Clara & the Below

Production Diary #3 - animation first look & new release window
28 days ago – Fri, Sep 04, 2026 at 10:31:25 AM

Before I get to the goods I wanted to let you all know that WE ARE LOCKING BACKERKIT SURVEYS in two weeks.  I repeat, we will be locking those surveys in two weeks. If you haven't done yours, please do - if you haven't even gotten yours please message me ASAP! There is still time to fix it!!

ENTRY #3  - September 4, 2026

ANIMATION FIRST LOOK!

The time has come to finally show off some of our animation.  The first shot I'd like to showcase was done by the incredible Robin Eide, an extremely talented animator who we are lucky to have help us find the film's voice in these early days.  The toy designs were by Ken Basca. 

This is from one of the film's early sequences, where Clara's toys come to life and cheer her on as she suits up to enter the Below.  

If you're curious to see how this moment looked in animatic, you can see it below:

As for the background, it has been done by the amazing Megan Willoughby the final of which can be seen here:

One of the film's biggest themes is how Clara's innocence is guiding her through this dark task.  She's got a tough night ahead but at least her toys are rooting for her.  

NEW RELEASE WINDOW

This next bit of news is less than ideal. We have made the difficult decision to push the release of this film to June 2027 - so summer of next year.  The first reason for this push is the new length of the piece, which is almost twice as long as previously anticipated.  The second reason is the fact that we want to deliver a product that goes above and beyond your expectations.  We will never accomplish this by rushing the film out the door, and know this extra time will make a huge difference. 

To take the sting off of this decision we will be releasing a sneak peak on December 25, the previously scheduled release date.  We are aiming to have a few minutes of finished footage to show so hopefully that will tide folks over until the real deal in June.

NOTE - YOUR PHYSICAL GOODIES AND ITEMS WILL ALL STILL GET TO YOU THIS YEAR AS PLANNED.

My sincerest apologies for this wrinkle - this should have been ready for Xmas as promised in the campaign.  Still, I hope you will support us in this decision - it's what is best for the film.  

Thank you and more updates to come!!

Matt

Production Diary #2
2 months ago – Fri, Jul 31, 2026 at 03:53:19 PM

ENTRY #2  - July 31, 2026

Happy July!!!  We are working our butts off on Clara and have some exciting things to show! First give a warm welcome to Gina Garavalia, who joins the team as a bg painter.  Gina's past work includes Amphibia, Hailey's On It and also illustrating cards for Disney's Lorcana!

It makes sense then to start with some of Gina's first work on this film:

I won't say much about this location other than to say it's a place in the Below where unwanted and forgotten things go - also take a closer look at those trees... 

AD Britney Thoreson's vision for the project has a focus on atmosphere and naturalism.  We took inspiration from Tyrus Wong (legendary Bambi painter) and Silent Hill 2.  Snow, fog, and mist really obscure your vision and are valuable tools to make you wonder what exactly is out there shambling in the gloom.  

Next up are the final model sheets for Clara and Chompers by the mighty Ken Basca!!

You'll notice we have made slight adjustments to the characters compared to the concept art featured in the KS.  This was not only to give the characters a more distinct style but also to make them more animation friendly.  We're really chuffed with how these came out!!

Lastly, for you backers - here is a look at one of the finished trading cards!!  This was designed by the wonderful Charles Kugler (the director of JUDAS ISCARIOT).  Your goodies have all been sent to the printer and we are on track to get them to you this Winter.  

The music has also been completed so that IAM8Bit can begin work on the vinyl.  I don't want to oversell it (yes I do) but I really think this is some of TJ's best work yet.  I can't wait for you to hear it in the film and also on the record.

That's all for now and see you next time!!!

Best,

Matt & Team Clara

Production Diary #1
3 months ago – Fri, Jun 26, 2026 at 10:22:25 AM

ENTRY #1  - June 26, 2026

Hello and welcome to our very first production diary post!!  This will be an ongoing series that strives to give you a fun (and transparent) view of the production process - from a creative angle but also a logistical one.  

Item #1

To mark the start of these I thought it would make sense to introduce some of the key creative talent on Clara.  Drumroll please...

We will reveal more team members in the future but for now, please join me in welcoming these three stellar artists.  I am so lucky they were available and excited to jump on board.

These incredible portraits were done by Britney!!

Item #2

So where is the film at?  We have assembled the core creative team and are working hard to find the final look of the characters and how they'll sit on the backgrounds.  

We have also completed the episode 1 animatic, which came in long at 14min (Don't forget, I promised a film that was 6-10 minutes during the campaign).  Being long and knowing that we have a hard deadline of Dec 25 2026, I edited it down quite a bit to make it more produce-able. However, when I showed it to the team the overall feedback was clear - the shortened version didn't play as well.

Given this, we have made the decision to move heaven and earth and try to deliver the 14min full length cut within the same time frame.  It will make things potentially more difficult but we believe it's worth it.   

It was a tricky decision, but this will be the first of many, no doubt.

That's it for now, look for the next entry in just a few weeks!

Matt B

JUNE UPDATE - PRODUCTION JOURNAL TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK
4 months ago – Wed, Jun 17, 2026 at 11:00:35 AM

Hey Clara nation, thank you for your patience!!  I know a few of you have been itching for an update so here are  a couple of announcements to get you through the June gloom.

Item 1 - on our main KS page there is now a link to a store where anyone can support us by buying items a la carte.  These are not reserved only for previous backers so if you are lurking and want a print, you can do so.  All proceeds go directly towards funding the final episode.  These will be available until the survey acceptance period ends.  

Item 2 - Production wise, the animatic is being finalized and the core creative team has been assembled.  We will aim to begin our production diary posts next week where we will introduce you to some of our leadership talent...they are incredible and we are so fortunate to have them on board. Full animation production should start end of this month and music is already going. 

Actually, if I could get your opinions...for the production journal how spoiler free should it be?  Please sound off in the comments on your preference - there's a world where we share chunks of the animatic but would that be too much?  We want you to get in our heads but we also want you to enjoy the story when it's released.    

Item 3 - We are very excited to announce that Fantasy Project has partnered with Youtooz to create some Clara plushies and figures this year.  They should be available for purchase this winter to time with the release of the short itself.  Again, as mentioned above all proceeds will be going to the possibility of getting episode 04 off the ground

And of course, we are in the process of manufacturing all your rewards and aim to have it all shipped this fall.  

That's all for now, but stay tuned.  We are getting very busy!!

Best always

Team Clara

SURVEYS ARE A GO!!!
5 months ago – Wed, May 13, 2026 at 11:37:05 AM

As most of you have already realized (more than half have already been submitted) surveys are out!!  Please check your e-mail if you haven't done yours yet - we would love to get all your information correct for when we ship the goodies.  

As a surprise there are two new prints to buy as add-ons. If purchased they will be shipped with the rest of your rewards.  Both are from incredibly talented artists who previously worked on Amphibia 

Britney Thoreson and Gina Garavalia. 

We are also cooking up new ways to raise funds (plushies might be coming) so please stay tuned.  I feel confident we will be able to fund episode 04 eventually and will alert you the second it is seeming certain.  Till then, fill out those surveys and have fun. 

more to come 

Team Clara