Film director:
Nicola Zavaglia, Laurie Gordon
About the Producer:
Laurie launched her career in film becoming the "accidental" film producer while working with the late animator Oscar nominee Ryan Larkin - subject of the Oscar winning film "Ryan." With Ryan's vote of confidence - despite his tattered jeans and panhandling - Ryan understood the film business... Laurie discovered a hidden talent...in herself. Making the impossible dream a reality -The result was "Spare Change" Ryan's first film in 35 years after life on the periphery. The rest is her story. Laurie began her career as a singer musician and ventured into film through this creative process. It was a natural segue... She says" The best part is working with amazing directors and animators, and artists is that I learn from people who have worked directly with greats such as Norman McLaren, Buster Keaton, Harold Pinter...I find this extraordinary"
Film synopsis:
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<p>The final image of the short 3D film Ryan winner of the 2005 Academy Award for best-animated short is of a homeless beggar. To the world Oscar nominated animator turned panhandler, Ryan/s story had been told.</p>
<p>Ryan's Renaissance chronicles an improbable journey, friendship and what transpires after Ryan Larkin becomes the work's most famous panhandler. Ryan living at a homeless shelter and Laurie Gordon, a Montreal musician start working together. Laurie asks Ryan to draw a few pictures for her band's video, which serendipitously becomes Ryan's first animation film in 35 years. As their collaboration evolves Laurie unwittingly becomes a film producer and Ryan a director once more. We follow this quirky duo's utopian attempt to produce Spare Change. Not just a question of raising money, making this film involves getting an alcoholic off the streets into the hermit's cave of animation. Laurie invites Ryan to live in her home in the country with her husband and menagerie of cats and dogs. Ryan's generous unconcern for the camera eye gives witness to harrowing moments, hilarious events grasping insight into creativity, vision, and a yearning for a place to call home.</p>
