This poignant animated short, Scarlett, is for Scarlett Contra El Cancer, a Miami-based foundation seeking to increase awareness of cancer affecting children throughout the U.S. and Latin America. Produced by NY-based the STUDIO, the film introduces us to a despondent little girl, Scarlett, searching for a way to belong and feel like she did before the amputation of a leg. She finds that way through dance.
This message is in line with Scarlett Contra El Cancer’s belief in the power of entertainment media to empower children through storytelling and role models. Media visibility can offer these children hope and a sense of belonging at a critical time when they feel isolated by their medical condition.
Alison Abitbol of the STUDIO directed this animation short which is complemented by a cinematic score and vocals–from bicoastal music house Hook+Line–that drive the inspirational narrative.
“The challenge for us was striking the right tone, both lyrically and musically. The song couldn’t be too sunny or anthemic; it needed to feel raw and real, and draw people into Scarlett’s journey and determination to ‘keep on going,’” said Hook+Line partner/songwriter Abby Diamond.
The original song was co-written and produced by Diamond, who brought in collaborator Kyle Patrick, as a co-writer and producer. Patrick mixed the song and Diamond recorded the vocals, which she noted are performed in “almost a whisper.” Hook+Line owner and creative director Bryan Senti lent his talents on violin.
CreditsProduction the STUDIO, New York Alison Abitbol, director, art direction, narrative, matte paintings, character development; Mary Nittolo, exec producer/creative director; Jenna Gabriel, producer; John Holmes, art direction/early concept development/character development; Juan Mont, art direction, modeling, character development; Mike Ocasio, early concept development, character development; Adrian Mateescu, character development; Paolo Cogliati, narrative; Juan Mont, Adam Rozanski, Victor DeRespinis, animation Red and Blue world; Juan Mont, Hee Jin Kim, Mike Sime, Ozan Basaldi, Jackie Garbuio, Eric Kilanski, Adam Rozanski, Victor DiRespinis, character animation and compositing; Malcolm Carrott, rigging; Mirelle Underwood, lighting; Jackie Garbuio, Malcolm Carrott, Adam Rozanski, editing. Music Hook+Line Abby Diamond, songwriter/vocalist/producer; Kyle Patrick, co-writer/producer/mix engineer; Bryan Senti, violin; Yoed Nir, cello; Joe LaPorta, mastering engineer.
Top Spot of the Week: EHRAC, Animation Studio NOMINT Depict Life “In Limbo” As Families Search For Loved Ones
This animated film titled In Limbo depicts the journey of a heroic woman protagonist representing the countless families in the North Caucasus of Eastern Europe (where Chechnya is situated) searching for their forcibly disappeared loved ones. Utilizing theatrical elements, the film highlights the unnatural disruption caused by enforced disappearances and delves into the profound trauma these families endure. It emphasizes their long battles with the domestic authorities as they seek answers. The film also underscores the vital role of community support in helping these families cope and continue their fight for answers, serving as a compelling call to action for justice and human rights.
Through intimate storytelling, In Limbo raises awareness of the ongoing uncertainty that leaves families in a perpetual state of limbo, unable to find closure.
Directed by Afterman--the animation duo consisting of Tsvetelina Zdraveva and Jerred North--and created and produced by London-based animation studio NOMINT, In Limbo was commissioned by the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC).
In a joint statement, Zdraveva and North shared, “Our film takes place on a theater stage, highlighting how such tragedies are far removed from ordinary life,” they continued. “The stage is circular, resembling an artificial, perpetually spinning obstacle course, with a target—the red tail lights—just within sight yet never within reach, symbolizing the family’s never-ending quest for justice.”
“We used a limited primary color palette to contrast the two worlds all families are pulled between. Minimalist compositions of starkly silhouetted characters and environments create the ominous atmosphere of a deeply painful and... Read More