‘Overcast’ and the Talented Students Behind the Wheel

“Overcast” is a captivating short animation from the talented students in Thomas Downey High School’s Advanced Animation class. Heath Grant shares insights into the origin, challenges, and success of the animated short film.

“At the beginning of the school year, every student pitches three story ideas for the group,” explains Grant. “The students then vote for their top three, and the stories with the most votes are developed into outlines.” The winning pitch for “Overcast” came from a student, capturing the imagination and intrigue of both peers and teachers.

The narrative of “Overcast” revolves around a weather technician who discovers the perils of dozing off while at the controls. It’s a theme that resonates with universal concerns about the consequences of sleep-related lapses, creatively brought to life in the realm of animation.

When asked about his favorite part of production, Grant beams with pride stating, “The best part was seeing all your ideas come to life visually.”

Every creative journey has its challenges. Grant shares that the most difficult part of production was figuring out how to create and animate clouds in 3D—a task that required ingenuity and technical skill. Overcoming such obstacles reflects the determination and resourcefulness of the students involved in the project.

Reflecting on the production process Grant pointed out the inevitability of compromises. “There are always little things that you have to compromise on in order to finish the project,” he admits. Each student has scenes they wish they could have spent more time on, yet the completed project stands as a testament to their collective effort and commitment.

For those aspiring to enter the production space, Grant offers good advice: “Production projects are collaborative. Surround yourself with creative and motivated people that can contribute to the benefit of the project.” It’s a reminder that success in the creative field often hinges on the strength of collaboration and shared passion.

Grant reveals that the students tend to keep their works under wraps until completion. However, those curious about their creative endeavors can explore Thomas Downey Animation on YouTube, where previous award-winning short films showcase the talent and innovation of this remarkable group.

“Overcast” is an Official Selection of the Utah International Film Festival and will screen at Maven Cinemas in American Fork, UT. The festival runs February 12-17 in Utah County.