Ashlyn Chilson

Second Place

Three witches hope to compete in a high profile tournament, defeating monsters and fantastical creatures. However, along the way, they face difficulties and must overcome the challenges as a team. They realize that overcoming obstacles is easier together and that achieving their dreams came in different forms.

“Second Place is a 2D and digital, frame-by-frame animation following three witches aiming to compete in a high profile tournament, defeating monsters and fantastical creatures. The tournament is a national event. While trying to reach their goal of participating, the main characters face difficulties and must overcome them. The story concludes with their realization that overcoming obstacles is easier together and that achieving dreams comes in different forms. The title reflects the witches’ journey and that life is not about becoming the best or getting the highest achievement. The animation includes fantasy concepts but inserts them into everyday life. In this way, the ideas do not feel disconnected and are grounded in reality. Overall the style we were trying to emulate is meant to be nostalgic for older viewers who grew up on “Golden Era Cartoons”, as well as exciting and fresh for younger viewers.”