A group of talented animators are in Campbell River right now hard at work creating a short film in support of the work being done by Habitat for Humanity – the new project from Team Generous.
Director/Writer/Producer Jericca Cleland of Twenty One Inc. Studio and her team arrived in town Aug. 14 to join the local artists who would be part of the project. They immediately set to work on the venture, which will see them write, design and create a film in just two weeks.
Cleland said it is a challenge, but one that she relishes. It’s what the team always does, after all.
Team Generous, according to their mission statement, “is an annual charity event hosted by select creative companies from around the world…(who) create tailor made films in collaboration with NGOs to support their work for a better world.” They have previously chosen organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and Doctors Without Borders as the charities of choice for their efforts. Those previous films can be seen on their website at teamgenerous.com, along with their mission statement, partner organizations and other project information.
Upon arriving in Campbell River, they first set to work by joining the Habitat for Humanity build underway on Hilchey Road to get some hands-on experience in what that organization does. They gathered some context and ideas from them, before setting up shop in the Enterprise Centre (next to city hall) and getting to work.
Cleland was quick to point out that no matter how it sounds or what anyone calls it, they’re not making a public service announcement (PSA).
“It’s a short film that reflects the values and ideas that Habitat stands for,” she said.
The filmmaking team wants to create a narrative to reflect the concepts of families shifting from instability to stability, helping children move from surviving to thriving, and supportive structure versus chaotic uncertainty.
“Because we are so inspired by our surroundings here in beautiful north Vancouver Island,” Cleland said, “we’ve chosen a beach/seas setting to express the narrative,” which she said would be put across to the audience through cinematic storytelling, with an emphasis on the visuals, sound and music to carry the emotion, rather than making a, “This is what Habitat for Humanity does,” kind of film or PSA.
She feels this will create, hopefully, a visceral connection in the audience in a way that a PSA might not.
The film’s opening is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Tidemark Theatre, two days before World Habitat Day, which falls on the first Monday each October since 1985, when the United Nations declared it in recognition of the basic human right to adequate shelter.
The premiere of the film at the Tidemark will feature music by Joey Clarkson, raffle items and a silent auction, appetizers and a meet and greet with the filmmakers.
Donations for Habitat for Humanity will be taken at the door.