Rare projects require rare talent. To make the documentary Ovation for Oscar: An Exhibition at SCAD Museum of Art− about the first posthumous museum tribute to Oscar de la Renta − Savannah College of Art and Design chose one of its own. Leading a team of students and alumni, including his business partner, producer Tyler Reid (M.F.A., film and television, candidate), director Ryan Curtis (B.F.A., film and television, 2013) approached his first fashion documentary the way he does everything: with an eye for fresh original content. That’s what surf photography and music videos - Curtis’ prior subjects - have in common. Another first for Curtis: attending Cannes Film Festival, where Ovation for Oscar premiered. We caught up with him as he arrived in France.
SCAD: Congratulations on showing at Cannes. You have a diverse portfolio. How did your experiences contribute to your approach to Ovation for Oscar?
RC: Music videos are almost always utter chaos, in a good way. The level of creativity is super high, but the resources aren't always there. In surf photography you are 110% reliant on the weather and surf conditions, all the stars need to align in order to get a good shot. My experiences have taught me extreme resourcefulness and tenacity in any project.
SCAD: How is Ovation for Oscar similar or different from your previous work?
RC: This project in particular is very exciting, mainly because we are constantly surrounded by creative people, and the level of collaboration is unparalleled. Production and post-production were very fluid, totally unscripted, and we had to maintain the ability to change direction at any given moment.
SCAD: How did it help or challenge you to not have a fashion background?
RC: This is my first fashion documentary, but I have produced fashion films. I produced one for designer Julian Robaire while I was at SCAD, and when I graduated I worked on one for Globe Skateboards, and music videos sponsored by Hood By Air. I also took an intro to fashion course at SCAD, which taught me respect for the design process. I performed miserably, but that course taught me to truly appreciate the work of Oscar de la Renta and everyone involved in the exhibition process.
Fashion films are kind of the new frontier. Like music videos, there aren't any true rules, which is very exciting. - Ryan Curtis
SCAD: How does this documentary follow current trends in filmmaking? How is it different?
RC: This is essentially long form branded content, but what makes it different is the fact that it's totally unscripted and honest.
SCAD: Who did you have in mind on set? Who is the audience for the film?
RC: I think the audience is young people who are interested in the arts and fashion. I want this documentary to inspire people to put themselves out in the world and to get out of their comfort zones to fully realize their potential.
SCAD: What are you hoping to achieve at Cannes?
RC: It has been eight hours so far and I love it. The screenings alone are amazing, but entertaining people is even better, better yet, finding distribution. Networking is an extremely important part of anyone's career, especially in film and television. You never know what can come out of a conversation.
SCAD: What do you hope the world will learn about Oscar de la Renta because of this film?
RC: Oscar de la Renta is a name synonymous with kindness. He really was the ultimate gentleman. This exhibition carries on his tradition of teaching and philanthropy, and that's what we wanted to convey with this film. SCAD truly supports the next generation of artists and designers, something it shares in common with Oscar de la Renta. So if anyone is looking for the perfect incubator they don't have to look further than SCAD and Oscar de la Renta.
