Alum’s Short Animated Film ‘To: Gerard’ Shortlisted for Oscar

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced several nominee shortlists for nine categories, including the animated short To: Gerard, directed by Taylor Meacham ’14.

Meachem said the main character of the DreamWorks Animation film is similar to one of his greatest inspirations — his father. In the film, the main character, Gerard, has worked in mailroom his entire life and always wanted to be a magician.

“I think it all distills down into one thing. How the greatest magic in life is being able to inspire somebody else to follow their dreams, even if you haven’t achieved you own,” said Meachem.

Meachem spoke about his father and the film in a YouTube video for the Annecy International Animated Film Festival

Ninety-six films qualified for the category, and 10 films advanced in the Animated Short Film category for the 93rd Academy Awards. Members of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

To: Gerard has won several awards, including Best Animated Short at the Austin Film Festival; Best Animated Short at the Calgary International Film Festival; and Best Short Film at the Chicago International Film Festival.