Stamped from the Beginning
Netflix
Directed by Roger Ross Williams
Written by Ibram X. Kendi + David Teague
We created three fully animated sequences and some other graphics for this Netflix documentary about slavery in America that was based on the best selling book by Ibram X. Kendi. It was important to us that the animations were done in the art styles of the times they took place. The segment on Phyllis Wheatley took place in the 1700's, so we animated it in a detailed, hand done oil painting style. The section on Harriet Jacobs occurred in the 1800's, so it was created in a more impressionistic painterly style. The piece on Ida B. Wells happened in the late 1800's, so we created the animations in an early photographic style.
The film was shortlisted for an Academy Award.
"...[to] keep the audience engaged... he adds beautifully rendered and distinct animation to invigorate the storytelling."
Variety
"The director utilizes a mix of visual effects, painting and collage to tell the stories [of 3 historic women]. In a film brimming with visual gestures, these mini portraits of anti-racists are among its most memorable."
The New York Times
Any time the theory gets too dense, our attention is grabbed by... animations by LA's Awesome + Modest, which brings historical episodes to life with infinitely more swag than the usual staid dramatic re-enactments."
The Guardian