From Script to Screen: The Art of DAVID, a Movement in Animation

There's a certain magic that happens when a story leaps from the page and takes shape under an artist’s hand. It’s more than just drawing or painting; it’s breathing life into a narrative, making it tangible, and inviting others to experience it. That’s exactly what Brent Dawes and his team are doing with DAVID, a musical animated feature film, and they’re inviting you to be a part of the journey.

We’ve all seen the power of animation to transport us to other worlds—think of the richness of Tangled or the vibrant energy of Frozen. DAVID aims to reach that level, and the recent live stream offered a glimpse into the incredible artistry involved.

What truly sets this project apart isn’t just the ambition—telling the story of David in this way—but the ‘why’ behind it. Brent shared a deeply personal connection to the story, recalling how reading it during a solitary canoe trip on the Zambezi River revealed a profound sense of connection to God’s heart. This isn't just about creating a film; it's about sharing a spiritual experience, a movement of people connecting through art.

Watching the concept art unfold, you can see the layers of meaning Brent emphasizes – “Every brush stroke adds meaning.” It’s that dedication to intentionality, that awareness of the power of each mark, that separates a good piece of art from something truly impactful. If you’re familiar with the work of Andrew Tischler, you appreciate that same dedication to thoughtful mark-making. Even Bob Ross, with his famously gentle delivery, understood the importance of intention and the inherent beauty in imperfections.

The team behind DAVID isn’t just comprised of talented individuals; they're a collective of experienced animators, including alumni from Pixar, Disney, and other industry giants. They've already demonstrated their ability to create impactful visuals with Jungle Beat, a film that captivated audiences on Netflix and is proving to be a global success. This experience, coupled with a passionate vision, makes their current goal—creating a blockbuster animated film—feel within reach.

Brent’s analogy of David using a slingshot against Goliath resonated deeply. This project, operating outside the traditional Hollywood system, is embracing a similar spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness. The partnership with Angel Studios, known for the phenomenal success of The Chosen, underscores this commitment to a different path.

For those of us who find solace and purpose in creating with our hands – whether it’s sketching a still life, blending watercolors, or sculpting clay – this project offers a powerful reminder of the potential for art to connect us, to inspire us, and to move us. It’s an invitation to be a part of something larger than ourselves.

And who knows? Perhaps a few of us Rogue Artists might find ourselves contributing to future projects like this, sharing our unique talents and perspectives. Maybe a Benny or a Rocky, decorated with a scene from the film, will find its way into someone’s home, a small but tangible reminder of this shared artistic endeavor. Even a simple charcoal sketch inspired by the film's imagery could be a starting point for a new creative journey.

If you're feeling the pull to be involved, consider these next steps: Find an Art Angel in your community to guide your practice, book a workshop to hone your skills, list your studio space to connect with fellow artists, or claim a creator profile to share your work. Let’s build something beautiful together.