How a Woman Transformed Her Anxiety into a Stop-Motion Film Featuring 20,000 Photos of Her American Girl Dolls (Exclusive)

In the bustling city of Los Angeles, a young filmmaker is breathing life into her cherished collection of American Girl dolls through the creative medium of stop-motion animation. Leia Everett, who graduated from California State University, Long Beach, in 2022, has dedicated years to this passion project, which reflects not only her artistic capabilities but also her personal struggles with the uncertainties of adulthood.

Everett’s journey began when she received her first American Girl doll, Eloise, in 2009. This initial gift sparked a deep fascination with filmmaking that has since shaped her life. By the age of ten, she was already experimenting with creating short stop-motion films featuring her dolls, eventually starting her own YouTube channel, rockstar13studios, in 2012. The channel quickly gained traction, showcasing narratives that often mirrored her own experiences, such as “Eloise’s Singles’ Guide to Valentine’s Day”.

“The moment I started creating videos, my dolls took centre stage in my life,” Everett recounted. “Throughout my school years, I was either writing, filming, or editing almost daily. It even became a tradition to take a doll and my camera on all vacations.” This commitment to her art would only intensify as she honed her skills and immersed herself in her studies.

Now at 26, Everett is on the brink of releasing her latest film, titled “The Tower”. This new project follows the character Eloise just before her college graduation, facing an anxious turn of events following a troubling tarot reading. The premise emerged during a turbulent period shortly after her own graduation, highlighting themes of insecurity and the anxieties that come with transitioning into adulthood. “I was experiencing a lot of changes and felt overwhelmed,” she explained. “Putting these feelings into my story allowed me to process them.”

Bringing “The Tower” to life involved considerable effort, especially in designing the intricate doll-sized sets for various locations across the film. “There are about 15 different settings, including a graduation ceremony and a park,” Everett elaborated. “I made numerous sketches to help plan everything, deciding to build one set at a time.” The painstaking process of creating these locations required patience, as sometimes weeks could pass between shots.

Everett faced the usual challenges of project timelines and unpredictable filming schedules common to independent filmmakers. “Some months were productive, and I could shoot for hours, while others would find me struggling to complete one scene due to life getting in the way,” she remarked. After moving from her small apartment, she adapted her setup to fit her new living situation but was fortunate to have supportive roommates who encouraged her artistry.

Utilising props, dolls, and costumes she had largely accumulated over the years, Everett managed to limit her expenses. Only a few materials—ranging from scrapbooking paper to faux foliage—were needed to enhance her sets. “It’s incredible what one can achieve with just cardboard and hot glue,” she noted proudly. In total, she took nearly 20,000 individual photos to produce the film, which is expected to run for around half an hour.

Now deep into the editing phase, she is excitedly working on sound design and animations. A friend will be composing an original score, adding a personal touch to the overarching production. Everett plans to debut “The Tower” on her YouTube channel later this year, marking a significant milestone in her filmmaking journey.

Beyond her individual pursuits, Everett has also found community through the “AGTube” platform, which connects creators who share videos starring their American Girl dolls. “It was wonderful to connect with other creators,” she said, speaking fondly of the summers spent collaborating with fellow doll enthusiasts. “We provided each other with support, creative outlets, and formed lasting friendships.”

Reflecting on her experiences, Everett expressed her gratitude for the impact that her doll collection and the AGTube community have had on her life. “Those dolls were so much more than toys to us,” she shared. “They opened up a world where we felt understood and fostered our creative skills.”

Even as Everett and her peers transition into adulthood, the bonds formed through their shared interests remain strong. “There’s a unique understanding among those of us who were part of that world,” she concluded. “It has shaped our friendships and memories in ways that will last a lifetime.” As she prepares for the release of “The Tower”, Everett’s journey serves as a reminder of the power of creativity, community, and the enduring connections we forge through our passions.