The grass is
ALWAYS greener
An Original Animated Short by Kaboom
This isn’t just a project.
It’s a full-scale production experience that began with a simple challenge from Emmy-winning composer Julie Bernstein:
“Why don’t you build this from the ground up?”
So we did.
The Story
Behind the Story
We started with an idea. Then, with the help of acclaimed writer Paul Rugg (Animaniacs, Freakazoid!), Kaboom launched a screenwriting class open to artists from around the world. Together, they created a story about creativity, perfectionism, and a dog named Bliffy who jumps off the page and into real life.
From there, participants trained in a voice acting course, recorded in real studios, and brought each character to life.
Now the animation is underway. Interns and students are learning hands-on through character design, layout, timing, and cleanup as they animate the film scene by scene.
Next, Julie and Steve Bernstein will lead a composer and arranger class where students will score the film. That music will be recorded by the Kaboom Studio Orchestra to complete the production.
This project is created entirely by students, with the mentorship of industry legends and the support of Kaboom’s creative network.
It is one of Kaboom’s most ambitious productions, made possible by a generous donation from the Risman Family Foundation.
The Journey
Scriptwriting
The story was developed in collaboration with Paul Rugg through a virtual writing workshop.
Voice Acting
Aspiring performers trained remotely and recorded voiceovers for each character.
Animation
Interns and emerging artists are animating the film, frame by frame.
Composition
Original music is being composed under the mentorship of Julie and Steve Bernstein.
Recording
The Kaboom Studio Orchestra will bring the score to life in a professional recording session.
Festival Launch
The completed film will be submitted to animation festivals worldwide.
INSIDE THE SCRIPT
Take a look behind the scenes as our young creatives workshop dialogue and shape characters with legendary writer Paul Rugg. This is where The Grass Is Always Greener started to find its voice.
STORYBOARD IN MOTION
This early-stage animatic captures the heart of the story before color, texture, and final polish.
THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER: A KABOOM ORIGINAL ANIMATION
Built from the ground up, by the creatives of tomorrow
A Kaboom Original Animation
Built from the Ground Up, by the Creatives of Tomorrow
Launched in 2021 and anticipated to premiere in 2026, The Grass Is Always Greener is Kaboom’s first fully original animated short: an ambitious, multi-year creative journey that spans script to screen.
Inspired by a challenge from Emmy-winning composer Julie Bernstein to “build it from the ground up,” this project brings together writers, voice actors, animators, composers, and musicians to create a film about imagination, imperfection, and a painted puppy named Bliffy who leaps off the page and into the world.
Guided by acclaimed writer Paul Rugg (Animaniacs, Freakazoid!), a team of young creatives developed the script, workshopped dialogue, and crafted compelling characters. Voice performances were recorded remotely, with guidance from professionals across the entertainment industry.
As the story took shape, a new team of Kaboom animators began translating those ideas into motion, sketch by sketch, frame by frame. Character turnarounds, color palettes, and scenes began to emerge as part of a real production pipeline.
Next, Julie and Steve Bernstein will lead a composer and arranger workshop, guiding a new group of musicians as they score the film. The music will be recorded by the Kaboom Studio Orchestra, completing a production cycle unlike any other.
This project is one of Kaboom’s most complex, hands-on undertakings to date. A five-year creative journey powered by mentorship, experimentation, and the belief that education should happen inside the work itself.
Supported by the generous Risman Philanthropic Fund, The Grass Is Always Greener will make its festival debut in 2026.
It’s what happens when you give the next generation the tools and the trust to build something original.
CREDITS
Lead Script Writer + Voice Over
Paul Rugg
Script Writer
Jasmine Kwok
Script Team
Carolina Barrera
Lily Tatara
Voice Over Artists
Adam Beach
Rocco Grassi
Natalie Palumbo
Lead Composers
Julie Bernstein + Steven Bernstein
Executive Producer + Conductor
Liza Grossman
Executive Producer
Joe Weagraff
