When Wyatt Bergwin was five years old, he had a guest speaker in his class (hint – she’s the monthly writer of the “Animal Heroes” column). After the school presentation, Wyatt became more aware of the other animals we share – not very well – the earth with. Fast forward almost 20 years, and Wyatt graduated from film school in New York, and made the trek in his car with his much-loved elderly cat, during the height of the COVID-19 epidemic, back home to South Florida. By a lucky coincidence, I was speaking to Lisa Bergwin about volunteering with Animalherokids.org, she mentioned her son had just graduated from film school, and Voila – Kismet! Veganza Animal Hero the Claymation was born!
Wyatt and his team created beautiful sets and characters for the Claymation. Courage the mermaid is voiced by vegan chef, entrepreneur and actress Angela Means Kaaya. Her role as Felicia in the movie “Friday” spawned the iconic phrase “Bye Felicia.” Last week, thanks to the wonderful animal activist Sarah Segal simply making a quick phone call in Los Angeles, I received the wonderful news that Lori Alan has consented to be the voice of Veganza. You have heard Lori’s strong voice as Pearl Krabs in SpongeBob SquarePants, Bonnie’s mom in Toy Story 3 and 4, and in lots of other productions.
We are still on the look out for voice actors for Jules the Crow, and Lovey the 18-year-old rescued poodley dog, who is the narrator. Yoo-hoo Leonardo and Morgan – the roles of your lifetime are waiting for you both over here! This film will delight all ages of animal hero kids globally, and encourage others to think of how we can help all species in their plight to live free from harm. So the million-dollar question is, who will be the voice to conclude the film with the following immortal words from Lovey?
Will you consider the earth and we animals, too?
Because if you do not, who will?
Will You? – Lovey, “Veganza Animal Hero” book The “Veganza Animal Hero” short film is slated to join the free, kindness-to all-species, youthempowering education tools Animalherokids.org offers. If you wish to donate, sponsor or assist with any of Animal Hero Kids’ projects, please go to Animalherokids.org.
