INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING IN HAPPY VALLEY – HERODOLL AND SUPERDUDE SAVE THE UNIVERSE
Behind the scenes during the creation of HeroDoll and SuperDude Save the Universe
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Happy Valley, PA, provides endless potential for independent filmmaking to thrive for several reasons. Keeping film-related projects local has numerous benefits for both the project makers and the community and residents. This idea is relayed well through HeroDoll and SuperDude Save the Universe, a local endeavor that highlights the many positives that occur when creating independent media in Happy Valley.
What is this project?
HeroDoll and SuperDude Save the Universe is a conservation-focused children’s series with action figure-style superheroes that come to life with big personalities. The show was created by Livia and Corey Beasley, a local creative family, is produced very intentionally in Happy Valley, and it is powered by community collaboration. The show parodies classic hero tropes with humor.
Each episode teaches one concrete conservation action kids can take, such as turning off the lights or turning off water while brushing teeth, while also highlighting a real conservation-oriented career through interviews with real people.
Why this exists
In Happy Valley, the presence of the film industry has seen a lot of growth. HeroDoll and SuperDude Save the Universe has roots in conservation and provides the young audiences with lifelong influence. Rather than taking the approach of scaring children into caring about conservation efforts, the show gives practical steps for them to take action starting now in a friendly, encouraging manner.
The storytelling used in the series promotes future awareness for young children about how they can be environmentally conscious. It educates and teaches the young audience about important efforts surrounding conservation, but does so in a way that remains entertaining and engaging.
Livia Beasley behind the scenes during the creation of HeroDoll and SuperDude Save the Universe
Why this project is being made in Happy Valley
Meaningful media can be created right here in Happy Valley, and HeroDoll and SuperDude Save the Universe is a prime example of that. The Beasley family made the active decision to stay and build this project here for a number of reasons.
Happy Valley has strong local resources and a strong creative community, filled with people who are eager to contribute to local projects. Residents within the region are compassionate and care about one another and their endeavors. Not only are local residents passionate and willing to participate, but many of them have strong environmental values and align with the nature of the project.
Community collaboration
The great thing about filmmaking in Happy Valley is that community collaboration becomes a major part of the process from start to finish. People within the region are able to trade skills, which allows for a unique form of creative collaboration that works in order to support independent production. Trading of skills benefits every party involved, as each side receives benefits without having to distribute extra payroll costs.
In the case of the Beasley’s project, this is incredibly evident. HeroDoll and SuperDude Save the Universe employed the skills of multiple locals in order to produce the project. They used local puppeteers and film crews to bring the project to life, and were also able to get Discovery Space to support their work and aid in the 3D printed fabrication. They were also able to utilize the skills of Spark Pixel to help handle the post-production and visual work that was required.
Green screen work during the creation of HeroDoll and SuperDude Save the Universe
What this represents
HeroDoll and SuperDude Save the Universe is more than just a kids’ show. It works to promote impact-driven storytelling and encourages the use of Happy Valley as a location for filmmaking. Creative work has potential to thrive in this region and can take multiple pathways in the future. Whether it’s independent distribution or network partnership, this media is able to take different routes all while staying rooted locally. The possibilities are endless when creators choose to build here, and if interested in learning more about film in Happy Valley, click here!
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