How ‘Forevergreen’ Directors Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears Planted the Seeds of Their Award-Winning Short (Exclusive)

The new animated short Forevergreen, directed by Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears, is among the several noteworthy shorts screening at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival this month. The dialog-free project, which follows the adventures of an orphaned bear is among the shorts competing in the Young Audiences category at the event, won honors for Best 3D and Best Art Director at the Animayo festival last month.

Forevergreen’s talented directors were kind enough to tell us a little bit more about their labor of love, timed to the launch of the film’s teaser trailer (watch below):

Animation Magazine: Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration for your short? How did the project come together?

Nathan and Jeremy: The idea for the film was born out of a desire to tell a story with eternal weight and purpose. We wanted to make a film that was both true and timeless; a story about all of us. Our goal was to simultaneously entertain as well as stimulate thoughtful reflection about its deeper meaning. We set out to tell an allegorical story about hope, redemption and loving one’s enemy. It was informed by the biblical tale of the prodigal son, as well as our own personal journeys and faith in God. We wanted to use Nature as the beautiful backdrop to a story that could resonate with everyone no matter who they are or what they believed.

How long did it take to make?

It took us about five-and-a-half years. All in our free time lunches and evenings after work.

Your short has a very distinct look, using CG to create a unique, carved wood quality. Can you discuss how you achieved these visuals?

The designs were Inspired by Jeremy’s signature wood carved aesthetic. As production designer, Jeremy was able to give the team insights into shape language, appeal and practical wood carving techniques to help make the CG world and characters of Forevergreen feel tactile and authenticity hand crafted.

Our process combines the tactile charm of hand-carved wooden figures with the precision of computer graphics, capturing the warmth of stop motion through fully 3D-generated frames which look uniquely crafted.

At the core of this approach is a dynamic surfacing system that bakes 13 texture maps in world space for each animated “texture wobble” keyframe. This ensures every frame retains the unique grain, detail, and imperfections of hand-carved wood.

Developed in Python, our pipeline integrates seamlessly with Maya. Animators set their keyframes using lightweight proxy visuals. A single technical check then triggers the farm to bake and update textures — maintaining accuracy between movement and surface detail.

To give each frame a true hand-painted quality, we employ a hex tiling system that dynamically applies texture based on orientation maps. By controlling brush directionality on every surface, our characters carry the warmth and spontaneity of brushwork at every keyframe.

To meet different creative or performance needs, the system supports multiple texture resolutions and Levels of Detail. Whether refining a final shot or previewing an early cut, this technique offers the flexibility to merge artisanal aesthetics with cutting-edge computing.

Can you share more about how the team was built and collaborated together to bring the film to life?

Forevergreen was an entirely donated co-op film, uniting 200 artists and technicians across the U.S. under a singular vision to create something extraordinary. The artists and technicians worked in their spare time, providing generously of their talents, to support the vision of the directors. We devoted nearly all of their non-working hours over a five and a half year period to developing, writing, and seeing the project brought to fruition.

What do you hope audiences will take away from the short?

We hope audiences are moved by the notion that the greatest act of love is shown by extending selfless, sacrificial grace; even to those who hate and disagree with you. In a world increasingly divided, we need that message now more than ever.

Follow Forevergreen‘s journey through forevergreenfilm.com or on Instagram @forevergreen_short_film.