Meet ROVY
An underwater explorer ready to change how kids learn about our oceans. ROVY isn't just any characterâhe's your guide to the incredible world beneath the Gulf of Mexico's waves. Curious, adventurous, and always ready to dive deeper, ROVY makes learning about marine ecosystems as exciting as discovering hidden treasure.
ROVY's Mission
Through engaging adventures and relatable storytelling, ROVY helps young learners connect with the Gulf Coast environment in ways that textbooks simply can't match. Every story is an expedition, every lesson an adventure.
The ROVY Short Film Project
Mississippi State University's Emmy-winning animation team is bringing ROVY to life in our upcoming educational animated film. Using cutting-edge Unreal Engine technology, we're creating a character and world that can grow with audiencesâfrom this foundational movie into an entire universe of educational content.
Where will he go next?
ROVY's Expanding Universe
This initial film is just the beginning. ROVY's character and world are designed to grow across multiple platforms and experiences:
Children's Books - Beautifully illustrated stories that extend ROVY's adventures beyond the screen
Short Films (5-7 minutes) - Perfect for classroom use and focused learning topics
Micro-Films (1-2 minutes) - Quick educational moments ideal for social media and bite-sized learning
Video Games - Interactive experiences that let kids explore alongside ROVY
Interactive Experiences - Hands-on learning tools and digital activities
Toys and Merchandise - Bringing ROVY into kids' everyday play and learning
Each format leverages the same character assets and world-building, creating an efficient production pipeline while maximizing educational impact across different learning styles and preferences.
Experiential Learning Matters
The ROVY Short Film isn't just about creating great contentâit's about training the next generation of animators and storytellers. MSU students will gain hands-on experience working on every aspect of a professional animation production pipeline, from character development to final render. With over 1,000 hours of paid student worker opportunities, this project becomes a bridge between classroom theory and industry practice.
Why ROVY Matters
- Relatable Learning: Complex ecosystem concepts become accessible through ROVY's eyes
- Regional Relevance: Stories rooted in the Gulf that kids can connect to their own backyard
- Student Empowerment: Professional animation experience that makes graduates job-ready
- Community Impact: Open source resources that extend learning beyond MSU
- Proven Approach: Built by the Emmy Award-winning team behind "The Stuff of Nightmares"
Ready to Dive In?
ROVY isn't just an ideaâwe're already making it happen. Our development includes:
EPIC GAMES MEGAGRANT COST BREAKDOWN
