How did you choose your topic? (OR: Why was this topic important to you?)
The topic of the conflict in Darfur became my subject initially because it was the elective topic for this year. I already knew a little bit about the conflict, but in doing research for my Flash piece it became painfully apparent that this is an issue that needs attention. People are still suffering, and it's as if the world has moved on. However, I do think that it's an issue that may intimidate people, and while the information is out there, it's not as easily accessible as information on something like environmental issues.

This got me thinking about the apathy of the public toward global issues in general. I find that the main excuse for not being informed is simply "I do not have the time." In response, I have put something together that gives an overview in less than 30 seconds (who doesn't have 30 seconds?) that gives the viewer a down and dirty "What is it?," "Why is it happening?," and "How do we fix it?" To keep this accessible to the average viewer, I have used animation, music and sound effects that are memorable and entertaining — not intimidating or preachy. My hope is that this will to spark an interest to learn more about that topic and even make the viewer want to pass it on.

Before this contest, did you consider yourself fairly knowledgeable about global issues? Has this contest opened your eyes in any way?
I do consider myself fairly knowledgeable about global issues, but, WOW, this contest really has opened my eyes to the sad state of affairs in Darfur. The information is out there, but it does not get nearly the attention that other issues such as climate change get. I really I had no idea of the ripple effect that the conflict is having on the region, and how bad the situation still is.

Did you have any weird, funny, horrible, or in some ways memorable moments during the making of this film for the contest?
Well, originally my idea was to do "The ten second guide to..." However, it turns out that it is REALLY difficult to distill a global issue down to that short a time frame (What can I say? I'm an optimist). That said, this piece went through several iterations (The ten second guide..., the fifteen second guide, the nineteen second guide..., etc).

My computer also went down for the count shortly after I completed (and backed up) my submission, so I consider myself lucky to have completed this project before losing everything!

Anything else you’d like the viewers to know?
I plan to do an entire series of pieces just like this one, focused on different issues. All will follow a similar format and, in the spirit of keeping things short and sweet, will have a run time of less than 30 seconds. I've already completed one on climate change, so watch for others soon. The message? If you've got 30 seconds (or less), you really can make a difference.