Amid Amidi

‘Trolls Band Together’ directors and crew on creativity and collaboration

Trolls Band Together

Dreamworks Animation’s latest film is a jam-packed aural and visual experience that invited ideas and creativity from artists throughout the studio. Says vfx supervisor Marc Scott, “A lot of the times, as filmmakers, our job is to make sure we’re following the direction. I don’t think I’ve worked on a film with as much of ‘Trolls Band Together’ directors and crew on creativity and collaboration

‘Ruby Gillman’ directors on creating Dreamworks Animation’s first titular female lead

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken

Ruby Gillman is a teen girl-kraken who is “stuck between very strong women, amazingly strong women,” says director Kirk DeMicco. Those women include Ruby’s mom and grandmother, as well as her best friend Margot, and her new bestie Chelsea. “A lot of people have a lot of ideas how she should be living her life ‘Ruby Gillman’ directors on creating Dreamworks Animation’s first titular female lead

‘Nimona’ directors & creator explain why Blue Sky’s shutdown couldn’t kill their film

Nimona

Originally set up at Blue Sky Studios, Nimona’s future was thrown into doubt after Disney purchased and then shut down the studio. But the makers of the film were unwilling to let the project die, and with the help of Annapurna Pictures and Netflix, the film was given a second chance.

‘Elemental’ director Peter Sohn on the film’s evolution from superhero story to something personal

Elemental and Pete Sohn

As the film was being developed, it went through several big narrative changes. Sohn knew the kind of story he wanted to tell, but there was still work to be done to nail down the specifics. Early versions had villains, but Sohn says that turned it into basically another superhero movie, and that’s not the ‘Elemental’ director Peter Sohn on the film’s evolution from superhero story to something personal

‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ director Joel Crawford on making a sequel that goes beyond the original

Puss in Boots

Originally a side character from Shrek 2, Puss in Boots quickly became a fan favorite and spun off into his own feature in 2011’s Puss in Boots. The director of the sequel, Joel Crawford, explains how the team figured out where to go in this next chapter and the unique artistic and narrative choices made ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ director Joel Crawford on making a sequel that goes beyond the original

‘Pinocchio’ Director Guillermo Del Toro on the boundaries American animation should be pushing

Pinocchio

Del Toro discusses the stunning work done by Pinocchio’s crew – and talks about how North American animation often falls short in addressing adult themes.

‘Wendell & Wild’ director Henry Selick on Embracing The Imperfections of Stop Motion

Wendell & Wild

“There’s something about real objects,” says Selick, “being hand manipulated and brought to life, that is always gonna bring me back. It’s the oldest type of animation and I think it has the strongest magic.”

‘Luck’ Director Peggy Holmes On Making Skydance Animation’s First Feature

Peggy Holmes on Luck

“Humans are obsessed with luck,” says Luck director Peggy Holmes in our discussion about the concepts at play in Skydance Animation’s first animated feature.

‘Lilo & Stitch’ At 20, A Conversation with Directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois

Lilo & Stitch

On the 20th anniversary of Lilo & Stitch, the directors of the film reminisce over the creation, development, production, and enduring legacy of the Disney classic.

‘Encanto’ Directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard

Encanto

The directors of Walt Disney Animation Studios’s Encanto on avoiding tropes and crafting a unique story.