Kim Cameron – Seaper Powers, In Search of Bleu Jay’s Treasure

By starrymag | April 2, 2021

By: Paige Zinaman

 

 

Q) You’ve got a new movie premiering April 2nd called Seaper Powers, In Search of Bleu Jay’s Treasure. What can you tease about the film?

 

A) Yes, of course!  It’s a full-length animated feature film for young adventurers and families. Meet Emma (Margaret Huerta), a little girl on vacation off the island of St. Thomas, who discovers magical seagrass that gives her the power to talk to sea life. Soon enough, Emma has a new group of sea-critter friends. There’s Oliver (Derek Albert), a shy young octopus who’s full of adventure but too timid to explore with his friends; and Steve (Kris Pierce), an out-of-place starfish who discovers he has powers of his own. Together, the quirky trio set off on a grand adventure to find buried treasure, along the way learning important lessons about friendship, self-confidence, protecting the environment, and the power of imagination.

 

Q) This film is derived from a book series that you created of the same name. What was it like to take your books and put them into a film like this? 

 

A) Right now, only the first book is featured (based) in the movie. Turning a book into a movie was a very new adventure for me. Took some trial and error, but at the end I think it works. I am currently starting to convert the second book into a sequel should the first movie be successful…fingers crossed!  The current movie: Seaper Powers: The Movie, In Search of Bleu Jays Treasure is the complete title of the film, but I hope to share the second one within the next two or three years!

 

Q) When you created the series, did you ever see it branching as far as films? Was that always something you wanted from the series?

 

A) I started the series as a single audio book. It quickly grew to five hardcover books, five audio books, two albums, plush toys, gift boxes and soon lapel pins!  It’s been so much fun, almost as fun as writing music. I guess I always saw the series turning into an animated form, perhaps a TV series at first, but then it just made sense to go the movie route. But who knows…a TV series may be back on the table after the movie?!

 

Q) This film gives me “The Big Comfy Couch” vibes, which was one of my favorite series as a kid. Was there a series that inspired you to create
Seaper Powers? 

 

A) Actually, my story is about two little girls that I met. I combined the personalities of the two and called the character “Emma.” Both little girls were about eight years of age, very energetic, outgoing and loved the sea and sea life.  They both had a spirit of acceptance and honesty that I wanted to build into the story.  One I met while I was on tour in the Caribbean, and one was a little girl I taught vocal lessons to.

 

Q) You are not only the Director of Seaper Powers you’re also the Screenwriter and Producer. As a woman in the film industry, what was the most rewarding part of the creative process?

 

A) I never really thought about the “woman” aspect of it.  To me, it’s just my creative work, but when it was pointed out to me that I am probably the first Miami Beach woman to write, direct and produce a full-length animated feature film, it made me proud.  I hope for women who are hesitant about taking the next step in their career – whatever that might be – decide, it’s ok to try.  The worst that can happen, you fall down.  I certainly have fallen many times.  You just have to get back up and try again.

 

Q) What some viewers may not know is that this film and the series itself is also available for teachers as an education tool in the classroom. What has it been like to receive feedback from teachers and students who have been introduced to these amazing characters? 

 

A) The teachers and especially the homeschoolers have been super supportive.  That has been the most amazing part.  I think the teacher’s guides have been helpful, but what I have seen is most teachers already have an idea of how they want to use the book series in their classroom settings.  Some have gotten really creative, like building treasure chests with popsicle sticks and making starfish out of colored paper and felt.  I love seeing the pictures!

 

Q) What is the message you’d like viewers to take away from Seaper Powers? 

 

A) I guess several. First, it’s ok to have fun watching an adventure movie. I think we have become too serious!  Second, our connection to animals is critical if we care about our environment. If we care about the animals, we will, without knowing it, care about where we put our trash.  As a person who lives on the beach, it just kills me the amount of trash I pick up each day.  The third message; take a chance being friends with people who may not be the most popular.  That decision might be the best in your life to make.

 

Q) Where might new viewers find anything and everything about Seaper Powers?

 

A) Oh, well, the website:  http://www.seaperpowers.comor our Instagram!  http://Www.Instagram.com/seaperpowers

 

Q) In the time of COVID-19, movies and such are beginning to film again. Do you have some recent projects you have coming up that you’re excited for? 

 

A) COVID…hopefully is almost over!  I did decide during the lockdown to look at the next movie or sequel to In Search of Bleu Jay’s Treasure. That will take me some time, but it is on my mind!

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your work?

 

A) THANK YOU!  Yes, thank you for the continued support…really, it means the world to me!