‘Paper Bear’ film nearing completion; filmmakers seek partnership on distribution and curriculum

Sean Couch, cofounder of the nonprofit producing the feature film Paper Bear, updated the council on the film’s progress and distribution plans.

Couch said animation work funded in part by a county grant had completed a substantial portion of the film and that the production team expected to finish the film’s final sound mix and deliverables by March. He said the project had used county grant funding for animation (the production cited $400,000 in previous county support) and that the film’s visuals were largely shot within Walton County; the filmmakers intentionally featured local landscapes and a vintage Walton County sign as on-screen place markers.

Couch asked for staff collaboration on packaging and marketing the film to maximize tourism and educational value, including museum or visitor-center displays, school curricula and promotional screenings. He said the filmmakers would be submitting the film to festivals and noted that closed private screenings are required while festival entry windows are open. Couch said the film’s creators envision family-oriented screenings and curriculum materials tied to local ecosystems and conservation messaging.

Council members asked about deliverables and whether county support could expect quantifiable returns; staff and filmmakers agreed to work together on outreach strategies, festival placement and educational packages.

Ending: Couch said the film will be available for county review at a closed screening before public release and the filmmakers requested continued collaboration on distribution and education outreach.