Short Circuit Experimental Films Now Available to View on Disney+
There are so many incredible programs available on Disney+ right now that knowing where to start can be a daunting task! Yesterday we shared with you a look at some of the new shows and movies debuting on Disney’s streaming network for February and today we want to take some time to tell you about a new series of short films that you simply will not want to miss!
Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) has program dubbed Short Circuit, in which anyone currently working at the Studios, whether an animator, character modeler or developer, can get the opportunity to direct a 90-second animated short. The end product is a series of shorts by the same name which made their debut on Disney+ on January 24.
For nearly 80 years The Walt Disney Company has used short films to push the boundaries of animation. That’s why its such an important platform. The 14 directors who have works featured in this initial series may be new to directing by they’re all already key members of The Walt Disney Companys where their roles include everything from technical directors to live-action supervisors.
“This was a bootcamp in creativity and how to be a leader,” says Jerry Huynh director of Jing Hua. “I try to take that back into my day-to-day in how I approach my job.”
In order to have a project approved for Short Circuit, filmmakers must send in pitches that are then chosen through a blind selection process. After that each short takes about four months to complete. In the process, the filmmakers get to work with over 90 different artists to bring their vision to life!
Short Circuit participant Jeff Gipson directed “Cycles,” the Studios’ very first VR film. “We work with the best artists, the best technologists in the world, and they’re all really excited for challenges and to solve problems,” he says, crediting the team behind his award-winning short.
None of the filmmakers selected for the process expected their shorts to be seen outside of Disney. Most of the films had been shared internally and at the D23 Expo in August.
Zach Parrish, director of “Puddles,” remembers feeling excited, and somewhat astounded, at the audience’s reaction. “I turned to the person next to me and asked them, ‘Did you know mine was funny?’” Having been one of the first to go through the program, Zach finished his short more than two years ago. “It’s incredibly validating to share it.”
Brian Menz, director of “Just a Thought,” agrees. “Any artist who makes art doesn’t make it to put it in a dark closet. They want the world to see it, to share it with as many people as possible.”
The end products making up the Short Circuit series provide an eclectic array of stories covering a variety of topics ranging from lucky toupees to jiu-jitsu.
“I’ve been [with Walt Disney Animation Studios] for 25 years, and this has been my favorite four months,” says Terry Moews, director of “The Race,” a short that’s about a bicycle race where the Grim Reaper himself is a contestant. It’s also about the larger race we all take part in life.
Some of the films are very personal. For example, Brian Scott based “Elephant in the Room” on a personal childhood memory, while the inspiration for Jennifer Stratton’s “Zenith” was her childhood love of Fantasia.
Short Circuit premieres on Disney+ on January 24. Here’s what you can expect:
“Cycles” directed by Jeff Gipson
This story centers on the true meaning of “home” and the lives inside it.
“Downtown” directed by Kendra Vander Vliet
When a commuter misses the bus it marks the start of a colorful and exciting joyride where street art bursts into life revealing the heart of the city!
“Drop” directed by Trent Correy
A new raindrop falls to Earth and has an unlikely and heartfelt encounter with a young girl that proves to be uplifting for them both.
“Elephant in the Room” directed by Brian Scott
A baby elephant got separated from his family and is taken in by a boy and his father. As the boy and elephant bond, the boy discovers that his best friends misses her family and wants to be out in the wild.
“Exchange Student” directed by Natalie Nourigat
Life is hard enough for an exchange student at a new school, but as the only earthling at a school for aliens, the central character in this fanciful story is the ultimate outsider and must prove her worth to be accepted by her unusual new classmates.
“Fetch” directed by Mitch Counsell
A child wants to play fetch with her pet. Unfortunately, he’s wandered deep into an imposing forest.
“Hair-Jitsu” directed by Brian Estrada
A young girl squares off against an evil hairdresser as she goes to some mighty impressive lengths to avoid having her first haircut.
“Jing Hua” directed by Jerry Huynh
A martial artist who is morning the loss of her recently departed teacher pays tribute by creating a painted world using a magical form of kung fu.
“Just a Thought” directed by Brian Menz
A 12-year-old boy named Ollie experiences “bubble trouble” when his true feelings for a girl are embarrassingly revealed in the form of an actual, physical thought bubble.
“Lightning in a Bottle” directed by Virgilio John Aquino
During a thunderstorm, a young boy actually manages to capture lightning in a bottle. What ensues is beyond his wildest expectations until he discovers the consequences of this unnatural feat.
“Lucky Toupée” directed by Nicky Mull
This clever bit of balderdash lifts the lid on an original tale about a hijacked hairpiece, a gang of larcenous leprechauns, and a budding romance.
“Puddles” directed by Zach Parrish
A young boy discovers that puddles can actually be portals to a fantasy world but struggles to get his sister away from her phone to share in the magic.
“The Race” directed by Terry Moews
The Grim Reaper needs one more soul to win his work competition but his last collection at a bike race turns his world upside down. Through the process he learns that life isn’t always about the trophy at the end of the race!
“Zenith” directed by Jennifer Stratton
Last, but not least, this luminous, ethereal stage bounds through the universe leaving a galaxy of stars behind him. When it accidentally creates a black hole it is forced to make a decision that will leave a lasting impression.
For a quick preview of the shorts mentioned above, check out the trailer here:
Be sure to check out all of the titles above on Disney+ now! Readers are also encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for the latest Disney news and updates!
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