Our independent short film based on the poem Rooms by Billy Collins.

After reading the poem I was immediately captivated. Billy’s ability to blend humor with a thoughtful meditation on mortality resonated with me and my personal struggles with anxiety. I quickly realized that a short animated film would be the perfect medium to explore the poem’s physical and psychological spaces. The project developed slowly over the following months until I had the privilege of meeting Billy Collins in a chance encounter at JFK Airport in New York City. We discussed my film concept while waiting for our departing flights and a few days later I emailed Billy to bring him into the creative process. After a couple big picture thoughts, Billy gave me his blessing to make the film. Since its completion he assured me of his satisfaction:

“.....I ADMIT I HAD MY DOUBTS, BUT YOU HAVE DONE IT, LAD. BRILLIANT!”

— Billy Collins, Poet Laureate of the U.S. from 2001 to 2003

CREDITS:

DIRECTION, DESIGN, ANIMATION:
Studio ADZ

POEM:
Billy Collins

PRODUCER:
Andrew D. Zimbelman, Nathan Jew

NARRATION:
Andrew D. Zimbelman

SOUND DESIGN & SCORE:
Matt Stanfield

ADDITIONAL ANIMATION:
Tom C J Brown

ADDITIONAL MODELING:
Elliot Blanchard

SPECIAL THANKS:
Lauren McArthur, Mabel Zimbelman, Nathan Jew, Billy Collins, Andrea Jew, Nicole Salm Feddock