Third-grade students at Fairfax and Noble elementary schools can be proud of their participation in helping produce an animated short film, based on Little Lumpy, that was shown at Fairfax on May 28.
Little Lumpy’s Launch is a two-minute animated trailer based on Little Lumpy, lead character of the book Little Lumpy’s Book of Blessings, written by Reverend Leah C.K. Lewis. Nearly 110 third grade students, under the guidance of teachers, school principals and IB coordinators, evaluated the character designs, aesthetics, and story ideas. Lewis also partnered with the Cleveland Institute of Art, who provided the student animators to create the trailer.
Watch the trailer here.
“I am so gratified by my partnership with Noble and Fairfax and the Cleveland Institute of Art,” said Lewis. “By work-shopping my project with this diverse group of insightful, creative third graders, I know we were able to craft a valuable and educational entertainment property. Cleveland Heights provided the ideal setting because this community reflects the type of multiculturalism I seek to promote in my work.”
(Pictured with students: Dr. Leah Lewis, Author; George Jackson, Jr., Co-writer; Hiram Bey, Videographer; Maria "Mia" Ursetti, Animation Student, Cleveland Institute of Art; Fairfax Principal Andrett Calloway and Superintendent Dr. Talisa L. Dixon)
Little Lumpy is a young girl who has a penchant for solving problems, helping others and having adventures. With the help of this trailer, Lewis’s goal is to secure production and distribution deals for a 22-minute animated children’s television series, Little Lumpy & Her Little Lovelies.
“Little Lumpy is such a great character, even a role model for kids – she is exceedingly bright and good-natured, but has no tolerance for mean people. What an honor it was to have our children participate in creating this short film,” said Rachael Coleman, principal of Noble Elementary.
“This has been a wonderful learning and community building experience. Students learned about writing, storytelling, character building and animation,” said Andrett Calloway, principal of Fairfax Elementary. “I know they will never forget seeing their work and creativity come to life on the big screen.”
A panel discussion and Q&A with the authors and animation students followed the trailer debut. Learn more about the project at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/little-lumpy-s-launch-phase-ii/x/9396500#/story.