Behind the Pixels of Masha Ellsworth ‘Little t’

In an exclusive interview with Masha Ellsworth, the director, producer, and writer behind the animated short film “Little t,” we take look into the origins and challenges of bringing this short to life.

‘Little t’ follows Alexis, a recent college graduate, on what could be the most crucial day of her life – a job interview for her dream position. Armed with her resume, design portfolio, and two trusted companions, her ‘inner critic’ and ‘inner child,’ Alexis embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

We asked Masha Ellsworth about the genesis  of “Little t” and Ellsworth shared her personal struggle with a career plateau, a feeling of doubt, and the paralyzing effects of an ‘inner critic.’ The turning point came with a message from a fortune cookie, urging her to “Silence the critic within.” This led Ellsworth on a exploration of the origins of this internal critic, and ultimately to creating “Little t.”

One of the standout aspects of the film’s production was the collaboration with professionals from renowned animation studios such as Pixar, Netflix Animation, Dreamworks Animation, Sony Animation, and DNEG. The diverse and talented team contributed their time and skills pro bono, driven by the compelling story of “Little t.” The inclusive theme of the film extended beyond its narrative, with a crew representing various races, genders, sexual orientations, and ethnicities.

“This diversity not only enriched our creative process but also reflected the inclusive spirit of the story we were bringing to life” said Ellsworth. “I am incredibly proud of this aspect of our production and believe it significantly enhanced the depth and impact of ‘Little t’.”

Despite the amazing team assembled the production also faced its share of challenges, with the COVID-19 pandemic posing complexities in scheduling and coordination. Ellsworth highlighted the difficulties of aligning everyone’s schedules during such an unprecedented time.

Looking back on the production process, Ellsworth expressed a desire to adjust the timing of the entry into the layout phase. Acknowledging the benefits of seeing footage earlier in the process, she emphasized the importance of gaining a clearer vision of the final product for more immediate reactions and feedback.

For individuals looking to enter the animation space, especially in independent filmmaking, Ellsworth offered valuable advice.

“Find your own path to achieve the results you envision. The beauty of independent movie making lies in its flexibility and the vast expanse of creative freedom it offers. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach here; instead, it’s a field where your unique vision and methods can truly shine. Be brave in exploring the unknown and untested.”

To stay updated on Masha Ellsworth’s projects, audiences are invited to follow her on Instagram @masha_ellsworth and @littletshortfilm.

“Little t” is an official selection in the Utah International Film Festival from February 12-17, with a screening at Maven Cinemas in American Fork, UT.