A seemingly simple robbery attempt takes an unexpected turn in the trailer for Almost Ten, a new animated short film garnering attention for its clever premise and themes of female empowerment. The short, directed by Sean Davis, is currently making the festival circuit, including a spotlight at FilmQuest and offers a comedic capture on standing up to adversity. The film’s playful animation style and quick wit hint at a story that’s both entertaining and subtly subversive, appealing to audiences who enjoy animated shorts with a bit of an edge.
The core of Almost Ten revolves around a young fish who finds herself the target of a would-be thief. Although, this isn’t a typical damsel-in-distress scenario. As the trailer reveals, the fish has a surprising response up her fin, one that completely throws the aggressor off balance. While the specifics of this “unexpected” reaction are being kept under wraps, the filmmakers promise a payoff that’s both funny and satisfying. The film taps into a growing appetite for stories that challenge traditional power dynamics and celebrate resourcefulness, particularly in animated formats.
A Comedic Universe: “Legends of the Deep”
Almost Ten exists within a larger comedic universe, connected to the animated series Legends of the Deep. According to the filmmakers, both the series and the standalone shorts like Almost Ten share a similar tone and style, prioritizing humor and inventive storytelling. The series is structured around a collection of self-contained narratives, allowing for experimentation and a diverse range of comedic approaches. The release of Legends of the Deep is currently slated for May 2026, and will be available on all platforms, offering fans more of the quirky world established in these shorts.
Behind the Scenes: Inspiration and Influences
Sean Davis, the writer and director of Almost Ten, brings over five years of experience in animation and comedy to the project. His background includes perform on Bill Plympton’s feature film Slide, a testament to his commitment to independent and visually distinctive animation. Davis collaborates with Daniel Quinn, a fellow filmmaker based in Providence, Rhode Island, who also has a proven track record in animated shorts, having received awards at The Lower Eastside Film Festival and Austin Under the Stars Film Festival.
When asked about the inspiration behind Almost Ten, Davis remained playfully coy, stating that revealing the surprise would spoil the fun. However, he did share that the film is deeply rooted in a desire to make people laugh. He cited a fondness for the comedic timing of Chris Elliott’s reveal Eagleheart and the unexpected humor found within the films of Martin Scorsese as key influences. “Making people laugh is key to any production we’re currently working on so we take inspiration to what we find funny,” Davis explained. The filmmakers also revealed a unique element of their production process: a collaboration with a metal group from Mexico to create the finish credits song, adding an unexpected sonic layer to the animated short.
Challenges and Triumphs in Animation
Creating animation, even in short form, presents unique challenges. Davis noted that one of the most consistent hurdles is ensuring that characters seamlessly integrate with their backgrounds. “Our characters matching our backgrounds was pretty challenging and to be honest, is always a challenge in our films. We’re getting better though,” he said. Despite these technical difficulties, the team found immense satisfaction in the audience response to their work. “Being in a theater when a joke hits feels very good,” Davis shared, highlighting the rewarding experience of connecting with viewers through humor. They also emphasized the importance of refining pacing and visual clarity, lessons learned throughout the production of Almost Ten that will inform their future projects.
The filmmakers also shared a piece of advice for aspiring animators: “Throw out a lot of your shitty ideas and cultivate the ones that are original and engaging.” They stressed the value of seeking feedback from both friends and strangers, recognizing that outside perspectives can often provide valuable insights. Their ultimate goal is to continue creating laughter-inducing content, with ambitions to develop an animated television show or movie that expands upon the world of Legends of the Deep.
Currently, the team is working on another short film titled “Pistachios,” while simultaneously preparing for the full launch of Legends of the Deep in May 2026. Fans can follow their work and connect with the filmmakers on Instagram at @legendsofthedeepshorts and @seanduckyy.
The success of Almost Ten and the anticipation surrounding Legends of the Deep demonstrate a growing demand for clever, character-driven animation that doesn’t shy away from humor and unexpected twists. As the team continues to develop their unique brand of comedy, audiences can look forward to more inventive and entertaining shorts and series in the coming years. The next step for the project is continued festival submissions and building anticipation for the 2026 release of the full series.
If you are interested in learning more about the FilmQuest Film Festival, you can visit their website at https://filmquestfestival.com/.
