If you want to talk to 2 (aff) people who love their jobs, you have to talk to Screenwriter Meg LaFauve and Story Supervisor Kelsey Mann.
It is pretty amazing what goes into making a movie and talking to Meg LaFauve and Kelsey Mann brings us back to the beginning. They are there from the start and help move and drive the story along. For The Good Dinosaur, Meg, Pete, the producer, the story supervisor (which was Kelsey), and several other departments got together. They talk and get their ideas all lined up for what they are looking for.
When Kelsey started talking, you knew he loved it in the story room (which is where we got to interview him). He totally got animated, and you could see how much he loves what he does. Did you know that the animation is still hand drawn for the storyboards? They have software that makes it digital, but there is still an animator that is hand drawing it! That's why I've included my very own version of Arlo. Kelsey taught us how to draw him (and I have to say that mine doesn't look too bad!).
Basically, what happens is that the animators meet in the story room and they all pitch their different ideas for the story. Kelsey or Meg or Pete can veto it or tell the animator to continue with the idea. Sometimes those ideas make it into the final movie! It was really cool to watch how these pitches work and how animated they get while doing their pitch! They are doing this often as they construct the storyboards for the story. Meg keeps everybody on track and keeps the story driving forward. She's the big picture person for them!
Do you think you can draw Arlo? Did you have any idea that this much work goes into making a film? Will you be seeing A Good Dinosaur Opening Day this week (It's on Thanksgiving!)?
