Behind-the-Scenes of Aardman's "Robin Robin" with Directors Daniel Ojari & Michael Please

Animation News Roundup

• 💡 Disney Plus Day brought a wave of animation news, including updates on various Disney and Pixar projects.
• 🎬 The show discusses the premiere of Illumination's "Sing 2" and Disney's "Encanto," with Drew Taylor sharing his positive review of "Encanto" as a potential new Disney classic.
• 🌟 A documentary about the making of Pixar's "Turning Red" and "Lightyear" was announced, alongside a new "Spider-Man: Freshman Year" series with MCU connections.
• 💥 Updates were provided on "X-Men '97," a continuation of the '90s animated series, and a "Marvel Zombies" series.

"Robin Robin": A Stop-Motion Holiday Special

• 🐦 "Robin Robin," a new holiday special from Aardman, debuted on Netflix, featuring a unique felt animation style.
• 🧶 Directors Daniel Ojari and Michael Please explain their choice of felt for its tactile, warm, and Christmas-appropriate aesthetic, inspired by UK felt decorations.
• 🌟 They shared how they pitched the idea to Aardman using felt decorations, and were met with enthusiasm for experimenting with a new medium.
• 🎬 The directors discussed the challenges of stop-motion, including managing the "boiling effect" of hair movement and the complexity of the opening continuous shot sequence.
• 🥚 The opening sequence, though complex and time-consuming, aimed to establish the world and its themes of parental care and environmental threats early on.

Production Insights and Netflix Partnership

• ⏱️ The production of "Robin Robin" spanned approximately two years, with an eight-month shoot, and involved around 400 shots, though the exact number varied.
• 🛠️ Aardman's studio is described as a well-oiled machine, emphasizing efficiency in stop-motion production to maintain creative energy.
• 🕸️ The set design for the magpies' nest was a dream project for set dressers, requiring careful management of props and strings, with VFX used to reintegrate elements after animation.
• 🤝 Netflix is highlighted as an amazing partner, offering creative freedom and trust, allowing filmmakers to see their vision through without undue pressure.
• 🐔 The successful collaboration with Netflix is continuing with "Chicken Run 2," which is already in production.

Themes and Messages

• 💖 "Robin Robin" explores themes of celebrating difference and being yourself, regardless of how different you are.
• 🏡 The story centers on a robin who wants to fit in with her mouse family, highlighting the message of inclusion and belonging.
• 🎄 The special arrived at a time when its message of acceptance and family is particularly needed.