Interview with Shaun Escayg

Shaun Escayg (Class of 1994, Form 6) is a writer and director with an extensive background in visual effects and animation for film, music videos, and video games. Shaun is best known for his work as:

• Animator on films such as ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. The World’, and ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon,’
• Creative Director on video games ‘Uncharted: The Lost Legacy’ and ‘Marvel’s Avengers’
• Animation Director on the acclaimed video game ‘The Last of Us.’ (The game has been adapted into a post-apocalyptic drama series, which premiered on HBO on January 15, 2023, to critical acclaim. Praised for its performances, writing, production design, and score, it has been considered by many as the best adaptation of a video game, winning several awards, including eight Primetime Emmy Awards out of 24 nominations. Season 2 is set to be released in early 2025.)

His debut live-action short film ‘Fish,’ won Best Short Film at the 2012 Belize International Film Festival and Best International Film at the 2012 Malibu International Film Festival. It was also nominated for Best Short Film at the Oscar-qualifying LA Shorts Film Festival. His latest film, the sci-fi thriller ‘Ikarus,’ made its Trinidad and Tobago debut at the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival in September 2021.

Additionally, he has collaborated with eight-time Grammy winner Stephen Marley, directing thought-provoking music videos such as ‘Ghetto Boy,’ ‘Rockstone,’ and ‘Scars on My Feet.’

Shaun is currently a Creative Director/Writer at Naughty Dog, the developer of some of the most critically acclaimed and top-selling video games on PlayStation platforms.

Q. Why did you select Fatima? 

I’ve always been a bit of a rebel. My dad and his brothers, all proud Saints alumni, expected me to follow in their footsteps, but I wanted to forge my own path. Getting into a prestigious school on my own merit was my goal. I still remember the day I got accepted—the confidence, the pride. That moment really set the stage for everything that came after.

Q. How was your experience at Fatima (pleasant and/or non-pleasant; worst mischief, etc).

I was definitely a troublemaker. I remember pulling a fast one on the incredible Harry Ramdass. During PE, I found a stray kitten and, being a pet lover, I smuggled it into Math class and hid it in my school bag. But this hungry kitten meowed loudly during class. Harry had a knack for using the reflection of his glasses to spot and call out any would-be ‘mischief makers’ while writing on the blackboard—a talent that left even the best of us bewildered. So, you can imagine his confusion when he couldn’t locate the source of the meowing. He was staring directly at me, the source of the meowing, but my lips were sealed, save for an ear-to-ear grin. This haunted him so much that I remember having a beer with Harry in my twenties during last lap in front of the Oval. I finally confessed. We laughed our asses off.

Q. Who was your favourite teacher(s) and which teacher(s) did you give the most trouble?

I have many favorite teachers, each for different reasons. Harry Ramdass was a true educator who challenged us intellectually, drawing out our potential whether we wanted it or not. The loudest he ever raised his voice was to laugh. Mr. Lee Ha could solve any trigonometry problem faster than you could on your calculator. He once told me he’d never give me strokes again because it was ineffective. ‘Wait! What? I wasn’t even worth strokes?’ That reverse psychology worked wonders. Mr. Joseph introduced me to John Keats, Lord Byron, and John Donne, and would often ask, ‘Any questions?’ And, when I’d raised my hand, he’d playfully add, ‘Any SMART questions, Escayg?’ Lastly, Ms. Allard, my art teacher, harnessed my creative talents. I gave them all trouble, but they never gave up on me, and for that, I’m indebted.

Q. Did you play any sports or take part in any extracurricular activities at Fatima?

Football was my sport, though I wasn’t very good at it.

Q. Have you been able to maintain friendships with your classmates since school? Any class reunions?

The friendships I made in Fatima have stood the test of time. We don’t have official “get togethers” per say… But when I’m home, nostalgic, or just need an ear…those are the friends I turn to.  Some of my deepest bonds of friendship were forged in Fatima. 

Q. Tell us about your academic/career path post-Fatima.

After Fatima, I joined the Roytec program and delved deep into computers and technology. Later I left for the US and pursued Fine Arts. Eventually, these two loves (computers/art) merged, and I began my career as a Computer Animator.

Q. What qualities and values did you take from Fatima that helped you in your career?

During a parent-teacher meeting, my mother once asked Harry Ramdass for advice on how to get me more engaged at school. His reply was, ‘She can’t—Shaun can achieve anything, IF he wants it.’ I’ve carried those words with me ever since, and they still hold true today: I can achieve anything.

Q. “Ikarus” was shot on location in T&T and on the west coast of the United States during the Covid pandemic and tells the tale of brother and sister scavengers who pillage the cargo of the wealthy in search of valuable medical supplies on Earth in hope of buying access to a space colony. Tell us about the inspiration behind the film and the main challenges you encountered with Covid-restrictions.

