If you want to talk to 2 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!)?
How cool is that?! I would have loved to have been there to learn about all the storyboarding and collaboration.
We’re really looking forward to seeing this movie. I know the kids will love it! We probably won’t see it on opening weekend, but will shortly after. Can’t wait!
It does sound like they love their job. Who wouldn’t you get to draw all day and have a great time doing it. I also love seeing anything behind the scenes so this was a great post for me!
It would be so cool to be in the room while all of these creative minds pitch their ideas. I can’t wait to see the movie!
That movie looks super cute. Is any Pixar movie not good? I love all the planning they put into them. It shows.
This looks like a really cute movie. I am definitely going to have to see it very soon.
This movie is an awaited event for my boys. We really can not wait to go see it as a family and I know the story line is really what make it so awesome!
Its sad that I won’t be able to see this on its opening day. Thanksgiving is a big family affair and we will all be meeting up at my mom’s house this year.
What a cool event. The Good Dinosaur sounds like a fun movie. We’re looking forward to watching this.
I could never draw that well! I love how talented these people are!
I saw this movie the other night and it is just adorable!! I felt so bad for poor Arlo but love that he proved himself in the end!
I can’t wait to see this movie with my son. He loves most of the new Disney movies so I am sure that this one won’t be any different.
I would love to be there and listening to their talk. I’m going to watch this movie when I have time.
How am I just now hearing about this? It looks like an adorable movie.
Sounds like a really fun event! I cannot wait to watch this movie with my daughter!
No children, so I don’t really animated movies unless I am attending them as a blogger or my nieces or nephews want to go one while I am watching them. I am more of a ‘horror’ gal myself, but I did dream about animation as a career for a hot minute! 🙂
That’s fun that he loved the story room. It’s fun that you got to interview him too.
It so fun to hear about how they put animated movies together. So much work goes into it! What a great opportunity to interview them!
My son has always been fascinated with dinosaurs. And although he’s now a tween, I know he would still love to see that movie.
So very cool. It is amazing all that it takes to make those great movies. Would love to have been in that room. Thank you for sharing.
we just watched the good dinosaur yesterday! My kids love it!Great story and very nice animation
I actually love it when we get to know that things are still being done in a traditional manner – like drawing things by the hand. Making it digital will probably make it look good but the creation itself by the hand – is what starts all.
I’m so excited for this movie. It’s only coming here end of December, but I know my daughter is going to love it.
We can’t wait to see this movie! It looks like it will be a lot of fun!
Wow what an experience! This movie looks absolutely adorable!!!
Love this, I saw the previews during the Peanuts movie and thought it was sweet. My three year old was really excited about it.
My daughter is an artist and she would have loved to see this event. Anything with art or animation would interest her.
We haven’t seen The Good Dinosaur yet but my daughter can’t wait.