Members of the production team for DreamWorks Animation’s new hit film The Wild Robot (in theaters now) spoke with more than 100 students from Fries Avenue STEAM Academy Elementary School, part of Gordon Philanthropies literacy program, after a special screening of the film at AMC Burbank 16. The film is based on the beloved, New York Times best-selling book by Peter Brown.
Wild Robot producer Jeff Hermann, co-producer Heather Lanza, head of story Heidi Jo Gilbert, and production designer Raymond Zibach received rousing applause from the students and fielded questions from them about the design and inspiration for the world of The Wild Robot. This opportunity was made possible through a joint venture between Gordon Philanthropies, DreamWorks Animation, and Universal Pictures to promote literacy and inspire wonder in underrepresented students.
“I have so much gratitude for Gordon Philanthropies, DreamWorks Animation, and Universal Pictures for offering our students this incredible experience. They have been buzzing with excitement about this event for weeks. They could hardly believe that they would be given such a VIP experience and have the opportunity to speak with members of the Wild Robot production team. This is a moment my students and staff will never forget,” said Fries Avenue Principal Lorraine M. Torres.
Fries Avenue Academy Elementary is a science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) public school serving underrepresented students in Wilmington, California. Ninety-one percent of Fries students are Latinx and 94 percent are socioeconomically disadvantaged. Because of strong parental support, exceptional teachers, and committed students, Fries Elementary has made substantial year-on-end progress across all academic markers.
“My husband, Dan Gordon, and I established Gordon Philanthropies with the mission of offering exceptional educational opportunities and experiences to historically underrepresented students. As I looked around the theater, watching the children’s faces while they ate popcorn and enjoyed the movie, I thought ‘this is what it is all about.’ This is that moment when a child first dreams of becoming a producer, production designer, lead storyteller, and more,” said Kate Gordon, Co-Founder of Gordon Philanthropies.
Gordon Philanthropies has been a long supporter of Fries Avenue Elementary School. Through their participation in the GP’s Teachers and Books Program, teachers at Fries receive eight free books for every student distributed between the spring and fall semesters. More than 337 students received 6,696 books in the past school year thanks to the Teachers and Books Program. The book distribution program aims to provide educators and students with quality educational resources to ensure academic success and foster a lifelong love for books and reading. The partnership with DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures emerged after GP Executive Director Sylvia Beanes saw The Wild Robot trailer and immediately knew the film’s message would resonate with students.
“The Wild Robot is one of our most requested book series. I had heard that it would be adapted, but it was not until I saw DreamWorks Animation’s beautiful trailer that it all clicked for me. The film’s faithful representation of the book’s themes of belonging, finding community across differences, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds resonate so powerfully with the experiences of our students. I want to thank DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures for making this opportunity possible,” said Sylvia Beanes, Executive Director of Gordon Philanthropies.
