Project Summary

A team of sophomore animation students from Utah Valley University’s Department of Digital Media (Gaming & Animation Emphasis) brought their creativity to life with Cyborg Shrimp: The Rise of Dr. Calamari, an original animated short. Under the guidance of Professor Rodayne Esmay, the students developed the film as part of a unique collaboration with the UVU Wind Symphony. Their animation, which tells the story of the villainous Dr. Calamari and his plans to conquer the world with a giant cyborg shrimp—only for his creation to turn against him—was designed to be synchronized with a live musical performance. The completed animation was showcased during the wind symphony’s annual children’s concert on February 18, 2015, blending music, storytelling, and humor into an engaging experience for audiences of all ages. The project gave students hands-on experience in animation while highlighting the power of collaboration between music and film.

Short Film Synopsis

Doctor Calamari creates a giant cyborg shrimp to help him conquer the world, but his monster turns against him.  

Animators: Amanda Barrus, James Bedore, Nephi Burrows, Thomas Calister, Fritz Dittmer, Niels Dunn, Pedro Ferreira, Jeremy Graham, Gavin Gunther, Eric Hicken, Jonathan Marshall, Garrett McKinney, Miles Meacham, Danica Miler, Kiffin Parkin, Trevor Petersen, Jessica Robbins, Karalee Rodgers, Eden Sanders, Mariah Seagle, Jacob Smtih, Zack Smith, Courtney Sorenson, Reyner Sumarriva, Schuylar Thackeray, Thomas Wilcox, Madison Williams, Brandon Wolf

Faculty: Rodayne Esmay, Anthony Romrell