A mix-media ABC series called "What's in the Snack Box?" in cooperation with Claudia Bucek
My motivation and inspiration to create films for children came from having worked as a personal caregiver for young children with ADHD, and more specifically, for a young Autistic boy in Los Angeles.
There I studied cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as art therapy. Together he and I would watch short videos on YouTube, mainly Thomas the Tank.
He took most of his learnings from these videos, rather than learning by looking at other people, which was too overwhelming for his sensory system. He would learn by watching short films - on repeat. He would repeat the
phrases, and copy the actions - helping him make sense of the world around him. His autism gave me an unfiltered look into how film affects our development.
In a world where children engage with screens or tablets from an early age, I believe short films play an increasingly important role in childrens’ development. Unfortunately, with many parents struggling to balance a hectic work-life, especially during the recent pandemic, children are often left to consume lengthy, high-stimulus films which we know can have a negative impact, including issues associated with attention and hyperactivity. By providing content without the use of over-stimulating colours, fast-action cuts and sounds we can offer children a safe place to encounter most of what they experience for the very first time without the fear of triggering attention-related issues and instead create a positive learning environment.
As a young girl my best friend was my dog Humphrey - a beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback. We literally grew up together, and when I think about my most valuable life lessons, he was always there next to me. I believe animals can have a huge impact on children, guiding them without the need for comparison, about responsibility, friendship and their own emotional state and wellbeing.
phrases, and copy the actions - helping him make sense of the world around him. His autism gave me an unfiltered look into how film affects our development.
In a world where children engage with screens or tablets from an early age, I believe short films play an increasingly important role in childrens’ development. Unfortunately, with many parents struggling to balance a hectic work-life, especially during the recent pandemic, children are often left to consume lengthy, high-stimulus films which we know can have a negative impact, including issues associated with attention and hyperactivity. By providing content without the use of over-stimulating colours, fast-action cuts and sounds we can offer children a safe place to encounter most of what they experience for the very first time without the fear of triggering attention-related issues and instead create a positive learning environment.
As a young girl my best friend was my dog Humphrey - a beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback. We literally grew up together, and when I think about my most valuable life lessons, he was always there next to me. I believe animals can have a huge impact on children, guiding them without the need for comparison, about responsibility, friendship and their own emotional state and wellbeing.