Fiscal Sponsorship

Misty

TYPE: Narrative Short
GENRE: Drama
STATUS: Development

LOGLINE

A middle-aged man stands in awe of his beloved Husky as she helps a community heal after a mass shooting.

SYNOPSIS

Misty is based on the true story of a Husky who helps start a community’s healing after a mass shooting. Her owner stands in awe as Misty leads him through the crisis while giving everything she has to those needing her comfort.

 

ARTISTIC STATEMENT

While reading Craig’s story I knew immediately that I wanted to make it into an animated short film. The pull was extraordinary - I just knew I had to make this film. Animation speaks that universal language that can capture the essence of what we all understand but struggle to articulate. Additionally, animation can capture the true nature of a dog. After some trial and error with professional artists I am certain that 2D paint animation will be ideal. The fluidity of paint will emphasize the fluidity of our emotions; one moment we could be sobbing our heart out and then the next moment laughing out loud - powerful emotions are just that - they overpower us - breaking through all barriers - just as paint seeps across lines and sometimes soaks certain spots. The color palette of mud green, black ink, and midnight blue juxtaposed to pale yellow, pale pink and arctic blue will underscore the conflicting emotions of unspeakable loss and precious hope. Equally important will be the presence of red, white and blue. This particular mass shooting happened on the 4th of July - but mass shootings are America’s affliction. A thick dark presence will permeate the world, signifying the grief that hangs over our society as a whole. As an American, I am hyper aware of the magnitude and devastation of mass shootings. Yet at the same time, I have never been in close proximity to such an event nor have I known anyone personally who was a victim of these atrocities. I cannot speak for what it feels like to be on the inside. And disturbingly, I feel - admittedly - a bit numb. Telling Cap and Misty’s story is a path to feel. Like most of us, Cap is not a victim but a witness. We will see Cap’s heart, body, thoughts, and physical world - harden and soften throughout - like spilling waves meeting the shore. While Cap reckons with his household, with his community and with his place in the world, Jenny represents innocence lost. She is the gaiety of the American Dream personified, a young baton twirler aiming to participate in the 4th of July Parade. Her baton will have a life of its own, especially when we see her baton left behind at the scene of the shooting, invoking the victims - the obliteration of life. The child will become an adult. Lastly, and with great love, Misty will be our hero. I want the audience to fall in love with her. With her stubbornness, with her regal posture, with her leadership and her unintended humor. Animators are brilliant at elucidating the quirks of animals that we all recognize and revere. So be it for Misty.

KEY CREW

Kyle Ann Stokes - Director/Co-Producer/Co-Writer

Kyle Ann Stokes is a filmmaker with experience across independent films, cable TV, and A-list productions. She’s currently developing an animated short about the aftermath of the Highland Park, IL mass shooting. Stokes has worked in cutting rooms with renowned editors like Thelma Schoonmaker and Gerri Peroni. In 2015, she co-founded The Writers Lab with New York Women in Film & Television, supported by Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, and Nicole Kidman, to champion the female voice. Her screenplay Heartland Hoops was a finalist in the ScreenCraft Family Screenplay Competition and recognized in several others. Additional credits include directing music videos, documentaries, and short films, with her Rite of Spring being an award-winner at the 2024 Jersey Shore Film Festival.

Craig Scalise - Co-Producer/Writer

Craig Scalise has trained over 500 therapists in dogs’ healing power while also serving as a therapy dog handler and coach for emotional support animal seekers. “Misty” is based on the true story of Craig driving into the scene of a mass shooting and then relying on his Husky to help start the community’s healing as she held off terminal cancer. Craig published the true story in Therapy Dog Magazine and adapted it as the screenplay “Misty” in collaboration with Kyle Ann Stokes’ development for the screen.

Gabrielle San German - Concept Artist

"Hi hi!! My name is Gaby San German! I am a local Chicago artist who had the pleasure to be a digital concept artist for this touching story. My work revolves around impactful lighting and emotional gravity; so least to say when I had the opportunity to work on Misty, I didn't hesitate! As an artist and empathetic person, the story that Craig and Kyle Ann were able to retell truly is a commentary that I am passionate about. While translating their script into paint, these are the words I kept coming back to: community, solace, healing, and grief. What a delicate balance it is- grief and healing. Whatever the impact you receive from this story, let it sit with you. What seems to resonate, question why it does- dig deep! I hope this story and my paintings are able to reach you."

PEGGY MACNAMARA - Animal Character Creation

Peggy Macnamara has served as the Artist-in-Residence at Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History since 1990 and as an Adjunct Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago since 2001. Peggy created the original watercolors of Misty which set our artistic direction. https://www.peggymacnamara.com/about

John Lyons - Editor/Advisor

John Lyons is a film editor, producer, and New Yorker who has spent over 20 years primarily working as an editor on feature films, television, and occasional documentary projects. His most recent project, Here After, was released in October 2024. He is perhaps best known for his collaborations with writer and director Ritesh Batra, including their award-winning film The Lunchbox. Lyons has edited the directorial debuts of actors-turned-directors Paul Bettany and Meg Ryan. His portfolio also includes television work and short films for a diverse range of directors, such as John Cameron Mitchell, Xan Cassavetes, Boyd Holbrook, Natalie Portman, and Isaac Mizrahi. A graduate of Colby College, where he also serves as a Trustee, John is deeply involved in the arts and community. He is a Board Member of Film at Lincoln Center, Love Rocks, and several other non-profit organizations.

Kari Hornfeldt - Web Designer

Kari Hornfeldt is a freelance website and graphic designer with over 20 years of experience, specializing in creating visually engaging digital experiences. A dog lover at heart, her creativity is often inspired by her furry Tibetan Terrier, Gordon.
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ACCOLADES

  • The Gotham Film & Media Institute - Fiscal Sponsorship Program 2025