‘Wild Robot,’ ‘Inside Out’ and ‘Transformers One’ Directors Talk Creating Authentic Animated Features at SCAD

As a seasoned cinema devotee with a passion for animated features, I was thoroughly captivated by the insights shared at the EbMaster Animation Panel during the SCAD Savannah Film Festival. The wisdom imparted by these distinguished filmmakers resonated deeply within me, as someone who has spent countless hours engrossed in the enchanting world of animation.


Leading nominees in the category of animated feature Oscars discussed the process of crafting emotionally genuine productions during a panel titled “EbMaster” Animation Panel – Pencils & Pixels, held at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival.

In essence, what Morgan Neville is trying to convey is that your fears are not restrictions; they’re possibilities. When you truly examine the things that frighten you, those are the areas you should approach and endeavor to understand better, for it is there that the valuable experiences reside.” This is a paraphrased version of the original quote, maintaining the essence of the message but presented in a more conversational and easy-to-understand manner.

Neville was recognized in the company of several distinguished filmmakers: Gints Zilbalodis, the creator of “Flow”; Oscar winner Josh Cooley, who helmed “Transformers One”; Chris Sanders, three-time Academy Award nominee and scriptwriter/director of “Wild Robot”; Kelsey Mann, director of the sequel to “Inside Out”; and Adam Elliot, the creative mind behind “Memoir of a Snail”.

When inquired about advice for a student creating their inaugural animated film, Zilbalodis suggested, “Avoid imitating others; instead, express your unique story and style.” He also emphasized, “If we dedicate our lives to making these films, let’s do it with genuine enthusiasm. It’s not merely a profession, so strive to discover something that stirs deep emotions within you, as this will transform the work into more than just a job.

All filmmakers on stage shared a common viewpoint: to effectively convey an idea to the audience, it’s crucial to refine it through a particular emotion. Cooley emphasized, “When faced with countless questions daily, I find solace and guidance in identifying the most emotional aspect of the story you’re trying to tell.

Another widespread agreement was the significant role of collective teamwork in transforming a single person’s cinematic concept into reality, especially for animation projects. Given the diverse array of departments required for animation, mastering all the skills and techniques independently is challenging. During this point, Sanders recounted his experience directing ‘Lilo and Stitch,’ their first directorial opportunity with Dean Depluwa. They were initially concerned because they felt inadequate in understanding every discipline involved, particularly layout and such. However, he found the key was to address everyone as if they were actors.

Mann had a similar experience when dealing with the character designs for the “Inside Out” emotions. He explained how he initially came very prepared with a specific vision for the characters, but then someone on the team said was best if he just communicated what emotions he wanted to portray with each scene and then the animators could work from there. He added, “Then you get all these amazing ideas that you wouldn’t have had. That’s probably my biggest thing that I’ve learned on the film is trusting your team.” 

The panelists delved into the topic of a director’s role and level of control. Elliot expressed, “People often assume that in stop motion, directors show up at the end of each day while everyone else prepares the sets and puppets. However, in my studio, I’m actually the first one to arrive at 6 a.m. and the last to leave at 7 p.m.

In a blend of two distinct styles, Neville expressed his fascination at the increased authority a director possesses over a documentarian, “I found myself captivated by the tension between reality and documentaries. Applying the rules of documentary within a realm where one has full control.

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2024-11-04 19:46