A Day in the Life of

The animated short Freebird, written and directed by Joe Bluhm and Michael McDonald, chronicles the experiences of a spirited boy with Down syndrome. We had a chance to catch up with the short’s creative director Nicholas Herd, who shared some photos from a typical day in his amazing life:

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I’m a sleep diva. Morning isn’t my thing.

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They look calm, but you should see them tug-a-war.

Freebird

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Zoom meeting with the L’Arche creative team. This snap was from when they changed their backgrounds without me knowing. Then I put it together: Freebird was Oscar-eligible!

Took the metro to the Disability Channel to shoot my talk show. Today, I’m interviewing a dentist in Syria whose dad has Down syndrome. Back home now. Time for my theater troupe, Sol Express — but we’re on Zoom. Today’s topic is character psychology.

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My night to cook for mom and dad. I’m making a keto-friendly pasta dinner. Yes, the hat is necessary.

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Bedtime ritual: I lip sync Mamma Mia every night. You think I’m joking?

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Painting time is how I nurture my spirit and work through ideas.

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As I go to bed, I watch my DVDs in alphabetical order. Tonight I’m at “G,” so Golden Girls, Gray’s Anatomy and Glee keep me entertained until 3 a.m.