Cristina Costantini and Darren Foster, the dynamic directing duo behind the captivating new series Science Fair: The Series (Premieres Dec. 10 on National Geographic; Dec. 11 on Disney+ and Hulu), bring a fresh perspective to the world of competitive science. In this exclusive Q&A, we delve into the minds of these two innovative filmmakers, exploring their journey in creating a series that not only highlights the fierce competition and brilliance at science fairs but also uncovers the personal stories and aspirations of young, aspiring scientists. This series is not just about the experiments and hypotheses; it’s a heartwarming and inspiring look at the passion and perseverance of the next generation of scientific minds. Join us as we uncover the inspiration, challenges, and triumphs behind “Science Fair: The Series,” a series that promises to enlighten and entertain audiences of all ages.
What inspired you to expand the Science Fair concept from a feature length movie to a series?
Cristina Costantini: We had an incredible time creating this series. When I was in high school, I was assigned to mentor a child, and that experience completely transformed my life; it was like a lifeboat to me. During our initial scouting, Darren and I both fell in love with that world. We found ourselves drawn to its vibrant energy and the sense of hope it emanated.
If given the opportunity, we would definitely go back. We’ve been in discussions with National Geographic for a while about potentially expanding the series, exploring how we could do it. We realized that with more time, we could delve deeper into the high school lives and backgrounds of these kids. We could explore the science more thoroughly and follow their journeys from local to regional, and then to the international fair. This approach offers a richer exploration of their journeys and introduces many more amazing characters. The opportunity for a second attempt was an incredible blessing, as there is an abundance of fascinating characters in this world to discover.
You mentioned that to you had some experience with science fairs as well. How is how has it changed from the time you did it?
Cristina Costantini: I’m actually more surprised by how little has changed since I participated in the science fair in 2004. It’s remarkable that many elements remain the same, like the scientific review committee that evaluates whether projects can be presented. There’s also ‘the hub’ in the center of the room, where everyone collects their supplies, and the judging process is almost identical. This world has a long-standing tradition and boasts a huge alumni network. Notable alumni include Natalie Portman and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), who was there the year I participated. Numerous students have experienced this world, and surprisingly, very little has changed. That consistency is what excites me. I’m returning in May and looking forward to the nostalgia of seeing the same blue carpet and curtains again.
How did you go about finding students for the series?
Darren Foster: Like Christina mentioned, almost 2,000 kids from over 70 countries participate in the science fair each year, offering a wealth of potential subjects for filmmakers. The real challenge for us is narrowing down this vast pool to a manageable number of students to feature in our series or film. We aim to represent a cross-section of the participants at the science fair. This includes students from varied backgrounds, ranging from those at schools where science research isn’t a primary focus to those from institutions like Jericho that strongly support and encourage scientific inquiry.
Additionally, we strive to showcase a diverse array of projects and represent different regions. Ultimately, our goal is to achieve a balanced mix of students that accurately reflects the variety and scope of those who make it to the major event at the year’s end.
How do you ensure that you get enough students who end up placing?
Cristina Costantini: Yes, I believe we’ve become quite proficient at assessing and predicting outcomes, especially with my experience as a former science fair competitor. You start to develop an intuition about the potential and direction of various projects.
Yes, admittedly, I may not fully grasp all the scientific details, but you can often discern when a student has a strong project. There’s a sense of buzz around certain participants, with whispers about who’s considered the biggest contender. And then, sometimes, it’s just a matter of luck. I believe a significant part of success in these situations can be attributed to being fortunate.
Darren Foster: In the series, we did feature some students and their projects that, unfortunately, did not advance to the next round. Experiencing this disappointment is tough for the students, as everyone invests a great deal of effort into their work. Various factors can influence the outcome, whether it’s the presentation, the scientific aspects, or simply the level of competition. Recognizing these challenges, one aspect that sets our series apart is our ability to portray the disappointment and the emotional journey of those who don’t make it. This adds a layer of realism and depth to the narrative.
