Nexus Studios and Patrick Osborne collaborate with Cox Communications and 180LA for innovative animated film ‘Drawn Closer’
Skwigly
When the pandemic took away Thurman White Academy of the Performing Arts Middle School’s stage, Cox Communications wanted to use technology to bring it back. Instead of a typical school play, these students are using technology to voice and puppeteer their own characters in an animated short, from the safety of their own homes.
This week, Cox unveiled a sneak peek into the new animated film titled Drawn Closer, created by real middle school drama students with Oscar-winning director Patrick Osborne. The full animated short hits screens this May.
As schools struggle to return to normal, many extracurriculars and “nonessential” activities have been sidelined, leaving kids without a vital outlet for creativity and peer connection. According to a survey conducted by the Educational Theatre Association, 85% of schools cancelled performances in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like many institutions, Thurman White Academy of the Performing Arts is working to make extracurriculars happen for their students despite social distancing. Hearing their story, we wanted to do our part to help. Hopefully, this will ignite the imaginations of students across the country.
-Mark Greatrex, executive vice president, chief marketing and sales officer for Cox Communications
Students have been fully hands-on throughout the process, even stepping into a virtual booth to record their lines, while being directed by Patrick Osborne over Zoom. Facial capture technology has been used to record each of the students’ performances and expressions to make their characters in the animated film as true to life as possible. To top off the experience, the animated short will be debuted in a Hollywood-inspired virtual premier party where students will walk the virtual red carpet and celebrate with their fellow students and families.
We are grateful to Cox for recognizing you can’t dim the lights on creativity and passion. Cox has provided our students with a once in a lifetime opportunity.
-Candy Wilder, drama teacher at Thurman White Academy of the Performing Arts
Working with these kids was easily the best part of the project. They were endless wells of enthusiasm and natural performers. Each student brought a unique sensibility to the characters that elevated the story to a hugely entertaining and emotional plain.
– Patrick Osborne, Nexus Studios Director
This film was produced by Cox, in collaboration with ad agency 180LA and Nexus Studios to inspire all of us to stay connected and show the power technology has to bring us closer to one another during difficult times.
The animated short Drawn Closer will premiere on Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 9 on Cox Yurview. Watch the “Making of” film here.