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The Creation Poem
The Creation Poem Project
A Contemporary Imagining of James Weldon Johnson's Black Gospel Poem as an Animated Short Film and a Graphic Novel.
In-Progress Animated Film Teaser
Music composed by Ewart Williams www.ewartwilliams.com
Patron Preview Event
Friday, Aug. 21st, 6-8pm at Saginaw Art Museum
Join us for an up-to-date look at the Creation Poem Film & Graphic Novel, and a behind-the-scene discussion with the director and productions artist who've been working on project.
Facebook Live-stream Link coming soon!
Doors open at 6:00. Program begins at 6:30. Complimentary light refreshments will be provided.
Please join us for an exclusive in-progress look at The Creation Poem—an animated film and graphic novel adaptation of James Weldon Johnson's iconic poem The Creation.
This evening is a celebration of our progress and a vital fundraiser to help us complete the project by 2027, the 100th anniversary of the poem's original publication. We look forward to introducing the artists behind the work and showcasing the latest developments in both the film and the graphic novel.
We can't wait to share the vision of this project with the Tri-city community!
Production prints of graphic novel will be on display and available for purchase to help fund the final stages of production.
All funds will go directly towards the visual artists, animators, musicians and voice talent working towards the completion of The Creation Poem Project.
The Creation Poem Project
Project Description
The scope of The Creation Poem Project is to yield a 9-minute fully animated film based on James Weldon Johnson's iconic poem, accompanied by a graphic novel, a spoken-word performance and original musical score.
2027 marks the 100th Anniversary of James Weldon Johnson's Creation Poem. We've set the release date of both the film and graphic novel adaptations to coincide with this historic event.
The inspiration for this project comes from a uniquely American poem that imagines the first chapters of the book of Genesis as a powerful Black Gospel sermon. James Weldon Johnson's The Creation Poem captures both the majestic power on display at the inception of the universe and a Creator's poignant desire for intimacy that ultimately leads to the creation of humankind.
My hope is that the finished film will encourage a respect for human dignity that transcends racial and cultural identity, and perhaps inspire its audience to steward the whole of Creation, regardless of religious or political affiliation.
Visual Development
Concept images as we continue to explore the look and feel of the final film
Graphic Novel Pages
In-progress pages from the Creation Poem graphic novel.
The Artists
The talented artists who have signed on to bring the Creation Poem Project to life.
Stephan Leeper
Creator, Director, Story Artist , Layout and Animation
Storyteller, Animator & Educator
Stephan Leeper is the founding professor of two established Animation Programs and is currently teaching animation, story and filmmaking at Central Michigan University.
Steve has produced award-winning short films using stop-motion puppets, pixilation, digital cut-outs and drawn animation. Steve started his career as a freelance animator and model-maker in Chicago while leading workshops for the Chicago Children's International Film Festival. Steve went on to Big Idea Productions where he led the 3D Layout team contributing to many videos including Jonah: a VeggieTales Movie.
David Chandler Bierdeman
Concept Design and Effects Animation
FX Animator, Teacher & Motivator.
David (Chad) Bierdeman is an Effect Animator for Jam-Filled Entertainment in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Chad has nearly a decade of experience contributing to award winning short films and working commercially as an effects and character animator. Chad has worked at Sky Vu and Copernicus Animation serving clients such as Disney XD, Amazon Prime, and Nickelodeon. Formerly Chad taught animation as an adjunct professor at Central Michigan University,
You can see more of his work on his animation blog at Chad Bierdeman - Demo
Bettina "Poet Gold" Wilkerson
Voice over Artist and Consultant
Poet, Performer, and Community "Artivist"
Bettina "Poet Gold" Wilkerson pushes the boundaries of poetry and spoken word.
Appointed the 2017 and 2018 NYS Dutchess County Poet Laureate, Poet Gold is the recipient of numerous awards. With countless recitations, she has opened for Grammy-nominated artists and has spoken at renowned organizations such as Omega Institute and Self Employment in the Arts.
Poet Gold is an activist of the heart. Her words inspire to explore the essence of humanity. To learn more about "Poet Gold" visit her website at www.poetgold.com
Ewart Williams
Composer and Musical Consultant
Performer, Musician & Composer
Ewart Williams was born in Guyana, South America, immigrated to Canada in '69 and is currently living in the United States. In '77 Ewart moved to Toronto to work in the film industry where he shared the stage with Billy Preston, Cher and other luminaries.
In recent years Ewart continues to perform regularly while expanding on his original compositions available for placement in media productions and the general public.
You can hear Ewart's original compositions at www.ewartwilliams.com