Conception

Conception, Gestation, Birth:

A Heart Full of Love was created as a result of Bette Margolis having been divorced twice, at times being a single working mother of three children. She eventually wrote the book for children of divorce, published it herself in 1999, and then created workshops for children of divorce, using the book as her major tool, reading it to the children in the workshops.

Soon after publication, she began trying to turn the story into an animation for broadcast on PBS. Although she connected with several animators in Colorado, where she lived, she was unable to find a suitable partner. In 2003, she became acquainted with George Schwimmer, and they eventually formed Phoenix Shakti Productions, and A Heart Full of Love became one of the company’s projects.

Eventually an animation company agreed to produce the project, but negotiations broke down over the terms of a contract. A year later, the same thing happened with a second animation company. Bette and George then decided to create a four-minute demo designed to interest industry heavyweights, and a Los Angeles animator was found on Craig’s list. The demo was made, turned out well, and the animator, Christie Hauck, suggested the producers speak with an executive at Psychic Bunny, where she worked, about animating the entire show.

By this time, Bette had raised some money for the project, and after a conference call with two producers at Psychic Bunny and their submission of a budget, it was determined that there were adequate funds to produce a half-hour television program. As the finalized budget and contract were being prepared, Bette was writing the screenplay. She finished the last segment on February 16, 2008 and emailed it to George that afternoon. The next evening, Sunday, she suddenly passed away.

The contract with Psychic Bunny was eventually signed, and animation of A Heart Full of Lovebegan in May and wrapped in September. Ten years had passed since Bette had written the book.