After graduating from Northern Arizona University (NAU) with a degree in illustration, James Ward Byrkit is returning to campus to share his experiences with Lumberjacks as part of the new partnership between NAU and the Sedona International Film Festival (SIFF).
Byrkit, a Flagstaff native, said he was obsessed with drawing from a young age, making picture books of epic tales.
“I would just draw hundreds and hundreds of pictures to try to get these ideas out of my head,” Byrkit said. “I think I was around 10 years old when I realized there was a job of drawing for movies. I saw some of the drawings for ‘Star Wars’ and other films and thought that it sounded like the greatest job. As I got older, I got into directing and writing, but I still go back to drawing to imagine, visualize or plan something that is in my head.”
Byrkit’s storyboard work includes the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, “The Amazing Spiderman” and the animated movie “Rango.” His production designs for the “Pirates” sequel “At World’s End” served as a blueprint for the action sequences directed by Gore Verbinski.
As part of the CAL Film Series at Cline Library, Byrkit will showcase some of his storyboards and share behind-the-scenes stories at a screening of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. On Feb. 25 at 9 p.m., he will present his film “Coherence,” a science fiction psychological thriller he wrote and directed, at the Mary D. Fisher Theater in Sedona, as part of SIFF.
Byrkit said the partnership between NAU and SIFF is a great opportunity for people from Flagstaff and Sedona to see what is happening in each other’s towns and take advantage of what each city has to offer.
“Both cities are doing a lot of interesting and different things,” he said. “SIFF is presenting this curated group of films in a very short time and bringing all these special guests and interesting people for workshops. I think NAU students could benefit from that if they have time. It is an adventure to go down the canyon and spend a day or two in Sedona to get exposed to these films and these people making the films.”
Byrkit is also scheduled to participate in workshops at NAU’s School of Communication, where he will speak with students about his journey as a filmmaker, hoping to awaken something lasting in those now standing where he once did.
“It is always fulfilling and interesting to see what the students are up to,” Byrkit said. “I love seeing them in the middle of their projects and getting a sense of what is important to them and what their challenges are. It’s endlessly fascinating to see their creativity developing. I love talking about my journey from being one of them to being on this incredible adventure in filmmaking. Looking back, I was always appreciative when guest speakers came and talked with us, but I think it makes it even more special when it’s someone who has lived in Flagstaff and understands exactly what it’s like to be an NAU student. I hope that by telling my story and showing them my work in a tactile way, they can get a sense of confidence and possibility.”
For more information on Byrkit screening at NAU visit the CAL film series website. For information about the Sedona International Film Festival, visit their website.
Mariana Laas | NAU Communications
(928) 523-5050 | mariana.laas@nau.edu