The recent production “Season of Drought” is a documentary revealing what homelessness looks like in the modern era. The documentary will be a fusion of documentary interviews, scripted film scenes, and animation.

Empowering New Creatives

The project also leans heavily on student and alumni contributions from Augusta University’s Film and Animation students, two programs that exist within the school’s Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, spearheaded by Scott Thorp, the department chair for Pamplin. The documentary seeks to make the students a central part of its creation.

This is no surprise given that the film will be produced by OpenMic Perform Pro, a production company founded by Executive Producer M.E. Lampkin and Augusta University Alums Joshua Hale and Caleb Hale, who founded the company in an effort to provide open opportunities for budding industry creatives across the nation and abroad.

Augusta University’s Art Program: Building the Next Generation of Industry Professionals

Since Scott Thorp’s term as Department Chair for Pamplin, the University’s art program has begun to build a name for its competitive edge and state-of-the-art curriculum with professors like A.B. Osborne, who leads the animation program, and Emmy-Nominated Filmmaker Matthew Buzzell, who leads the university’s film program.

Photo Courtesy: Emily Pinto (Scott Thorp: Augusta University Board Chair for the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences)

The director of the documentary, Caleb Hale, who is also an alumnus from the university’s animation program, says, “I’m grateful to collaborate with fellow students bringing this project to life with care and intention. I thank Scott Thorp, whose vision is reshaping what it means to have access to a sophisticated industry-level education. His work is truly enriching the curriculum across the film state of Georgia. It was an honor to be taught by Professor A.B. Osborne, and I’m grateful for the constant encouragement I received from my professional practice professor Chadwick Tolley. These professors have pushed me in my education. And I am also grateful for the team at OpenMic Perform Pro.”

Caleb also added what an encouragement it has been to recently accept additional Augusta University animation students, Jazmine Robinsion and Jason Boyd, onto the project, as well as Chris McIntosh, from Augusta Technical College, who serves as the Master Property Manager for the project, and Jazell Brown of Kennesaw State, who is the Set Designer for Season of Drought.

Scott Thorp adds to the conversation surrounding the project, saying, “The documentary Season of Drought, directed by one of our students, Caleb Hale, is a compelling film that examines homelessness in America through honest, unfiltered storytelling. Filmed in Augusta, it reveals how quickly life circumstances can change and how illness, job loss, or other setbacks can lead to housing insecurity. It also demonstrates the capabilities of students in Augusta University’s Department of Art and Design to produce high-tier work before graduation. When we created programs in animation and filmmaking at Augusta University, I knew our students had the talent and determination to succeed in the film and entertainment industry. What they needed was the right environment. Once that was in place, they flourished. Even with my confidence in their ability, their work on this documentary exceeded expectations. I’m proud that our students contributed to this important project. Animation students Emily Houge, Jaime Del Rosario, Hailey Dowdy, Will Dunbar, Taylor Shockley, and Caleb Hale worked alongside film students Simone Cummings, Lia Barnes, Aaron Britt, Nathan Walters, and Treston Thompson, with business student Joshua Hale playing a major role. The trailer reflects a high level of professionalism and impact. Our Digital and Visual Storytelling program combines filmmaking and theatre, while our Animation program is built around industry expectations. These programs are among our most popular, offering high-ranked faculty and affordable tuition in a state with a growing film industry. Students are already earning recognition, including for the animated feature Flock of Forgotten Faces.”

Photo Courtesy: Emily Pinto ([Left to Right] Joshua Hale, Simone Cummings, and Caleb Hale)

Summary

The heart of Season of Drought lies in its mission to raise awareness about homelessness in America. The documentary aims to give a voice to those often marginalized in discussions about poverty and housing instability. It moves beyond statistics and stereotypes, diving deep into the human stories that paint a fuller, more accurate picture of what it means to be homeless in today’s society. The project will challenge audiences to rethink common misconceptions surrounding the nation’s homeless epidemic, while encouraging them to take realistic steps towards healing homelessness in their respective cities.

By blending artistic passion with social responsibility, Season of Drought sets a new standard for how films can make a difference while offering emerging artists the chance to contribute to meaningful, impactful work.

For more information, visit Season of Drought and OpenMic Perform Pro.