20 Years in the Making: Laika's Wildwood Comes to Life

Laika, the renowned animation studio behind beloved films such as Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings, is finally bringing Wildwood to the big screen. Directed by Travis Knight and based on a book by Colin Meloy, the frontman of The Decemberists, this film is a product of over two decades of dedication and passion.

An Evolving Journey

The roots of Wildwood stretch back to 2011 when Laika CEO Travis Knight first acquired the film rights. For Knight, the project has been a significant part of his life for the last 16 years. He shares, “This film embodies themes of love, loss, and the challenges that accompany love, which resonate with me on a profound level.”

Meet Prue: A Heroine's Quest

The story follows a brave young girl named Prue, who sets off into the mystical wilderness surrounding Portland to rescue her kidnapped baby brother. As she journeys through this enchanting and perilous land, replete with magical creatures and intricate conflicts, audiences are treated to scenes reminiscent of classical fantasy stories like Narnia. The production utilized a remarkable team of around 50 animators and over 200 intricately designed puppets to bring this whimsical world to life.

The Challenges of Stop-Motion

Cinematographer Caleb Deschanel, known for his work on various acclaimed films, took on the challenge of stop-motion for the first time with Wildwood. He expressed surprise at the complexity of the medium: "I came into this expecting one experience and quickly realized it was far more intricate and demanding than I anticipated." The depth of collaborative effort in creating this film plays a crucial role in its success.

Innovation at the Core

Laika is renowned for merging traditional animation techniques with contemporary technology. According to Brad Schiff, the studio's head of animation, each film prompts the team to innovate and develop new methods. For instance, the team successfully implemented a diaphragm functionality in puppets for their previous project, Missing Link, giving characters a more lifelike appearance by simulating breathing.

Costume designer Deb Cook noted that Wildwood benefited from an extensive library of techniques accumulated over the years. The production delivered a wide range of costumes that reflected the story's contrasts—from modern attire in urban scenes to fantastical garb in the forest. Advancements in materials allowed the team to experiment with lighter, more durable fabrics, enhancing the overall quality and longevity of the characters' designs.

Keeping It All Together

The ambitious scale of Wildwood necessitated improved organization within the studio. With numerous puppets and elaborate setups, a sophisticated tracking system was developed to ensure that nothing would go missing during production. The meticulous attention to detail extends beyond practical elements; it encompasses the emotional weight of the narrative as well, with Knight emphasizing the importance of quiet scenes that allow the puppets to convey authentic emotion.

Heartfelt Moments Amidst the Action

Amid the grand battles and chase sequences, the film features intimate moments that necessitate a deep connection between the characters. Knight pointed out scenes filled with raw emotion where puppets confront grief and vulnerability without any theatrical embellishments. He stated, “These subtle exchanges, requiring a nuanced performance, highlight the artistry and human touch behind the puppetry.”

Reflecting on a Legacy

The journey to creating Wildwood represents Laika's evolution over more than twenty years. Knight finds it especially rewarding to collaborate with both seasoned artists and those beginning their animation careers, many of whom grew up inspired by Laika’s previous films, including Coraline. “Witnessing the excitement of these young animators as they contribute to our legacy is incredibly fulfilling,” Knight shared.

Wildwood is now playing in theaters, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the film's beautiful animation and heartrending narrative.