Exceptional Minds, the non-profit Los Angeles-based academy and studio preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in Hollywood, and Cartoon Network Studios unveiled today their latest collaboration: a new original animated shorts collection. Designed to showcase fresh stories, explore new styles, and give rising animation talent a chance to shine, be seen and be heard, each of the four shorts was created by teams of Exceptional Minds’ alumni, supported by artists and producers at Cartoon Network Studios.
Animation Magazine is proud to debut the collection, available to watch now on YouTube.
The inspiring shorts bring unique visions to life, resulting in a mix of creative, original cartoons that show how powerful animation can be when diverse voices are given the spotlight. Each film was written and directed by an alum of the Exceptional Minds Academy:
Courtesy Clerk by Craig Hills
A courtesy clerk goes through the challenge of serving a customer by shopping for the many things on her list.
Cutting Ties by Charlotte Snare
Even in a tiny world, creatures still need to deal with toxicity, be it within themselves or within others. A lyrical tale of loss told without dialogue through beautiful black and white characters and landscapes.
Success by Eli Gross
A new heartwarming take on the classic tale of the tortoise and the hare. Success is knowing what friendship means.
Proud Bird by Dustin Noriyuki
A daring young pilot embarks on an unexpected encounter that soars into thrilling danger and discovery.
Overall, more than 20 Exceptional Minds current students and alumni contributed to the creation of the shorts in this collection. Acclaimed voice artist Rob Paulsen contributed his vocal talents to both characters in Courtesy Clerk. Meanwhile, fellow non-profit organization Jazz Hands for Autism joined the effort to compose original scores for select films.
“At Exceptional Minds, we are committed to creating pathways for artists on the autism spectrum to share their creativity with the world and to support their employment opportunities,” said Lauren DeVillier, CEO of Exceptional Minds. “Working alongside Cartoon Network Studios gave our artists the chance to tell their stories on a larger stage, and the results are nothing short of inspiring.”
Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026, Exceptional Minds is having a profound impact on helping young adults both personally and professionally thrive around their true talents and interests in breaking into the Hollywood animation and VFX industries. The students garner incredible experience, learning from current and former Hollywood animators and special effects professionals while getting the opportunity to work on real film and TV projects commissioned by major Hollywood studios. To that end, Exceptional Minds has seen its VFX and animation work contribute to 19 Oscar-winning/nominated films, dozens of Emmy-nominated series, and much more. More importantly, the Academy has helped many young adults break into careers in Hollywood in the fields of their dreams.
For more information on Exceptional Minds, please visit exceptional–minds.org
