I asked some of the people who worked on Child Soldiers their thoughts on the project. Here is what they had to say:

Left to right: Nary Jamgig, Bill Dennis, and John Rice.

Rex Avila, Head, Background Department: I produced nine background studies for Child Soldiers; and although the style was not extremely difficult, careful attention had to be paid to achieving the correct atmosphere. My own childhood was so happy and carefree, it really brings home the plight of these desperate children. My heart goes out to them.

Grace Yoingco, Head, Ink & Paint Department: As a mother, the images portrayed in the film really make me aware of the fate of children in other parts of the world, whose fate is so much more unsettled and unsure than that of my own. I pray that all the children in the world can grow up enjoying a happy childhood as mine are.

Ellen Santiago, Color Stylist: Getting the colors right for this project had many demanding aspects, enhancing the happy moments and solemnifying the downward aspects. I carefully researched the different skin shades of each race portrayed. I hope our small effort goes a small way to eliminating this dreadful use of human life. Lani Manapsal, Cel Painter: It's an honor to be part of this project. The destruction and wanton abuse of such young lives is so wrong. I hope and pray this evil will end soon.

Au Uaje, Head, Special Effects Department: The tears flowing, such a strong scene. We experimented with using glue, pantone, airbrush and dry brush to get just the correct effect. I think the realism of the shot will bring home the crass futility of child soldiers.

Teddy Rodriguez, Head, Final Checking: I felt privileged to have been a part of the project. If only, in a small way, it may start to bring to an end the evil that is war and the disregard of human life. This is such a worthwhile film.

Dong Bagos, Xerox Checking: This film had complications--most of it was on 24 field. I hope that these atrocities it helps to bring to light will soon be only bad memories.

Nary Jamlig, Animator: Youth is the only hope of the future--for God's sake, stop killing the world's children!

Boatman Lacamiento, Layout Artist: "To some children, childhood is just a dream." When I read this line on the storyboard, I realized exactly what this project involved. I had to come up with layouts that could put over this dreadful practice and in some way help to stop it altogether. It was a film I thought very relevant and I was very happy to have been asked to work on it.

Alice Manuel, Administration Head (Voice-Over): Doing the voice-over for this project was considerably more difficult than I thought. After viewing the rushes, I felt inspired as I delivered the line. Such a sensitive issue. As a mother, I knew what this film is all about.

Each comment is similar and they all relished working on such a socially relevant film. I also enjoyed the experience enormously. It is not often that one gets to work on a project from its conception to completion. And, as a parent, I too hope we may have helped put an end to child soldiers.

John W. Rice is an Animation Director at Fil-Cartoons.