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"The Wrong Rock" by Michael Cawood @ HEROmation Award Winning CGI Animated Short Film

1. First I want you to summarize the story. Pretend I have never watched the short film before and need to understand what is happening to understand your answers to the following questions.

2. How does the main character change or grow throughout the story?

3. What is the main conflict of the story? Is there only one main conflict or are there other minor conflicts?

4. Do you feel the conflict(s) could have been avoided? Why or why not?

5. What do you think is the main lesson(s) that the creators were trying to convey in their film?

6. How do we see the film’s ideas and/or lessons in the real world? Your answer should be similar to the “universal observation” that you included in your concluding paragraph for your Romeo and Juliet essays.

1. "The Wrong Rock" tells the story of a small bird named Iggy who is desperate to fit in with the big birds on a cliff. He tries various means to make himself look bigger and stronger, but he fails every time. One day, a volcanic eruption destroys the cliff, forcing the big birds to flee and leaving Iggy all alone. Iggy finds a smaller rock nearby and makes it his new home. The story ends with a twist when it is revealed that the smaller rock is actually a baby bird waiting to hatch. Iggy finally finds where he truly belongs.

2. Throughout the story, the main character, Iggy, grows from being desperately insecure and seeking validation from the big birds to embracing his uniqueness and finding contentment in his own company. Initially, Iggy believes that being big and fitting in with the big birds is the key to happiness. However, by the end of the story, he realizes that he doesn't need to change himself to belong. He learns to accept himself and finds joy in his newfound independence and the companionship of the baby bird.

3. The main conflict of the story is Iggy's internal struggle to fit in with the big birds. He feels inadequate and excluded, constantly striving to alter his appearance to match their standards. Additionally, there is a minor conflict when the volcano erupts and destroys the cliff, separating Iggy from the big birds and forcing him to face his fears and find a new home.

4. The conflict could not have been avoided as it stems from Iggy's internal insecurities and his desire to conform. It was necessary for Iggy to go through these experiences in order to realize the true meaning of belonging and self-acceptance. The eruption of the volcano served as a catalyst for Iggy's transformation and growth.

5. The main lesson that the creators were trying to convey in their film is that true happiness and belonging come from accepting oneself and embracing individuality. It encourages viewers to value uniqueness and not measure their worth based on others' expectations. The film emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and finding one's own path rather than trying to conform to societal standards.

6. In the real world, we can see the ideas and lessons from the film reflected in various aspects of life. Society often pressures individuals to fit into certain molds or conform to certain norms, but it is important to remember that true happiness comes from staying true to oneself. Embracing our differences and pursuing our own passions and interests can lead to a deeper sense of fulfillment. The film's message encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness, be confident in who they are, and find their own place in the world.