Smile

Smile, a lonely but caring happy face toy, befriends a happy face balloon. Their cherished friendship and lives become threatened as a jealous pirate seeks to destroy them both. The menacing deeds of Pirate lead Smile on a daring rescue mission to save the balloon from certain peril. Smile must find his courage and wit if he is to save the balloon from the clutches of the evil pirate. A climactic swordfight between Smile and Pirate determines the fate of the treasured friendship.

Smile, Pirate, Balloon

Combined live action and computer animation.

This film utilizes the latest innovations of the visual effects industry, such as motion capture, 3D laser scanning and digital cinematography. The emotion of Smile is brought to life through a heartfelt original score by Cody Westheimer and recorded by a 45-piece live orchestra at Capitol Studios, Hollywood.

Release date is that of exhibition at the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival.

Gold Medal for Excellence, Audience Choice for Best Impact of Music in an Animated Short Film, Cody Westheimer, Park City Film Music Festival, 2006.
Gold Medal for Excellence, Director's Choice for Artistic Excellence in an Animated Short Film, Cody Westheimer, Park City Film Music Festival, 2006.
Nominee, Best Animated Short, Rome International Film Festival, Rome, Georgia, 2006.
Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking, Family Short Film, Newport Beach Film Festival.
Best Student Animation, Narrative/Storytelling, SIGGRAPH 2005.
Audience Favorite Award, Palm Springs International Festival of Shorts.
Cecil Award, Best Visual Effects, 2005.
User's Choice Winner for April, Myspace User's Choice Competition.
Honorable Mention, Brooklyn KidsFilmFest.
Semi-Finalist, Animation, Angelus Student Film Festival