Animated Luckey Quarter Film Screened at KingCon
Filmmaker Lauren L.E. Peralta showcased her adaptation of the Stephen King short story in Atlantic City.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Animation
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Lauren L.E. Peralta recently presented her animated short film based on Stephen King’s Luckey Quarter at the KingCon event in Atlantic City. The project features a cameo appearance by the author himself.
Why it matters
The production highlights the enduring influence of the Dollar Baby program, which allows creators to adapt Stephen King works for a symbolic fee. Peralta chose the story specifically for its focus on family dynamics and its hopeful conclusion.
The production secured rights through the Dollar Baby program for a $1 fee. The film was completed as a year-long project before its eventual inclusion in a lunar time capsule.
The players
Lauren L.E. Peralta
She is the filmmaker and student who produced the animated adaptation of the Stephen King short story.
Stephen King
He is the world-renowned horror and suspense author who makes a cameo appearance in the film adaptation.
The details
Peralta completed the animated short in 2023 as a passion project while attending university. The finished work gained global attention when it was sent to the Moon inside a time capsule in early 2025.
Timeline
2023: Lauren L.E. Peralta completed her film adaptation.
Early 2025: The film landed on the Moon in a capsule.
October 2026: The film screened at KingCon.
Industry Dynamics
The project follows the established tradition of the Dollar Baby program, which encourages independent creators to engage with intellectual property through a low-cost licensing model. This initiative bridges the gap between major literary works and emerging animators seeking to build their portfolios.
Attendees at KingCon were among the few to view the short film, which remains a rare experience given its unique distribution history. Fans interested in similar adaptations should look for future screenings at genre-focused film festivals.
The takeaway
Aspiring filmmakers can leverage long-standing licensing programs to create high-profile adaptations on a limited budget. Focusing on short-form storytelling allows creators to explore complex themes while maintaining manageable project scopes.
Further reading
Discover more independent projects at the Animation section of our site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Edmonton Journal.
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