“A Day in the Life” with Award-Winning Animator Bren López Zepeda

Bren López Zepeda is an award-winning animator who likes to use storytelling to dismantle oppressive systems. Her curiosity and empathy reflect the type of stories she creates, which often focus on politically and socially engaged subjects and projects that push boundaries and represent the underdogs of the world.

She started in animation in 2017 while finishing her degree at Concordia University. She’s worked with the National Film Board of Canada, Ted-Ed, the Montreal Stop Motion Film Festival, and Embuscade Films amongst others.

Her latest inspirations include Guillermo del Toro’s films, Michael de Forge’s graphic novels, and Bell Hooks’ writings.

Bren López Zepeda
A day of filming video references for my animated short Modern Achemy in my room
Bren López Zepeda
A statue I made of the protagonist of my film, Max, on the desk of my producer Anne-Marie Bousquet
At the NFB’s recording studio, in front of the sound engineering console
Narration recording at the NFB studio
Putting on the final touches on Modern Alchemy at the NFB
Screenshot of a nightmare node view for the most complex shot of the short Modern Alchemy
Bren López Zepeda
Sound designer and composer Stephanie Hamelin Tomala and sound engineer Geoffrey Mitchell recording foley for Modern Alchemy
Bren López Zepeda
Work from home during the lockdown

***

Which ’hood are you in?

I live in Côte-des-Neiges, one of the most multicultural parts of Montreal.

What do you do?

I’m a filmmaker and animator. My favourite techniques to work with are 2D animation and stop motion. I have a soft spot for under-camera techniques as well like paint on glass and sand animation.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on a bunch of exciting projects! My main gig is as the assistant director to Felix Durour-Laperrières’ latest animated feature “Death does not exist.” I’m also the animation supervisor to Jutices Rutikara’s “Au 7eme Jour,” a short animated documentary about the Rwandan genocide. And I’m developing a couple of personal projects on the side.

Where can we find your work?

You can find me online as @soybrren, I’m more active on Instagram and Facebook. I’ll be sharing a lot more of my art in the coming year. Stop by and say hello!

You can also check out my Vimeo page, find my latest short film with the NFB “Modern Alchemy”, and watch the interview I did for the NFB project.

 

 

About Demian Vernieri 400 Articles
Demian is an Argentinian retired musician, avid gamer and editor for the Montréal Guardian, Toronto Guardian, Calgary Guardian and Vancouver Guardian websites.