In a digital age dominated by technology and artificial intelligence, Pixar Animation Studios is still rooted in traditional animation methods, employing over 100 animators for the production of their upcoming film “Elio,” a project that took four years to complete.
Animation is often a labor-intensive process. According to Wong, an animator with Pixar, a single animator can produce only three to four seconds of finished animation in a week, resulting in an average of one to two minutes animated for the entire film.
Wong emphasizes the importance of collaboration at Pixar, noting the close working relationship between animators and creative directors.
“You get to put your own spin on a character’s performance,” Wong explained. “Unlike a lot of other studios, the directors talk to you like an actor, providing us with acting and performance notes daily. It’s really empowering.”
Pixar’s commitment to creativity is reflected in their workplace culture, requiring nearly all animators to work in the office. Wong believes that this face-to-face interaction fosters a human element that contributes to the lifelike quality of the characters on screen.
“It’s crazy that 100 animators worked on this and you see the film with a single living, breathing character,” he said. “There is a bit of movie magic in that.”
Wong’s passion for storytelling is evident in his childhood influences, listing films like “Gremlins,” “Star Wars,” and “The Goonies” as favorites.
“We looked at ‘Goonies’ references for this film,” Wong shared, highlighting an ’80s vibe that permeates the project.
The narrative follows Elio, a character who experiences a sense of alienation on Earth. Wong articulates a vision where Elio, feeling lost and out of place, ultimately finds a community among beings in outer space.
Elio is raised by his aunt Olga, voiced by Zoe Saldaña, a character with an Air Force background who sacrifices her dreams of becoming an astronaut for her nephew. Wong describes this relationship as complex, aiming for an authentic dynamic that resonates with viewers.
Reflecting on themes of family and belonging, Wong notes parallels between the Elio-Olga relationship and that of the sisterly duo in “Lilo & Stitch,” which also features themes of loss and care.
“It was not a conscious thing,” Wong remarked regarding the similarities, though he acknowledges the resemblance.
In the film, Elio’s closest companion in space is Glordon, a friendly, wormlike alien. Wong details the creative process behind Glordon, emphasizing the importance of initial appearances, as the character is designed to look somewhat intimidating yet embodies the innocence of a child trying to fit into society.
The team drew inspiration from playful creatures, using a floppy, blubbery seal for Glordon’s visuals. Wong and his team also revisited classics like “E.T.” and “Stand by Me” to shape the interactive moments between Elio and Glordon.
“During animation tests, we explored what children would do if their parents weren’t around,” Wong noted, sharing some spontaneous ideas that emerged during development.
One memorable scene involves Elio hiding within Glordon’s mouth to escape danger.
“Those are the fun things when you let animators run wild with ideas, especially when it comes to aliens, where there are no rules,” Wong said enthusiastically.
The film showcases a variety of alien species, featuring unique vocal talents. Notably, Brad Garrett, known for his role in “Everybody Loves Raymond,” lends his voice to Lord Grigon, Glordon’s father, whose tough exterior masks a desire for acceptance.
Wong praises Garrett’s voice for its inherent character that enhances the movie’s tone.
In addition, Jameela Jamil plays an ethereal ambassador, Questa, allowing her vibrant personality to shine through the character.
“She’s hilarious,” Wong remarked, impressed by Jamil’s comedic timing and vocal delivery.
While it’s not typical for Wong to meet voice actors during production, he had a memorable encounter with Yonas Kibreab, who voices Elio.
“Yonas ran into my office one time and said, ‘Hey! I’m Elio!’” Wong recounted, reflecting on the enthusiastic connection between them.
As Pixar prepares for the release of “Elio,” the studio remains committed to blending technology with the tradition of storytelling and character development.
image source from：ajc
