Jim’s Introduction To Gender Identity

Categories:

Role

Senior Producer, Director of Instructional Design
Client

Amaze.org
Skills

Instructional Design, Video Production, Marketing, SEO, Web UX
Year

2015-2017

Project Overview

I was initially a strategic consultant for this project collaborating with the founder of AMAZE. I was eventually asked to take on the role of Director of Instructional Design / Senior Producer. In this role, I helped the team to conceptualize and develop the website and to develop the production strategies used in animation project. I kicked off the project by creating a contest for young animators around the world. My role was setting up the production processes and helping the team to scale up production. I led the team and produced the first 30 shorts that were used to launch the new org. This is one of the first award winning videos I produced for this project.

I led the development of “Jim’s Introduction to Gender Identity” for AMAZE.org. This project aimed to educate adolescents on the diverse spectrum of gender identities, fostering understanding and inclusivity among youth. The animation sought to clarify concepts relating to the transgender community while providing young audiences with accessible and accurate information.

Process

Embarking on this project presented a unique challenge, as it required a deep understanding of gender identity—a topic I was initially less familiar with. Recognizing the importance of authenticity and sensitivity, I quickly immersed myself in learning about the complexities of gender identity. Leveraging my ability to assemble and lead remote teams, I collaborated with a phenominal transgender animator, K. Kypers, and consulted with leading experts in adolescent sex education.

Animation Description

Jim thinks he knows who he is: he’s a man, he has a hot girlfriend, he’s on the basketball team… But when Cassie tells him about a male bodied friend who identifies as a girl, Jim’s concepts of gender and identity are challenged.

Project Outcome

We created AMAZE to harness the power of digital media to provide young adolescents around the globe with medically accurate, age-appropriate, affirming, and honest sex education they can access directly online—regardless of where they live or what school they attend.

As a parent, I am immensely proud of the impact “Jim’s Introduction to Gender Identity” has achieved. The animation has garnered over 1.3 million views on YouTube, reflecting its widespread reach and relevance. It has been incorporated into curricula in hundreds of schools worldwide and translated into 50+ languages, amplifying its accessibility and educational value. The video has also received numerous awards, underscoring its excellence in educational media and its role in promoting inclusivity and understanding among youth.

View other animated videos that I produced for this project in my AMAZE Animation Reel.

Here is a short sizzle reel showcasing all of the animated videos that I produced for the project:

Awards

1st Place Best Short Film · Westfield International Film Festival, 2018
1st Place in the Mixed Media/Experimental category · Florida Animation Festival 2018
1st Place, Craft Award: Excellence in Education · ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d'Animation) Animation Awards, 2018
Best Short Film · Warwick Summer Arts Festival, 2017