9066: Fear, Football and the Theft of Freedom
The Heart Mountain Eagles were an extraordinary team of Japanese American teenagers who, along with their families, endured forced relocation to the Heart Mountain internment camp during World War II. Despite the harsh realities they faced both on and off the field, they achieved the remarkable feat of an undefeated season in 1942.
For NFL Network, I had the opportunity to bring the Eagles' story to life, through animated illustrations based on archival photographs from the camp. We envisioned a raw, soulful watercolor style that would honor these historical images while adding depth and movement. Working from original football play scripts, we took on the delicate challenge of animating each play with both accuracy and emotional resonance.
For NFL Network, I had the opportunity to bring the Eagles' story to life, through animated illustrations based on archival photographs from the camp. We envisioned a raw, soulful watercolor style that would honor these historical images while adding depth and movement. Working from original football play scripts, we took on the delicate challenge of animating each play with both accuracy and emotional resonance.
Taking my illustrated pieces into After Effects, we crafted a living document of this powerful story through line boil animation, parallax movement, particle effects, vintage photo frames, and carefully choreographed player motion.
View on the NFL YouTube channel
View on the NFL YouTube channel
Select Stills
Animated Portions
Client: National Football League, Features Division
Producer: Christopher Jones, Claire Phillippi
Art Director: Joey Northup, Angelie Pham
Designers: Angelie Pham, Angel Ramirez