- Country: United States
- Initial release: April 8, 2019 (United States)
- Film Director: Claire Grim
- Running Time: 8 Minutes
In the world of animation, there are few accomplishments as impressive as creating a 3D animated short film. This is especially true for students who are still in the process of honing their skills and exploring their creative potential. However, a group of talented electronic arts students from Missouri State University defied the odds and brought their vision to life with their award-winning film, “Recoiled.” Directed by Claire Grim, this 8-minute animated masterpiece tackles themes of self-acceptance and the power of individuality. Despite initial skepticism from professors, the film has garnered international attention and has been accepted into numerous prestigious film festivals. Let’s dive deeper into the journey of these remarkable students and their remarkable film.
The Genesis of “Recoiled”
“Recoiled” emerged as the brainchild of Claire Grim, the director of the film. Alongside her, a group of electronic arts graduates and seniors, including Shalom Simmons, Matthew Fuller, Shelby Corley, Kersten Schatz, and Brandon Huddleston, embarked on a mission to create a 3D animated short film that had eluded previous students at the university. The group was motivated by the challenges posed by the project and the fact that many previous attempts had fallen short. They were determined to prove that they could accomplish what others had deemed impossible.
A Journey Fueled by Passion and Perseverance
Creating a 3D animated short film is no easy feat. It requires countless hours of hard work, dedication, and a strong team dynamic. The team behind “Recoiled” understood this and was willing to go above and beyond to bring their vision to life. They spent sleepless nights in the studio, fueled by endless cups of coffee, and logged over 20 hours a week on average, dedicating themselves to the project. Their commitment and determination were evident throughout the production process.
Overcoming Challenges and Skepticism
Throughout the development of “Recoiled,” the team faced numerous challenges and encountered skeptical professors who scrutinized their every move. However, they did not let this deter them. Instead, they used the criticism as motivation to push themselves further. Every week, the group would submit their script, only to have it torn apart by their professors. But they persisted, refining and improving their work until they reached a finished script that met the high standards set by their mentors.
The Story of “Recoiled”
“Recoiled” tells the story of two young sisters, Kalli and Ro, who embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Kalli’s curly hair takes on a life of its own, becoming a central character in the film. Through the shared experience of living with their wild curls, the sisters learn to love themselves and each other. The film tackles the important theme of embracing one’s individuality, particularly within the context of societal beauty standards and peer pressure. It highlights the significance of being true to oneself and finding strength in one’s unique qualities.
The Impact of “Recoiled”
“Recoiled” has resonated with audiences around the world, particularly within the black community. The film’s focus on the issue of hair, which holds great significance in this community, has struck a chord with viewers of all ages. The representation of a main character who looks like them has been a source of empowerment and relatability for many. It has touched the hearts of both children and adults, with some even shedding tears while watching the film. The team behind “Recoiled” is proud to have made a lasting impact on those who have seen it.
Recognition and Success
The hard work and dedication put into “Recoiled” have not gone unnoticed. The film has been accepted into several prestigious film festivals, including the Silicon Valley African Film Festival and the International Inter-University Film Festival in Bangladesh. It has received accolades, such as a second-place award from the Missouri Broadcast Education Association for its screenplay. The team is still awaiting callbacks from numerous other film festivals, eager to showcase their creation to even wider audiences.
The Making of “Recoiled”
The production of “Recoiled” was a collaborative effort that involved not only the core group of students but also over 40 other individuals from inside and outside the electronic arts program. The team had to adapt to various technical challenges, reaching out to software companies for support and delving into marketing strategies to promote the film. The process was akin to running a business, with the team taking on different roles and learning new skills along the way.
Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
The journey of creating “Recoiled” has been a transformative experience for all involved. The team members have grown both as individuals and as artists through the challenges they faced and the skills they acquired. They consider themselves pioneers, hoping to inspire other electronic arts students to pursue their own animated shorts. Their ultimate goal is to pave the way for a new wave of animated films from Missouri State University, leaving a lasting impact on the world of animation.
“Recoiled” is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of creativity. This 3D animated short film, created by a group of talented electronic arts students, has defied expectations and garnered international recognition. Its message of self-acceptance and embracing one’s individuality has resonated with audiences worldwide. The team behind “Recoiled” has proven that with dedication and a shared vision, even the most ambitious projects can become a reality. Their journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and a reminder of the transformative power of art.