When the idea for Somebody NEEDS You, came to me, I knew what had to be done:
Put together pre-production storyboards, then cast the voices for the show. But who would do the voices?
Ruth Elliott-Hilsdon and June Foray in 2013. Sadly, our dear June passed on at 99 years young.
I was thrilled when June Foray was happy to help.
At only 95 years of age, June Foray (famous as the voice of Rocky and Natasha from ROCKY and BULLWINKLE) volunteered to perform all 4 voices for my story, SOMEBODY NEEDS YOU!
Then I searched for volunteers who would help with backgrounds, character design, animation and final production.
I was so excited when Fine Artist Dominique Ovalle-Kongsli volunteered to paint backgrounds, and young animation maverick Nicholas Mastrangelo to work on preliminary animation studies in Flash. Here we are at lunch with June:
Then along came Dani Bowman, a remarkable young woman with Autism, who volunteered to add her considerable expertise in Toon Boom animation. Dani has been creating cartoons since the age of 11. She became the major force of operations as she not only did a lion’s share of animation, but also put everything together in Final Cut. 
Animation friend and student Zack Miller contributed his talents as well.
In addition, Matt Miller, animator since the age of 10, who earned his BFA in Animation/New Media, added his amazing character designs to the mix.
Along with these artists, Sandra Vielma and Patrick Eidemiller gave generously of their time to oil the machinery of production.
They were able to get the major company Toonboom to donate their software to the project!
What a work of love. When it was ready, we submitted it to the Annie Awards and premiered it at Comic-Con!
Before the Annie Awards, Dani and I presented June with a copy of the poster and DVD from the movie showcasing her voiceover talent.
A few years later, with the help of generous student volunteers, we created the second episode, called, SOMEBODY NEEDS HONESTY!
Watch it here:
“While raising my seven children and working in the animation industry, it was always my dream to help children’s character through the arts and media.
After retiring, I started the non profit Edu Designs to do just that.” ~Ruth Elliott
Inspiring children is what we do. Our volunteers have provided art workshops, books, videos and assemblies to kids in schools since 2007. We are supported solely by the goodwill donations of people who care.
The rewards are “out of this world” as we teach BIG lessons that kids ‘get’.
WE Need You, TOO!
Do you believe the arts and media can have a powerful effect on children?
If you do, read what other folks say about us on Great Non Profits.
Then give us a 5 star rating here to share your thoughts on the importance of the work we are doing.
We appreciate your support!
Ruth Elliott-Hilsdon, Founder and Director of EDU DESIGNS
Thanks for caring!
I am so grateful for you!
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$3 will go towards providing materials for students and teachers who can’t afford it.
Your receipt is tax deductible, too!
THANK YOU!
Learn how kids learn empathy here…
