Two million views and counting for students' animated film | MyNews | Seneca Students

An animated film created by Seneca Polytechnic students has attracted a huge audience in just a few short weeks. 

The pilot for Next Friday: Magical Meow Meow has been viewed more than two million times since it was posted to YouTube in July.  The film tells the story of Salem, a magical cat-girl studying at Mystic Star Academy who must defeat her nemesis to pass her class but often finds her younger sister getting in the way of her training. 

Co-directors Jen Nguyen and Mary Ramos developed the idea for the film last summer and worked on it throughout their final year of studies in Seneca's Animation diploma program. 

"We both had similar ideas in making a grounded but girly-focused film," said Ms. Ramos. 

Ms. Nguyen also worked as the film's art director and Ms. Ramos as its production manager. In these roles, they oversaw dozens of their peers – many of whom were learning new methods and techniques specifically for this project. 

"Luckily our team was mostly people interested in visual development, so they adapted really well and understood the style we wanted.  In the end, the film looks just like what Mary and I envisioned," said Ms. Nguyen. 

Created for young girls and anyone who feels nostalgic for 2000s-era animation, Next Friday: Magical Meow Meow was influenced by series like My Little Pony and Sailor Moon that Ms. Nguyen and Ms. Ramos watched when they were younger and their own experiences with older siblings. 

"There's a universal feeling between siblings where you dislike them sometimes (maybe most of the time) but you still care about them, especially between sisters," said Ms. Nguyen. "People understanding and relating to that sister dynamic feels so rewarding." 

The co-directors have been buoyed by the positive reaction their film has received online and at conventions and other events, particularly from young girls. 

"Seeing that so many people around the world share the exact same feelings and experiences as us is so heartwarming," said Ms. Nguyen. "It feels so surreal. I've had young girls say that they want to be just like Salem when they grow up." 

Ms. Nguyen and Ms. Ramos hope to turn the film into a larger series.