Carylanna

Applying Anthropology through Film

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Applying Anthropology through Film

Creating the story of ANYA allowed anthropologist Carylanna Taylor “to apply anthropological concepts like cultural relativity, cultural construction of race, and evolution to create the biology and culture of a new species of humans and imagine what it might be like for them when a well-meaning scientist “discovers” their existence.”

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AiPT Science's Yelena Bernadskya Geeks Out with ANYA's Carylanna Taylor & Ruth McCole

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AiPT Science's Yelena Bernadskya Geeks Out with ANYA's Carylanna Taylor & Ruth McCole

Thanks to Yelena Bernadskaya at Adventures in Poor Taste (AiPT) Science for a wonderful writeup of interviews with ANYA co-creator Dr. Carylanna Taylor and science advisor Dr. Ruth McCole on the science behind this fiction film.

“It’s very satisfying for me to see filmmakers put in the effort to portray science (and scientists) correctly and truthfully in their work. “ (AiPT Science, 3/14/19)

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ANYA's Creators Talk with Film Inquiry

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ANYA's Creators Talk with Film Inquiry

“Jacob Akira Okada & Carylanna Taylor Discuss The Future Of Families & ANYA”

by Jim Dixon for Film Inquiry

“Anya invites viewers to explore issues surrounding the development of genetic technologies, and the struggles of creating a family in a world where the definition of family is evolving.”

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Working with “The Exchange” to Find a Creative Collaboration between Filmmakers and Scientists

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Working with “The Exchange” to Find a Creative Collaboration between Filmmakers and Scientists

Carylanna reflects on her and Jacob’s creative collaboration during the development of ANYA with geneticists Ting Wu and Ruth McCole who they found through The National Academy of Sciences - The Science & Entertainment Exchange.

Top takeaway?As a filmmaker approaching a scientist with a fiction project, you’re extending an invitation to play. Make the most of the opportunity and allow for time and space to brainstorm new alternatives for your project. In our unforgettable experience, the result was not just a more scientifically accurate film but more well rounded characters and a better story.

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