Ikarus (Mr. Joseph, this one’s for you) is inspired by the Greek myth ‘The Flight of Icarus,’ which tells of a father’s daring plan to escape a labyrinth with his son, using wings fashioned from metal and feathers, held together with wax. Despite his father’s stern warnings to follow the designated flight path, the son, overcome by exhilaration, flies higher and higher until he gets too close to the sun. The heat melts the wax holding his wings together, causing him to fall into the sea and drown, leaving behind a grieving father. It’s a poignant tale about ambition and its costs to those we love most.”

I began shooting a proof-of-concept to test out a few ideas for the film. Little did I know it would be at the beginning of a global pandemic. We barely shot for two days before the border lockdown forced production to a halt. Despite all not going as planned, what we captured was sufficient for the proof-of-concept. We licked our wounds, regrouped, and I’m pleased to say the project lives on. We’ll be shooting over the course of this year and next, to create a feature film. It’s super exciting.

Q. What is your advice for local aspiring filmmakers?

Never give up, listen to no one but yourself, and forge your own path.

Q. You joined Naughty Dog in 2011, and in 2018, you left your position as lead Creative Director there to join Crystal Dynamics and help bring “Marvel’s Avengers” to life as the Creative Director and writer on that project. You eventually returned to Naughty Dog three years later. What was behind you decision to join Crystal Dynamics, and then to return to Naughty Dog?

Firstly, I’m fortunate to have had a few studios in my career that will always be my creative families: ILM, Blur, and of course, Naughty Dog. I’m also a huge Marvel fan. Since I was a kid, I’d sneak peeks at my uncle’s comics, enthralled by the epic battles between heroes and villains. So, when the opportunity arose to write and direct a Marvel Avengers game featuring Kamala Khan, Hulk, Iron Man, Cap, and Widow, it was a no-brainer. Why return to Naughty Dog? Because it’s Naughty Dog!

Q. When working on Marvel’s Avengers, did you use the comics or any of the movies for reference?

I mainly used comics for reference. I was also fortunate to have the wonderful team at Marvel to collaborate with and help guide me with the deep knowledge of Marvel lore. 

Q. Favorite and least favorite Avenger?

I have two favorite Marvel Avengers: the Hulk, specifically the David Banner struggling with his inner rage version; and Iron Man, particularly Tony Stark, the drunk, at the end of his rope version. The duality of these characters, their inner struggles, and their ability to triumph over their demons is something I find deeply grounding.

Q. The National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers (NAVGTR) is a non-profit organization that promotes and recognizes the interactive entertainment industry, and they have administered the NAVGTR Awards annually since 2001. You have earned two NAVGTR awards: in 2014 for Direction in a Game Cinema for “The Last of Us” and in 2018 for Game, Franchise Adventure for “Uncharted: The Lost Legacy”. Tell us about winning those awards.

“The Last of Us” holds a special place in my heart as it was the first game I worked on as part of a development team, and it remains one of my favorites. Winning for that game was a thrilling experience! “Uncharted: The Lost Legacy” marked another major milestone for me—it was my first time as a Creative Director/Writer, and the experience was equally satisfying.

Q. Based on your career background, it’s safe to assume you are a movie fan. Are there any movie(s) that inspired you on your career path?

I’m a huge movie fan! I watch them repeatedly and know them line for line. Yes, I’m that guy. I study everything—the writing, camera language, lighting, acting, you name it. Many movies have inspired me, too many to list. But here are a few standouts: Alien, There Will Be Blood, Nope, No Country for Old Men, Fargo, Saving Private Ryan, Arrival, and Goodfellas.

Q. Favorite movie genre?

Sci-fi/Crime drama.

Q. What is your long-term goal in the film industry, local and international?

My goal is to become one of the great storytellers of my time. I live and breathe for it!

Q. You directed the music video for Kes ‘Hello’ in 2018. Was this a one-off gig or are music videos something you might add to your portfolio?

Yes, I first worked with Kes on “Tuesday on the rocks”, then “Hello”. I’ve also directed “Rockstone”, “Ghetto boy” and “Scars on my feet”, for the humble but great Stephen “Ragga” Marley.   I don’t do them often even though I really enjoy them.  Collaborating with musicians are treat. I love syncing with their creative processes and ensuring the visual storyline punctuates their art. Plus, I find it fascinating how similar all creative processes are and often learn new processes from the experience of interacting with different artists.

Q. Any bucket list item(s) still to achieve in your life?

Make a Blockbuster Feature film. Visit Africa. Climb Angel falls in Venezuela. Share and inspire as many people as possible.

Q. Favorite type of music?

Reggae.

Q. Preferred type of roti?

Goat.

Q. Any hobbies and/or guilty pleasures?  How do you spend your free time?

Making movies.

Q. The first thing you would eat on a trip back to Trinidad?

Julie Mango

Q. What does ‘Nitendo Vinces’ mean to you?

Never give up!

Q. Any closing remarks?

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. We’ve attempted this interview before, and I’m thrilled we finally made it happen. Reliving those Fatima College moments through this interview has deepened my appreciation for my time there. Fearless and true.

Strive on, Fatima boys, strive on!.