OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation announced Tuesday that it will partner with local artists and creators to create a stop-motion animation campaign to promote tourism and economic impact.
The “Find Yourself in Oklahoma” tourism marketing campaign will feature a fully animated stop-motion video series produced by local artists, tourism and recreation officials said.
“Oklahoma has never been showcased in such a vibrant, culturally rich and unique way.” We’re extremely proud to bring our state’s landscape to life by partnering with local artists and creators to continue telling Oklahoma’s stories in an authentic way, making our state’s third-largest industry even more record-setting. We know it will continue to grow.”
Shelly Zumwalt, Executive Director, Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation
Visitors can expect familiar characters from the campaign, including the state park’s animal ambassadors and the campaign’s star, Bigfoot. The legend of Bigfoot has been enjoyed by generations of Oklahomans and is celebrated through events such as the annual Honovia Bigfoot Festival held in the Kiamichi Mountains.
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“As a lifelong Oklahoman, working on this project was a dream come true,” said Mason Drumm, Creative Director and Founder of Loud Cloud. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with companies like Universal, Hasbro, and Lego, but having the opportunity to tell Oklahoma’s stories in the medium I love is definitely the highlight of my career. I’ve worked anywhere in the country. However, I decided to start and maintain my animation studio in Oklahoma. I love this state and am honored to be part of a blossoming creative community. I love the city and I love showing that Oklahoma belongs in the world on a big stage.”
Some notable highlights of project creation are outlined below.
The project features seven diverse locations across Oklahoma, all handcrafted using felt, paper, foam, and other items. Featured locations include Tully’s Cafe in Tulsa, Route 66, Talimena State Park, Sequoia State Park, Quartz Mountain State Park, Natural Falls State Park, Terror’s, and the First National Bank and Building in Oklahoma City. OTRD partnered with Loud Cloud Animation Studio, VI Marketing and Branding, and over 20 local artists and volunteers. Academy Award-winning doll maker Tennessee Reed Norton and his international team of crafters were brought on board for the project. The University of Oklahoma’s Manufacturing Lab partnered with Loud Cloud and OTRD to assist with the animation.
To watch the full video or learn more about the Find Yourself In OK campaign, visit FindYourselfInOK.com.