Was there anything that you learned from shooting the film that has carried over into shooting the series?
Cristina Costantini: As the project grew, so did our team. Initially, the core team for the feature film included Darren, myself, and our Director of Photography (DP), Pete Olson. At that time, our group was quite small, with only five members at most during the fair. However, this year at the fair, our team expanded significantly, reaching around 50 members. This growth reflects the scale and scope of our current project.
What was the logistics of shooting the series like? Did yo have dedicated teams trailing your subjects?
Cristina Costantini: “Managing logistics was quite challenging, especially since I was eight months pregnant at the time, making me the largest I’ve ever been. The team kindly set up a video village for me, which is a central location with monitors displaying footage from all cameras. It made me feel like a morning show director, coordinating between different camera angles. Despite the chaos and messiness, our team’s strength really shone through.
Many of the people we worked with have been our colleagues throughout our careers, so there was a deep level of trust with the satellite teams in the field. This setup allowed us to capture a broader range of moments in more detail than we could in the past. Previously, we were more improvisational, capturing what we could on the fly. This time, we were fortunate to have extensive coverage, which enabled us to achieve a greater level of intimacy in the series.
Are there moments in the series that stick out for each of you?
Darren Foster: One project that really stood out to me was focused on teenage suicide, a topic many people shy away from discussing. Due to this reluctance, there’s a noticeable lack of research in this area. Tasha, the student behind this project, had a personal connection to the subject, which I found incredibly brave. It’s a serious issue that desperately needs more attention and research, and here she is, a high school student, pushing the boundaries in this field.
To me, this project embodies the true spirit of the science fair: young individuals addressing complex issues that many choose to avoid, ranging from climate change to teenage suicide and everything in between. These students are not just recognizing problems but actively seeking solutions, which is a stark contrast to the tendency of many to ignore such issues and focus on simpler activities, like browsing Instagram.
Cristina Costantini: I also see the series as a commentary on immigration and the invaluable contributions of immigrants and their children in this country. In particular, Carlos’s story deeply resonates with me. Like many of these students, Carlos is the child of immigrants, his family having emigrated from Mexico with limited resources. His role as a translator and mediator for his family, helping them navigate life in the U.S., is truly inspirational. They are a lovely family, and their pride in him is palpable, regardless of the outcome of the fair.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but it’s clear that Carlos’s achievements have made his family immensely proud. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and the positive impact of immigrant families. It’s stories like Carlos’s that add a rich, human element to the series.
In this series, we see everyone essentially wearing their exceptional masks. Are there any things that reminded you that like, wow, these amazing scientists are still teenagers?
Cristina Costantini: I hope this aspect comes through clearly in the series. What I particularly appreciate about these kids is their remarkable duality. They are some of the brightest minds of our generation, yet at the same time, they’re typical teenagers. They attend prom, develop crushes, and indulge in quirky dance moves and humor. This juxtaposition, to me, is the essence of the science fair’s energy. It’s fascinating how someone can be the most brilliant person in the room one moment and a delightfully awkward teenager the next, complete with their own inside jokes.
Their lightheartedness and humor were constant sources of joy for us, which is another reason why this project was so enjoyable and why we were so keen on creating this feature. There was nonstop laughter behind the camera, and at times, it was a challenge to keep it under control. It’s this blend of intellectual brilliance and youthful exuberance that truly defines the spirit of the science fair.
Darren Foster: The camaraderie displayed by the Monta Vista team is a prime example of what I find so compelling. I remember high school as a time when friendships were paramount, a sentiment I believe many can relate to. During those years, friends are crucial; they’re the ones we rely on to navigate the challenges and complexities of teenage life. The solidarity and support among the Monta Vista team truly encapsulate this aspect, and it was a significant element in the film. I’m pleased we were able to showcase a bit of this dynamic. It was fantastic to witness and share. Thank you very much for your time, and best of luck to them. Thanks, Mark, and thank you all for this opportunity.
IMAGE CREDIT: National Geographic/Karen Gaytan/Dana Ballout.
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