Bringing a single character to life takes a village: an actor's voice, an animator's physical performance, designers, cinematographers, and a screenwriter, all converging on one emotional truth. This episode explores that rare collaboration through Wildwood, LAIKA's upcoming adaptation of the beloved Portland-set book. Wildwood screenwriter Chris Butler is joined by the film's stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee and Jacob Tremblay to revisit these characters years after first encountering them; they discuss the joys of telling a proudly local story and unpack the challenges of adapting such a beloved, sprawling book. LAIKA Art Director Cassie Lopez also takes Peyton Elizabeth and Jacob behind the scenes to see two striking sets from the upcoming film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Puppetry takes wildly different forms on screen: from small stop-motion puppets animated frame by frame to massive creatures operated by multiple puppeteers and Brad Schiff and James Ortiz perfectly encapsulate this spectrum. LAIKA's Head of Animation Brad Schiff has spent his career bringing puppets to life one frame at a time, while James Ortiz built and performed Project Hail Mary's beloved Rocky. Two experts on the medium trade notes on where creativity actually happens, why rigorous preparation fuels real improvisation, and how craft becomes something unmistakably human. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
From Coraline's sets to viral TikTok illusions, two masters of practical effects swap secrets:. Brian McLean, LAIKA's Director of Rapid Prototype, has spent 20 years pushing stop motion forward with groundbreaking innovation. And Zach King, one of the world's biggest creators, brings his own signature magic touch to the table. LAIKA's pioneering use of 3D printing collides with the optical trickery behind social media's biggest illusions, in a conversation about what it really takes to inspire awe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What does it take to make something magical? Step inside award-winning stop motion animation studio LAIKA where artists chat with fellow expert creatives about filmmaking, practical effects, craftsmanship and the mythic wonder that brings our most iconic worlds to life. Premiering September 9 on YouTube - and wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Made By Humans Trailer Sept 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices