Finding Your True Colors.

The Social Chameleon is an animated short about a chameleon who is good at fitting in with all the other animals, but doesn't know how to be himself. The story follows Cosmo the Chameleon day-by-day as he successfully postures and fits in with each animal group, but ultimately returns home alone and empty. He doesn't know how to change his colors - or even that he can - until one day his fate is turned by another chameleon. 

Be Unique. Be Weird. Be You.

This project is very much rooted in our writer & director's creative journey in finding himself. Over the years he felt as if he's worn many different faces, none of which fit. The only group he wanted to be a part of - the artists -  he felt like he didn't belong in either. It actually took finding the ending to this story to find the beginning of his own. Alex couldn't figure out the ending for the longest time because he was so uncomfortable with how revealing the character was to his true nature. One day he had a moment of clarity, and realized that art is vulnerability. What frees the artists, is being free; being themselves. With that revelation, he found both the ending to the story and his own confidence as a writer.

Our story was born in a space of not belonging. Alex's journey created resounding echoes of empathy inspiring us to help bring his story to life. It's hard to find your place in the world, and even harder to stay true to who you are. That's why we want to encourage the beauty in being yourself.

Preserving the Island of Madagascar.

While we're excited to make this project as filmmakers, we're also very excited to give back. Our project features animals that are all native to one of the most unique biomes of biodiversity in the world: Madagascar. Unfortunately, like many of our natural wonders around the world, Madagascar is suffering from climate change, human encroachment, and deforestation. While we have the spotlight, we'd like to shed some light on the conservation needs of Madagascar and help raise funds for its flora and fauna. 

Non-Profit Organizations

We're so excited to be partnering with Madagascar Wildlife Conservation and Centre ValBio, who aid in conservation efforts of the Northern and Southern parts of the island, respectively. All funds remaining after production and any profits from the short film will be donated to these two non-profit organizations to benefit conservation efforts. Our third partner is Creative Visions, a creative activism group based in Los Angeles.

Madagascar Wildlife Conservation

For over ten years, this non-profit organization has worked mainly in the Lake Alaotra northern region of Madagascar to ensure conservation and development.

• One of their missions is to save the Hapalemur Alaotrensis (bamboo lemur) species from extinction.
• Many different plant and animal species in the region are extinct or severely endangered due to the destruction of freshwater marshes through poaching and slash and burn techniques.
• Lake Alaotra is the center of the island’s most important rice region providing agricultural and economic dependence. Unfortunately, economic migration, erosion, and a substantial decrease in rain has reduced the number of cultivations per season.

MWC focuses on conservation of the marshes and wildlife, providing environmental education to local school systems, and promoting economic sustainability. 

Please visit their website to learn more information!

http://www.madagascar-wildlife-conservation.org

Centre ValBio

CVB, under the direction of world-renowned primatologist Patricia Wright, has an incredible research station near Madagascar's Ranomafana National Park. They work to protect the unique biodiversity of Madagascar while simultaneously supporting the local people.

• Many of the lemur species in this region continue to be endangered.
• Habitats are degrading due to a rise in the use of traditional agriculture techniques on the land surrounding the park. 
• Reforestation is necessary but needs the aid of local communities to thrive. 

This non-profit aims to promote research, curate economically stable development programs for local villages, and educate locals with projects focused on reforestation, diet, sanitation, and health to improve their quality of life and reduce poverty.

**Earlier this year, Madagascar was hit by Cyclone Ava leaving many people displaced and causing destruction to the Southeast region. To aid in Cyclone relief efforts, 10% of whatever we raise past our $100,000 funding goal will be donated immediately upon the completion of our campaign.

For more facts, please visit their website!

https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/centre-valbio/

Creative Visions

Kathy Eldon launched Creative Visions after the death of her son Dan Eldon - a photojournalist who was killed in Somalia in 1993. Kathy and her daughter, Amy, were inspired to use Creative Visions as a platform for other artists to create inspiring, purposeful work to ignite positive social change. 

Please visit their website to witness the multitudes of powerful, creative activism:

https://www.creativevisions.org

A big thank you to our phenomenal partners. We are so grateful for their support!

Although our short has no dialogue, we’ve attached some of the most prolific voice actors of the 90’s to voice the emotional sounds of our characters and help us bring them to life.

EG Daily - "Cosmo"

The talented EG DAILY will voice “Cosmo” in The Social Chameleon. You may know EG as the voice of Tommy Pickles on Rugrats or Buttercup on The Powerpuff Girls - Staples in every 90's kids TV diet. We can't wait for EG to bring Cosmo to life! 

Debi Derryberry - "Camilla"

The incredible DEBI DERRYBERRY will voice “Camilla” in The Social Chameleon. The voice of Jimmy Neutron, Draculaura, and Maureen and Phillip on Netflix's F Is for Family, Debi comes to us with decades of experience in the business and an expansive resume. 

Meet the rising creatives bringing this story to life!

Alexander Ross - Writer/Director/Producer

Alex has worked on several critically acclaimed projects in both film and television, and is now ready to start telling stories of his own. Born in California, Alex grew up in New Mexico and South Florida before making his way to Boston University for college. A nomad at heart, Alex has spent considerable time abroad exploring a multitude of different cultures. Before entering film, Alex was a mediocre pole vaulter, and has a DVD copy of “The Mask” that he watches with concerning regularity.

Shayna Naemi - Producer

Shayna is a Michigan native, aka the "Mitten State" where everyone describes their hometown by pointing to their hand. She currently lives in Los Angeles, CA and has worked on prominent shows in television. Shayna is an Alum of the University of Michigan (GO BLUE!) where her love for the Screen Arts & Cultures Program inspired her to pursue a film career. When she's not working, she's looking at photos of sloths, writing love letters to nature, and laughing with her friends and family.

Spencer Turley - Producer

Spencer has produced video content for a range of social and ecological organizations around the world including places in Peru, Ecuador, Tuvalu, Cambodia, and Afghanistan. He has also worked on several shows in the television industry. When he's not working on film, he's out in the mountains camping, relaxing, and breathing in nature. Fun Fact: Spencer did the Cinematography on our campaign video!

Leticia Jacobson - Production Coordinator

Leticia is a Swedish/American who recently moved to Los Angeles from Stockholm. Full time designer and part time entrepreneur, Leticia's experience dips into interior design, event management, and graphic design. Her greatest weaknesses are pastries and tiny version of everything.

Julia Beach - Social Media and Marketing Coordinator

Julia works in digital media at the agency of note for Paramount Pictures. Originally from New York, Julia currently resides in California. She is very excited to be a part of a creative and socially conscious project. Catch Julia at her namesake Zuma beach on the weekends! And check out our beautifully curated social pages, thanks Julia!

Chris Engel - Sound Design

Chris is one part of DJ/Producer duo Snugs. With the bright, danceable tones of Snugs' electro-pop mixes, they are up and coming on the genres front. Chris brings upbeat, comforting, expressive sounds to our short - perfect for the dynamics of pantomime expression. 

Meet our veteran animators - bringing movement and color into our characters!

Andrew Austin - Executive Producer/Animation Consultant

Andrew Austin is a veteran animator and accomplished storyboard artist. His work includes Animaniacs, Tom and Jerry: The Movie, Piglet's Big Movie, and Brother Bear 2. Andrew has loved this project from the start and has been an instrumental force in bringing it to life. 

Larry Scholl - Storyboard Artist/Executive Producer

Larry Scholl is one of the best storyboard artists in the industry. You may have seen his work in Mulan, John Favreau’s The Jungle Book, Robot Chicken, The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride, and The King and I. Larry is thrilled to be working on this project - highlighting its use of pathos, character development, and pantomime expression.

Frank Montagna - Visual Developer

Frank Montagna is a veteran animator and extremely talented visual developer. His work is showcased in Elena of Avalor, Tarzan, and The Emperor's New Groove. Frank has added the beautiful color and visual designs to many of the project's set pieces you see on this page!

Where Does The Money Go?

Most people don’t understand what an extensive labor of love animation is. It takes a village to bring the animated characters from concept to camera. Animation is an expensive medium but it's the best way to tell this story. Since our short has no dialogue, it relies mainly on dynamic pantomime and expressive scoring. Take a peek at our lovely characters and they'll show you our budget breakdown:

Although we have a funding goal, the more we raise, the greater opportunity we have to surpass that goal which gives us the freedom in making this short the best possible quality it can be while simultaneously raising awareness and funds for conservation efforts in Madagascar.

We love contributions large and small! If you can't spare any coin at the moment, we just ask that you share our campaign with your friends and family. We wholeheartedly believe in this project and want to spread the word of creative activism. We hope you can help us with our journey!

Thank you!

For inquiries, love, or comments, please contact us at:

contact@thesocialchameleon.org

Check us out on Instagram:

@the.social.chameleon

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