It’s the little project that did. Three creatively charged Calgarians turned an illustrative series into an inspirational vision of multimedia arts that has Calgary Transit jumping onboard for the ride. The Subliminal Rabbit Presents is a short film, soundtrack and genre mash that follows a young man on his journey of self-discovery when he is bullied at a local skateboard park for wearing an eccentric jacket that he made. It’s meant to inspire kids and teens who go through similar life issues. Visual artist and creator Colin Menzies was initially inspired by his illustrative comic series in which a rabbit is hidden in each of his drawings. Fast forward and he now has a team working on a film series based loosely on his drawings. They already have one film down and many more to come. “The process developed as I began contacting potential collaborators to assemble a creative team,” says Menzies. There are 50 people involved in the project, including dancers, film extras, musicians, a writer, a fashion designer and a dance choreographer. “The project took over a year to complete and it’s so exciting to be able to bring this to a city as young and vibrant as Calgary is. I think it’s a feel-good message.” The project was funded by Menzies and his creative partners, Wilmer Aburto and Jean Snowden, who together spent thousands of dollars. Everyone else who worked on the collaboration donated many hours of their time as well as skills. “Everyone was so amazing and they all really believed in the project from start to finish,” Aburto says. Snowden helped produce the music that accompanies the familiar tale of bullying and redemption. “I had a lot of fun on this project and I think people will really enjoy it,” Snowden says. “It’s great to get that creative energy flowing with such an amazing group of people.” When they weren’t filming in the downtown home they share, the trio shot one of the project’s integral scenes on Calgary Transit’s Victoria Station platform. They also shot on the train. Now Calgary Transit is letting them use the same station for a special event. “They approached us with the idea and we decided it was a good way to support arts and culture in the city,” says Calgary Transit spokesperson Ron Collins. “They worked hard and more power to them.” It’s not the first time Calgary Transit has gotten creative; it also does promotions for the Calgary Folk Music Festival, but Collins says it is trying to incorporate more art events into its mandate. “We think it’s a good thing to get involved and we’re just trying to have some fun. I think it pays off for everyone involved.”