The Creation Poem
The Creation Poem (film in progress)
A contemporary reimagining of James Weldon Johnson's Black Gospel poem as an animated short film.
The Project
The scope of The Creation Film Project is to yield an 8-minute fully animated film based on James Weldon Johnson's iconic poem, accompanied by spoken-word performance and original musical score.
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.
In Progress Animation Teaser
Early animation tests and some scenes in progress.
Music composed by Ewart Williams www.ewartwilliams.com
Visual Development
Concept images as we continue to explore the look and feel of the final film
Story Panels
Thumbnail story panels of key moments in the film
Central Michigan University, FRCE Research Grant
Last May I was awarded the Faculty Research and Creative Endeavors: Research Grant from Central Michigan University to support the production of The Creation Poem as an eight-minute animated film adaptation of the black gospel poem by James Weldon Johnson.
The Artists
The artists who have signed on to bring the creation 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 https://cbier.blogspot.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/
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 one of her pages in social media:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/poetgoldbgw
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/481-peter-and-the-poet-gold-30383287/
CMU Animation Alum & Interns
Chelsea Dunham
Environment Design and Animation
2D Animator, Rigger and Story Artist - CMU Animation Class of 2023
Stephanie Shaw
Character Design and Animation
2D Animator, Character Designer - CMU Animation Class of 2023