Young Guns 20: Jenny Lucia Mascia
By Alixandra Rutnik and Brett McKenzie on Nov 02, 2022
Spotlighting the stupendous class of Young Guns 20
Nearly 100 renowned industry professionals made up the jury for Young Guns this year. And after revealing the 84 finalists, it is finally time to unveil the 31 winners who make up the class of Young Guns 20.
Every year, we add another class of young talent from all over the globe to the exclusive Young Guns community. The winners of Young Guns 20 are your next project directors, animators, designers, editors, illustrators, artists, photographers, storytellers, coders, and writers. So this is your cue to follow them on Instagram immediately– because they are our industry’s future legends after all.
In two weeks, the winners will fly into NYC from around the world to celebrate their accomplishments, make new friends, have a few cocktails, and take home their official Young Guns Cube. We can’t wait to celebrate with them at Sony Hall on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 6:30 PM– and we hope to see you there too!
Before the party begins, we took the time to get to know each of our winners so you can read up on the highly creative individuals who make up Young Guns 20.
JENNY LUCIA MASCIA
DIRECTOR & ANIMATOR
Based:
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Hometown:
URBINO, ITALY
How did you first hear about Young Guns? What were your initial impressions of the Young Guns competition — the award and the community?
I first heard about Young Guns from following past winners on social media. The award seemed to collect some of the most innovative and creative minds from each field. The quality level of past winners and the admiration I have for them inspired me to plan on applying when I had the work to do so.
Congrats on the first time win! What made you enter this year?
I'm grateful to have made it on my first attempt. To give a little backstory, I originally wasn't planning to apply this year. I was happy with what I created, but felt I still hadn't had the chance to execute at the level I wanted. I itched to create a piece for my portfolio that fully represented my voice and vision. After my friends encouraged me and pointed out how the award could lead to more opportunities to create what I wanted, I decided to apply. I focused on curating my portfolio to represent my process and highlighting my narrative voice. I was surprised and satisfied with the result. It turns out it's worth giving yourself a chance! As cliché as it sounds, we can indeed be our harshest critics.
Young Guns is as much an exercise in self-curation as it is in sheer creative talent. After all, you are only allowed to submit six projects. How did you decide which pieces were best to enter and truly reflected you and your work?
In my work, I attempt to analyze emotions and experiences through alternative dimensions. Each project showcases a different way of embedding a story into textures, colors, lighting, and rhythm. I included a mix of stills from the process and key moments in the story to illustrate the tie between stylistic treatment and narration.
An example of this is the National Suicide prevention series, where the video communicated precise information on a sensitive subject. Using surreal images allowed us to further elaborate on the message and emotions of the characters. The music video for Thom Yorke is another example where mediums and visuals work together to convey the isolation and angst of metropolitan cities.
What went through your mind when you discovered that you won, especially knowing how difficult it is to make it into Young Guns? How did you celebrate?
Gratitude, surprise, and excitement. It’s a beautiful feeling to have your work recognized by brilliant peers in the industry. I spent the afternoon and evening with friends and celebrated by eating delicious cake– definitely a sweet memory.
"It’s a beautiful feeling to have your work recognized by brilliant peers in the industry. I spent the afternoon and evening with friends and celebrated by eating delicious cake– definitely a sweet memory."
How would you describe your personal brand in one sentence? Now, try defining it in three words.
Creating work that speaks to one’s core– to a soul level. Creating with care.
Who are some of the biggest influences on you and your career? Who may have had a hand in mentoring and supporting you?
My parents, both artists, are the most inspiring people in my life– their strength, intelligence, and creativity constantly amaze me. They encouraged my curiosity and instilled a passion in me for learning. Educationally, some of the most influential figures have been my high school professors, Roberto Catani and Stefano Franceschetti– both are incredible artists. They taught me to follow my curiosity and expand on even the smallest spontaneous thoughts or drawings. They exposed me to the work of Andrei Tarkovsky, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Gianluigi Toccafondo, and Bill Viola. Magical realism shaped how I went on to create alternative worlds in which I could study the world around and within me. Immy Humes has been a guide in navigating the film world, especially in understanding the process of producing projects I direct. I'm really grateful to Santiago Carasquilla and Jos Dias for being the first to give me the opportunity to create freely.
Now that you’re in the Young Guns crew, are there any past winners you look up to and admire? What is it about their work that you love?
I had been following the work of a few past Young Guns winners. Nadia Lee Choen’s photography (YG16) has left me mesmerized over the years. Her surreal and sometimes uncanny subject matters and parallel realities make intriguing social commentary.
I had the opportunity to collaborate with Saad Moosajee (YG18). Experiencing his unconventional approach to CG animation, the beautiful worlds he creates, and just him as an overall creative has been really inspiring. Mah Ferraz (YG18), with her distinct and energetic editing style, can sway emotions in almost tangible ways. Michelle Watt’s (YG18) intentional use of colors and beautiful surreal images. Santiago Carrasquilla (YG16), for being an all-around inspiring creative force, and developing unique projects in a multitude of mediums.
Name a creative dream that you have yet to fulfill — hey, maybe Young Guns can help propel you in that direction!
I've been interested in creating a short film where I can explore the connection between humans and nature, inner and outer, and utilizing a blend of film and animation to explore these dimensions.
One of my dreams is to collaborate with other artists, environmental experts, and institutions such as MIT, where technology and art can come together. Neri Oxman is an inspirational figure on this front. Her work combines architecture, biology, and design.
This is YG20, but what do you imagine you’ll be up to when YG30 rolls around in 2032, both personally and professionally?
I see myself making work that ranges from films to installations. Creating a space (physical and virtual), where creative minds in all disciplines, from science to visual arts, can unite to collaborate on projects. I want to continue to see and try new things, and live life!
Best piece of advice you have ever received? Goals heading into 2023? Something you do to feel energized?
I want to create more personal work and see that drive my career. I feel the most energized when making art, spending time in nature, and moving my body. The best piece of advice I've ever received was to find my voice and stay true to it. That is still a central philosophy in my life, as I find the most peace when I don’t doubt my intuition.
Come party with us and celebrate all the Young Guns 20 winners on Wednesday, November 16 at Sony Hall!
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