Ken Kimmelman is a two-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and animation artist, who made films for the United Nations against apartheid and prejudice; public service films against racism and homelessness, and films for Sesame Street. He was a director of the animated TV series "Doug", "The Wild Thornberries", "Daria", "Clifford's Puppy Days", and more. He also gives presentations against racism, homelessness and animation in schools, colleges & libraries. His book, "If It Moves, It Can Move You--Opposites in the Cinema," based on the philosophy Aesthetic Realism, will be published this year.
He is currently in development on a very stirring animated feature titled "Riding on Duke's Train," based on the novel of the same title by Mick Carlon. The screenplay has won numerous awards in film festivals and a trailer will soon go into production. The story, set on the cusp of World War II, is about eleven year-old Danny Bolden, an African-American boy living in the backwoods of Georgia with his beloved Granny. His life is suddenly and dramatically changed when his Granny dies, and he is left an orphan. Danny decides to take his chances; he leaves his home and heads north to seek a new life. After a harrowing brush with the Ku Klux Klan, one moonlit night he comes upon a beautiful silver train. Entranced by this almost ethereal vision he sneaks aboard. Danny soon discovers he’s on Duke Ellington’s private train carrying the legendary jazz composer and his famous orchestra, who take him under their wing and make him part of their touring family. The adventure begins!
The style will be in the tradition of "Paperman," using Meander CGI .
Wow! That sounds like a fantastic story!