With our world turned upside down due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s well understood at this point that all of the fear, uncertainty and lack of social interactions associated with the virus can take a significant toll on our mental health.
So, a Vancouver-based visual effects studio decided they wanted to do something to help. Animism Studios is hoping their new project, created in collaboration with a team of writers and directors, can raise awareness about mental health and remind everyone about the benefits of reaching out during these stressful times.
The one-minute video follows a teenage boy as he witnesses his world shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the story goes on, he’s repeatedly bombarded with the message to “stay home.” Eventually, the audience sees the character at home, where it’s clear he feels alone. The story ends with an encouraging reminder to viewers to “Stay home. Stay safe. Reach out to someone.
“We’re all in this together,” the screen reads.
“We were in discussions about our next commercial when the COVID crisis suddenly put a stop to everything,” said Animism’s CCO and co-founder, Jeremy Stewart, in a release. “It would have been far easier to just send our crew home and tell them to wait till this was all over. Instead we chose to keep our people employed and working safely from home for a good cause.”
Check out the video below, and head to Animism Studios’ website for more information about the making of the project.
Mental Health Awareness: Reach Out from Animism Studios on Vimeo.
