as working with passion and joy will really help them become stronger overall.

Terceros: Find balance and take care of yourself as much as you do your work. 

Katkar: Talk to your peers and spend time in the labs! I learned a great deal by interacting with other students and recommend taking advantage of the community that SVA facilitates.

The 2026 Alumni Scholarship Awards application is open for students in their final year at SVA until Wednesday, December 3. For more information, click here.