Hungry Man announces shy kids, the Toronto-based directing collective, as the newest addition to its roster. Known for their inventive storytelling and seamless integration of technology with deeply personal narratives, shy kids have carved out a distinct voice in the world of filmmaking.
Dubbed “punk rock Pixar,” the collective draws on their backgrounds in VFX, animation, and live-action filmmaking to create work that feels both visually inventive and emotionally resonant. Their viral short film Air Head—the first created using OpenAI’s Sora technology—emphasized that even with cutting-edge tools, storytelling remains the essential ingredient. Their projects have earned Emmy nominations and long-listed Oscar recognition.
Recently, shy kids directed Town 21, a campaign for the National Down Syndrome Society that imagined a world built on fairness and inclusion. The campaign’s stylized sets and pastel palette brought the concept to life, garnering praise for its creativity and emotional impact.
Hungry Man managing partner Caleb Dewart added, “shy kids have consistently made work that taps into our consciousness and our life in and around technology. Their perspective and tone is wildly unique and refreshing and we look forward to being a part of their filmmaking journey.”
See shy kids’ reel here.