Underrepresented creators generated original work for the network through the groundbreaking HBO Max and Warner Bros Discovery Animated Shorts Program. The artists received inspiration from the prompt, “What’s a story Only You can tell?” During the year-long program, program participants learned about the animation industry.
Seasoned Producer Amanda Miller helped creators through the production process. The program gave participants a production budget and individualized mentors. Masterclasses and workshops taught the visionaries about the animation business. They built long-lasting relationships with Warner Bros Discovery talent and executives. The participants completed a five-to-seven-minute animated film.
With a wide range of art styles, the participants brought authentic stories to life. Many films discussed culture, identity, and community. Genres included fantasy, comedy, and horror. All protagonists faced and overcame compelling conflicts. On March 23, the eight short films premiered on HBO Max.
New York City’s High School of Art and Design presented a special screening. Students and attendees applauded the program’s diverse talent. After, media personality Frankey Smith moderated a panel discussion. New York City-based director/animator Christopher Fequiere and writer/producer Dana King talked about their program experience and answered questions.
The presentation featured Fequiere and King’s ‘Burning Rubber.’ The protagonist, Duane Ruiz, faced a near-impossible decision. He chose between the high-stakes Burning Rubber wallball competition and everyday responsibilities. The content’s color palette proved Duane’s athletic passion. Only the blue ball, golden jewelry, and red blood received color. “I wanted you to feel his pain and fire,” said Fequiere.
Yoo Lee and Xin Li’s short, ‘Welcome to 8th Street,’ utilized stop-motion animation and a vibrant color palette. A new couple moved to New Jersey’s eighth street. At first, odd encounters cause them to reconsider. In a hilarious moment, a wild turkey ruined a neighbor’s steak. Despite cultural differences, the couple found a place in their new community.
In Dominick Green’s ‘Kent Hammer,’ a successful businessman received a promotion. He slowly descended into madness. The worker debated the matter with his briefcase and office supplies. Computer animation allowed for their personification. The copy machine yawned while the stapler smirked. The businessman had to decide which supplies to trust.
Tsvetelina Zdraveva and Jerred North’s ‘Yellowbird’ offered an immigrant’s perspective. In their short, a young woman in New York received tragic familial news. She chose between going home and staying in the U.S. to maintain her legal status. She struggled to update her green card and receive a passport stamp. Without her card, she risked deportation upon returning to the U.S. The film’s neutral color palette amplified her grim choices.
Tank Standing Buffalo and Xstine Cook’s ‘Monstr’ abstractly depicted grief. A young artist apprenticed at a totem carver’s workshop. From deep in the forest, he had to retrieve a large log. He ran from evil spirits and faced heavy rain. In contrast, the artist repeatedly saw his girlfriend’s pale ghost. She inspired him to complete his task.
Miriam Presas’s ‘Aroon’ featured minimal dialog. Instead, words appeared on the screen like narration. In the short, a misguided hero became trapped in a fable where he always came to the rescue. Unfortunately, he faced a vicious lion and experienced pain. The incident made him rethink his morality and purpose.
Keara and Caeleigh Lighting’s ‘Kimotiwn: The Act of Stealing’ featured romance in a post-apocalyptic city. The protagonist, Tiska, embarked on a dangerous quest across a smoggy landscape. She fought extraterrestrial creatures and rebelled against the city’s surveillance system. Tiska hoped to find her lover’s favorite flower.
In Aala Mohamed’s ‘Leech,’ a vampire sought better-quality blood. He posed as a health coach to control his clients and receive their blood. One victim, Minna, attempted to break free. In shaded pencil sketches, her mother repeatedly appeared. She expressed concern for Minna’s health.
After the screening’s conclusion, the High School of Art and Design’s Principal of Art Kevin Lopez spoke. He talked about the high school’s diverse range of majors. Areas of study include cartooning, filmmaking, and graphic design. He celebrated the students’ achievements thus far, saying, “I’d like to clap it up for you guys.” Fequiere inspired students as well.
Smith asked how he got his start in animation. He graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a cartooning degree. A Marvel Comics internship gave him experience in the field. Quickly, Fequiere realized that he preferred animation. He began ‘Burning Rubber’ as an Instagram shorts series. When asked about breaking into the industry, Fequiere said, “Go for it and try it out.”
