‘The Wild Robot’ Interview: Chris Sanders Returning to Animation Roots

(From left) Rose (Lupita Nyong’o), and Brightbill (Kit Connor) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Wild Robot’ | Photo credit: DreamWorks Animation

Chris Sanders brings another beloved book to the screen How to train your dragon with wild robotBased on the famous Peter Brown book. The animated film, which opens on October 17, boasts a stellar voice cast including Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Mark Hamill and Ving Rhames.

“We have an incredible cast, full credit to our casting director Christy Soper,” Sanders said in a video call from New York City. “Every one of our first choices said yes. They liked the story very much. Working with them allowed me to meet actors I never expected to meet in my entire life (laughs). It was exciting and scary because I wanted to do a good job as a director and be clear about my direction.”

Once the voice cast was finalized, Sanders said, the script was customized to fit the actors. “It’s really a collaboration, because I want improvisation and input. I want those changes, so the actors feel like they’re the characters. A great example would be Pedro Pascal (who plays Fink, a mischievous red fox). He said that the character of Fink was before him. more than any other character.”

Rose (Lupita Nyong’o), and Brightbill (Kit Connor) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Wild Robot’ | Photo credit: DreamWorks Animation

Describing Sanders as an incredible director, Pascal said, “He’s a great scene partner and guide not only at the core of the character, but at the core of what you need to do to bring the character to life.”

Lupita Nyong’o, who voices the lead character, Rose, a robot marooned on a deserted island, praised Sanders, describing her as “highly imaginative, deeply talented, wildly intelligent and receptive to whatever you give her.” He was influential to my creative process, giving notes that weren’t prescriptive. He would give me notes that would inspire new thoughts and new performances in the booth.”

Describes Sanders’ animation style wild robotMiyazaki as a Monet painting in the forest. “This film is a technological breakthrough. We’ve reached the point where we can go back to the roots of animation. I used to watch it as a child BambiAnd it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. We’re also big fans of Miyazaki (Hayao Miyazaki, award-winning Japanese animator, filmmaker and manga artist) and his hand-drawn backgrounds.”

Rose (Lupita Nyong’o), and Brightbill (Kit Connor) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Wild Robot’ | Photo credit: DreamWorks Animation

up to wild robotThe geometry was wrapped with texture, says Sanders. “Underneath everything was a computerized geometry. What we can do is create a painting and wrap it around things. in case wild robotHowever, it is literally a painting in progress. Our artists can now paint in space, dimensionally. I saw a demonstration of this when an artist at a station with a stylus moved their hand and painted on the screen.”

Not only is every environment hand-painted, but every character is fleshed out with paint, Sanders said. “All fur and feathers are big, broad brushstrokes. When the characters come closer to the screen, it’s not what we’re used to, where you see every little blade of fur. It is completely different. And the effect is truly groundbreaking.”