Creating access for talent in primetime animation

WBD strives to provide equal opportunity to all. The HBO Max x WBD Access Animated Shorts Program provides artists who have faced barriers breaking into the industry with a production budget, resources and a dedicated mentor to develop and execute their original 5-7 minute animated short films.  All projects are overseen by a seasoned Producer, Amanda Miller, guiding participants through the production process, from start to finish. 

The theme of the program is: “Only You” as HBO Max is eager to discover artists who bring their distinctive lens to their creations and are unafraid to push the boundaries of primetime animation and creative storytelling, in ways no one else is doing.

Throughout the twelve month program, participants are exposed to the business of animation through workshops and Masterclasses and gain the opportunity to build lasting relationships with Warner Bros. Discovery executives, talent and industry professionals.

The inaugural program received over 1000 submissions from applicants across the US and Canada.

THE 8 COMPLETED SHORTS FROM THE INAUGURAL PROGRAM WILL STREAM EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO MAX ON MARCH 23, 2023. 

SERIES SYNOPSIS:

What’s a story Only You can tell?  Inspired by this prompt, a group of artists bring their personal stories to life across a spectacular range of animated styles and genres, including horror, comedy and fantasy.

EPISODE LOGLINES & CREATORS:

Episode 1 – BURNING RUBBER by Chris Fequiere (he/him)  | Duane Ruiz is out of college and out of options. Down on his luck, he has to choose between responsibilities at work and home or competing in the high-stakes Burning Rubber Wallball (AKA NYC handball) tournament.

Episode 2 – WELCOME TO 8TH STREET by Yoo Lee (she/her) & Xin Li (she/her) | When newcomers attempt to settle into their New Jersey neighborhood on 8th Street, some odd encounters make them question their decision to move. However, that changes when a wild turkey shows up on their block.

Episode 3 – KENT HAMMER by Dominick Green (he/him) | Kent Hammer, a confident and highly successful businessman with a loving family, slowly loses touch with reality through a psychotic episode and descends into madness. Kent befriends his briefcase as it talks to and guides him through his journey, but other office supplies may not be as trustworthy or helpful.

Episode 4– YELLOWBIRD by Tsvetelina Zdraveva (she/her) & Jerred North (he/him) | While living in New York, a young immigrant receives tragic news from overseas, and must choose between going home or staying in the US to maintain her legal status.

Episode 5– MONSTR by Tank Standing Buffalo (he/him) & Xstine Cook (she/her) | How do you go on living when everything is taken from you in the blink of an eye? A true story of a young artist who confronts his inner demons while apprenticing with a northwest totem carver after the death of his beloved.

Episode 6– AROON by Miriam Presas (she/her) | A deluded hero has trapped himself within a storybook legend where he always saves the day. After a harrowing experience, the hero starts to question his morality, his purpose, and what makes his life worth living.

Episode 7 – KIMOTIWIN: THE ACT OF STEALING by Keara Lightning (she/her) & Caeleigh Lightning (she/they) | To steal back a flower that is special to her lover, Tiska embarks on a dangerous journey across an overgrown landscape, fighting demons in a post-apocalyptic city.

Episode 8– LEECH by Aalaa Mohamed (she/her) | A vampire obsessed with the quality of the blood they consume poses as a health coach to ensure they can control their clients’ lifestyles. This is the story of Minna, one victim who attempts to break free.