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FFF is a collaborative media studio of filmmakers and artists who are passionate about the built environment, history, and place. FFF seeks to create media that nurtures awareness and engagement with our surroundings, and highlights people with unique relationships to the space around them.

As Creative Director and Founder of FFF, Maya has directed and co-produced a diverse body of collaborative media projects since 2011 including 30+ short documentaries, two 360 Virtual Reality (VR) experiences, and five site-specific media installations about various places throughout Los Angeles. FFF's running list of collaborators include 40+ individuals and institutions. Below are a few examples. For more please visit, fffmedia.com


BRONZEVILLE, LITTLE TOKYO [2017]

A presentation of original multi-media work inspired by an overlooked moment in history known as Bronzeville. FORM follows FUNCTION and Visual Communications present a special two-day program featuring an interactive media installation & open mic, a 360° virtual reality presentation, and a live Jazz performance on Historic First Street North.

Bronzeville, Little Tokyo was a program of the 33rd Annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and the second installment of FfF Interactive, a neighborhood-based immersive media initiative of FORM follows FUNCTION. Bronzeville, Little Tokyo is funded by California Arts Council. Thanks to the support of Little Tokyo Service Center +LAB.

To learn more see featured article via LAAPFF: Bronzeville, Little Tokyo – A Threshold in Time and Place

MEMORY BANK [2017]Using projection mapping and audio reactive technology in this historic building, "Memory Bank" was a 2-day installation and open mic that encouraged the public to share memories and reflections of Bronzeville and Little Tokyo. Sto…

MEMORY BANK [2017]

Using projection mapping and audio reactive technology in this historic building, "Memory Bank" was a 2-day installation and open mic that encouraged the public to share memories and reflections of Bronzeville and Little Tokyo. Stories were recorded and audiences of all ages were invited to be part of this 360 VR documentation.

Conceptual Design: Eddy Vajarakitipongse of yaknowlike studios & Maya Santos of Form follows Function; Technical Designer: Eddy Vajarakitipongse; Producer: Maya Santos; Research: Eseel Borlasa; Voice: Chazz Clarence Ross

Memory Bank, Exterior ©Rudy Espinosa

Memory Bank, Exterior ©Rudy Espinosa

Memory Bank, Interior © Rudy Espinosa

Memory Bank, Interior © Rudy Espinosa

Memory Bank, Interior © Rudy Espinosa

Memory Bank, Interior © Rudy Espinosa

 
BRONZE, BRASS, JAZZ [2017]a 360 VR animation that evokes the spirit of late night jam sessions at breakfast clubs, and fabled stories about jazz great Charlie Parker, from his memorable stay at the Civic Hotel (1st and San Pedro) to a brief residenc…

BRONZE, BRASS, JAZZ [2017]

a 360 VR animation that evokes the spirit of late night jam sessions at breakfast clubs, and fabled stories about jazz great Charlie Parker, from his memorable stay at the Civic Hotel (1st and San Pedro) to a brief residency at the Finale Club (230 1/2 East First Street).

Co-Directors: Javier Barboza of Kaleidoscope Media Studio & Maya Santos of Form follows Function; Co-Producers: Javier Barboza, Eseel Borlasa, Joel Quizon; Executive Producers: Visual Communications, Eseel Borlasa; VR Director: Adriana Copete; VR Editor: Reggie Lamar Ford; Original Score: Dexter Story Music Publishing; VR Tech Consultant: Vicki Huang; Assistant Animator: Meejin Hong; 3D Modeler: Eric Pato; Sound Designer: Eric Pepper

360 scene © Javier Barboza, Kaleidoscope Media Studio

Bronze, Brass, Jazz mobile VR viewing kiosk © Rudy Espinosa

Bronze, Brass, Jazz mobile VR viewing kiosk © Rudy Espinosa

Audience member viewing Bronze, Brass, Jazz© Rudy Espinosa

Audience member viewing Bronze, Brass, Jazz

© Rudy Espinosa

Audience member viewing Bronze, Brass, Jazz© Rudy Espinosa

Audience member viewing Bronze, Brass, Jazz

© Rudy Espinosa

 
40's inspired ad for 'The Bronzeville Union' by Rani De Leon & Maya Santos

40's inspired ad for 'The Bronzeville Union' by Rani De Leon & Maya Santos

'The Bronzeville Union' performance at Union Center for the Arts © Rudy Espinosa

'The Bronzeville Union' performance at Union Center for the Arts © Rudy Espinosa


INTERACTIVE LITTLE TOKYO! [2017]

a spatial, interactive multi-media exhibition that celebrates the diverse histories and viewpoints that make up the downtown Los Angeles community, Little Tokyo. Using virtual reality (VR) storytelling techniques and historic site-specific projection, Interactive Little Tokyo! aims to bring new interest on Little Tokyo’s rich legacy, stories of which are often overlooked.

Presented as part of the 32nd Annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival in partnership with Visual Communications, Interactive Little Tokyo! is the first installment of FfF Interactive, a neighborhood-based immersive media initiative of FORM follows FUNCTION.

WALKING WITH GRACE [2016]A 360 virtual reality documentary viewable via VR headsets on a mobile kiosk throughout various locations of the festival. The short documentary, Walking with Grace, highlight places and streets of Little Tokyo through the p…

WALKING WITH GRACE [2016]

A 360 virtual reality documentary viewable via VR headsets on a mobile kiosk throughout various locations of the festival. The short documentary, Walking with Grace, highlight places and streets of Little Tokyo through the perspective of Grace Chikui, a blind woman and long-time resident.

VR Director: Vicki Huang, Co-directors/producers: Joel Quizon, Maya Santos, Executive Producer: Eseel Borlasa, Sharon Lee, Assistant Producer: Elaine Dolalas, Graphics: Francisco Garcia Nava

©Vicki Huang, 360 scene from Walking with Grace

LAAPFF audience and Little Tokyo community members viewing, Walking with Grace at LAAPFF 2016© Maya Santos

LAAPFF audience and Little Tokyo community members viewing, Walking with Grace at LAAPFF 2016

© Maya Santos

 
312 Azusa Street [2016]A site-specific video map projection located adjacent to Historic Azusa Alley, the original site of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) and birthplace of Pentecostalism. Audiences experienced the piece as it wa…

312 Azusa Street [2016]

A site-specific video map projection located adjacent to Historic Azusa Alley, the original site of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) and birthplace of Pentecostalism. Audiences experienced the piece as it was projected on land originally owned by Bridget “Biddy” Mason, former slave, FAME Church Founder, and one of the first African American women to purchase land in Los Angeles.

Tech Design: Eddy Vajarakitipongse, Animation: Francisco Garcia Nava, Construction: Levi Brewster, Creative Director/Producer: Maya Santos

© Steven Lam

312 Asuza Street, cross section viewer © Maya Santos

312 Asuza Street, cross section viewer © Maya Santos


KCET Departures articles by FORM follows FUNCTION [2012]

Multi-media articles presented on KCET Departures featuring original documentary videos, images and text by select writers and collaborators.

Complete blog archive.

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