Dallas, TX-headquartered animation studio delivers new short film for San Diego nonprofit Father Joe’s Villages aimed at bringing awareness to the homeless crisis in Southern California and beyond.
Dallas, TX-headquartered animation studio Reel FX recently joined forces with San Diego creative agency i.d.e.a. to create Shine, an animated short film that brings awareness to the homeless crisis in Southern California and beyond. The animated short was created for Father Joe’s Villages, a San Diego non-profit that provides housing, healthcare, food, clothing, education, job training, mental health services and more for the homeless with the goals of transforming lives and, ultimately, ending homelessness.
The goal of the film is to alter the perception of homelessness by providing an empathetic depiction of their experience. Shine takes place in a world of minerals and gems, where the protagonist is a piece of coal ignored by passersby. Just when “Nicoal’s” situation seems hopeless, friendly citizens from Father Joe’s Villages embrace her so fully that she is transformed into a beautiful diamond.
“I wanted to direct the short story because it’s so meaningful,” said Reel FX creative director Barrett Lewis. “I think all creative people hope that their work can contribute to something that makes a difference in the world, and crafting a unique and heartfelt narrative with i.d.e.a. about how Father Joe’s Villages helps solve homelessness was that project for me.”
Reel FX animator Don Dixon agrees, stating, “As an artist it is always a pleasure to work on something that not only is artistically charming, but also has a strong message for viewers. I had such a blast helping lead animation and designing the characters, and believe we made something very special. I hope its message is something viewers find moving.”
For more than six decades, Father Joe’s Villages has operated on a “one-stop-shop” approach to transform lives and end the cycle of homelessness.
“The goal of the film is to provide a window into the struggle of those who are homeless,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages, “It’s our hope that viewers will see what we see every day: that each person is filled with possibility and light. We hope our community will want to be a part of helping everyone in San Diego shine to their full potential.”
i.d.e.a. said they have found in Reel FX an animation studio that shares their passion for helping those in need. “Like most people, we are deeply troubled by the rising homeless issues in San Diego and across the U.S.,” added i.d.e.a. founder and chief relationships officer Jon Bailey. “When we were introduced to the team at Father Joe’s Villages and learned about their incredible mission and vision, we felt an instant emotional connection and desire to help them tell their story as widely as possible. As a B Corporation, it’s in our corporate DNA to help our community and its residents, and we are truly honored to provide our talents to a project with such heart and positive outcomes.”
i.d.e.a. created the strategic platform, integrated media campaign, and short story. Currently airing on local San Diego TV channels, Shine is a core piece of a larger, year-round campaign that Father Joe’s Villages and i.d.e.a. are creating called “We See,” their larger effort to reshape how homelessness is perceived.
Source: i.d.e.a.
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
