Disney Veteran Malcon Pierce Channels Personal Loss into Oscar-Qualified Short, Versa
A deeply moving animated short, Versa, is garnering attention for its poignant exploration of grief, love, and resilience, born from the personal experience of its director, Malcon Pierce. The film, wich premiered at Annecy in June and qualified for Oscar consideration with a run at the El Capitan in Los Angeles, represents a notable artistic statement from the longtime Disney animation veteran, whose previous credits include Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen, big Hero 6, and moana.
the story centers on a couple navigating a “cosmic dance of life” through a spectrum of emotions, from profound loss to enduring joy. Pierce explains the film was directly inspired by the loss of his son, Cooper, and the subsequent journey he and his wife, Keely, undertook to find acceptance and continue choosing each other. “This short was inspired by the path my wife and I have walked together – through the deep grief and the joy of life,” Pierce shared. The film’s title, Versa, reflects this change. Even the film’s design incorporates subtle symbolism; the lowercase “r” represents the child, serving as a quiet reminder of the inspiration behind the project.
Pierce initially began sketching ideas for Versa in late 2016, while together serving as head of animation on various disney projects. His relocation to Vancouver in 2016 to help establish a new studio location led to his appointment as studio artistic director. Full production commenced in 2023, a process he describes as a labor of love supported by approximately 150 artists. “What I love about short films is that you can really get to no the crew on a personal level,” Pierce noted, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the project.
Technically, Versa leverages industry-standard software, utilizing Maya for animation and Houdini for effects. the integration of lighting and visual effects proved especially crucial, demanding close collaboration between the lighting, effects, modeling, and look-dev teams. “Seeing everything combined early was essential for giving meaningful feedback on the characters,” Pierce explained, highlighting the benefits of this enhanced teamwork.
The animation style itself was intentionally lyrical and expressive, particularly evident in the intricate ice-dance sequences.To achieve authenticity, Pierce collaborated with an ice-dance choreography duo – Katherine Hill and Olympic silver medalist Ben Agosto – and skater/cinematographer Jordan Cowan, who filmed on the ice to capture the nuances of the sport.”They really helped us push our animation and layout to feel true to ice dance,” Pierce said.
Pierce’s involvement extended to every facet of the short, from initial storyboards to final lighting, making the project deeply personal. He prioritized fostering a positive and inspiring surroundings for the crew, recognizing their artistry as paramount. This dedication has culminated in a film that is both “incredibly rewarding and different.”
Currently,Versa is being showcased at animation events and festivals worldwide. Pierce is also co-directing another unannounced short, teasing that it will feature a beloved Disney character.
Ultimately,Pierce hopes Versa resonates with audiences on a profound level. “I hope people feel the power of love and resilience – that even through loss there’s a way to keep those we love close,” he concluded. “maybe it inspires a slightly longer ‘goodnight’ when the kids get tucked in, or an extra ‘I love you’ during a phone call with family.And I hope that anyone navigating these emotions can see themselves in our story and find hope and know that they’re not alone.”
Versa will be screened as part of the World Animation Summit on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the Garland in N.Hollywood, followed by a panel discussion featuring Pierce and other leading animated shorts directors. More data can be found at animationmagazine.net/summit.
