[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 147 (Wednesday, September 28, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MOONBOT STUDIOS

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, small businesses have the unique 
ability to connect with and inspire members in their communities. It is 
especially noteworthy when these businesses are able to inspire their 
neighbors through a creative use of the arts. This week I am proud to 
honor Moonbot Studios of Shreveport, LA, as Small Business of the Week, 
for their commitment to captivating the imaginations of folks of all 
ages through beautiful animation and superb storytelling.
  In 2009, three visionary artists--Bill Joyce, Brandon Oldenburg, and 
Lampton Enochs--hatched a revolutionary idea: open a full-service 
design and production studio in Louisiana's budding entertainment hub, 
Shreveport, LA. The trio aimed for creating and producing visually 
stunning and intricately told stories for folks of all ages. Helmed by 
Joyce, a former illustrator for Disney/Pixar, and Oldenburg and Enochs, 
two successful entertainment-industry professionals, the group began 
producing top-notch and award-winning animated short films and 
digitally animated books and cell phone apps. The experience of these 
talented professionals helped shape the first major animation studio in 
Louisiana.
  Today Moonbot has grown into an award-winning team of 50 employees 
ranging from animators, illustrators, and a large film and marketing 
team creating beautiful stories that capture the imaginations of folks 
both in Louisiana and around the world. Currently, the studio is 
working with Amazon Studios in creating and producing a new animated 
children's show to be streamed on the popular Amazon Prime Web site. 
Additionally, the group boasts a number of prestigious awards including 
a handful of Emmy Awards and an Oscar for best animated short film with 
their original production ``The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris 
Lessmore.''
  Congratulations again to Moonbot Studios for being selected as Small 
Business of the Week. Thank you for your commitment to inspiring our 
next generation of Louisiana artists and storytellers. I look forward 
to seeing your continued growth and success.

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