Industry Veteran Eric Calderon’s Career Story Featured In ‘Frames Per Second,’ Aha Media’s Creative-Career Short Film Series

Aha Media is rolling out the latest film in its animated anthology Frames Per Second, which spotlights the real professional paths of creative workers. The new short turns the focus on producer and Surviving Animation host and long-time friend of Cartoon Brew, Eric Calderon, and his efforts to stay afloat in an industry constantly in flux.

“It was amazing to see that part of my life depicted in such high-quality full animation,” Calderon said in a release. “The fun design aesthetic, the Dragonball homages (Yamcha!), and even the sound design all worked together to create something that was whimsical and even epic – but still grounded and emotional. I was pleasantly astounded!”

The short comes out of Aha Media’s Immersive Internship Program, made in partnership with Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD). Student teams worked alongside professional supervisors to complete the production.

“The internship with Aha Media was an incredible experience! It really felt like I was on a real production team,” said CCAD student Natalya Sutarto. “It helped me better understand how the animation pipeline works as well as how to communicate with my peers and potentially make more connections and friends. Aha Media also helped me find other strengths I never thought I had.”

Charlotte Belland, chair of CCAD’s Animation Department, described the collaboration as an opportunity for students to pick up practical production skills, along with mentorship from working animators. “This innovative model allows students to develop production skills critical for career success after graduation, and deploy and grow those skills under the supervision of working professionals.”

Aha Media produces digital-first animation with an emphasis on short form and virtual pipelines. The Calderon short will premiere on the studio’s YouTube channel, with additional release on Calderon’s Surviving Animation channel.