OC resident, Arthur Jeppe was one of 11 jury members for the Newport Beach Film Festival. The jury had the daunting task of choosing the 350 films screened this year.
Arthur is a film industry veteran, working in visual effects and animation on such films as “Independence Day,” “Mars Attacks,” “Stuart Little,” “Elf” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Arthur’s most recent work includes Walt Disney’s “Frozen” and “Big Hero 6.” Today, he uses his degree in architecture to help clients buy and sell residential real estate in Newport Beach as the founding partner of READ&JEPPE at Coldwell Banker.
He’ll be speaking about the art of visual effects on Thursday, April 28 from 4-6 p.m. at the Apple Store at Fashion Island. You can RSVP here.
Arthur shares what it was like be a Newport Beach Film Festival jury member.
1. Tell us about your background in film.
I worked in the film industry for nearly 25 years. I graduated with a degree in Architecture from UC Berkeley and found the skills I learned in college transferred very well to the world of Feature Film Digital Effects. Namely, an aesthetic eye that is supported by a strong technical foundation. Over the years I worked for most of the big studios as an artist and supervisor on the production side, culminating with several incredible years at Disney Feature Animation.
2. How were you selected as a jury member of the Newport Beach Film Festival?
I have known Dave Schniep for years and over time we found we share a love of cinema. The more we talked the more sense it made for me to get involved.
3. What is the film selection process?
The festival receives upwards of 3,000 submissions a year. Those submissions are viewed by a group of 5. The hIghlights of those films are then submitted to 2 senior reviewers. The 7 total reviewers vote for their favorites and if there is a consensus that film is put up for consideration for the festival.
4. How many films did you watch?
I focused on the feature films this year, so I had 5 films to review. I also try to see as many of the other categories I can. The other categories consist of - 5 Documentary Features, 5 documentary Shorts, and 11 Shorts
5. Can you tell us about a few standouts?
I really liked "Orange Sunshine." It is the story of the Brotherhood of Eternal Love - a spiritual group of surfers and hippies living in Laguna Canyon in the 60's and 70's. What started out as a "side job" selling drugs quickly became the largest LSD supply chain in the nation.
6. What are you most excited about this year?
The documentary "The Dirty Old Wedge." Growing up in Newport and life guarding on the ocean, the wedge was and still is legendary. This film hits all the right notes giving everyone a perspective on not only the surf break, but the culture and individuals who dominate the surfline there.
7. What defines a great film to you?
The films that grab me are the ones that leverage strong visuals. Yes, it must have a good story, acting etc, but exceptional cinematography is what separates the good from the great for me. I guess it is because we are visual creatures and anytime someone can provide me with a unique visual perspective on a story, I love it.
