Who are you and what’s your filmmaking background?
My name is Richard Lyford-Pike, a.k.a. Richie Valentino. I live for the world of art, film and music. I’m actually a trained drummer and have performed for over 20 years, but film and animation have forever been a huge passion and inspiration of mine. My first animation attempt was back in 1998 on a film called Cardioidosaurus Part 1. It was a stop-motion film shot on super 8 millimeter rolls, made with papier-mâché, wire, shoelace and aluminium foil. The enjoyment and creation of Cardioidosaurus Part 1 sparked a line of animation ideas which are now coming to fruition.
What are you working on right now?
I am currently working of an animated short called Birds of a Feather. It’s basically a film educating about the benefits of sharing with others.
What are you promoting?
Still from The Lamb.
My current animated short The Lamb, is basically about looking after the deprived and handicapped and not picking on them. Otherwise karma will always come back for you.
What do you want the audience to take away from your films?
I love bits of education in a film, and in my films there is always a simple moral to learn.
What’s your favorite story from filmmaking?
I think my favorite stories are from documentary and fantasy– from the unknown. I love the thought of imagination.
What are your wildest dreams for your filmmaking career?
I have a feature animation by the name of Barkoo’s Amerie, that was characterized and scripted back in 2011, and now ready and waiting to be funded and created. My aim is to one day see the characters and the film come to life.
What is something bizarre about you?
I’m hooked on Uruguayan tea (Yerba Mate), and have over 3000 films in my studio collection.
What currently inspires you?
Everyone I meet.
What’s your best advice for an aspiring filmmaker?
If you think of something…make it!
Follow Richard’s career at The Audience Awards.
The Audience Awards is film’s social network connecting audiences to films, filmmakers, film schools and film festivals. The Audience Awards hosts short film competitions where the audience chooses the best films.
