News & Press Releases

10 Things You Should Know About “The Boxtrolls”

Published

10 years ago

September 23, 2014

Jim Hill

On September 26th, Focus Features will present LAIKA’s “The Boxtrolls”. A family event movie from the creators of “Coraline” and “ParaNorman” that introduces audiences to a new breed of family – The Boxtrolls, a community of quirky, mischievous creatures who have lovingly raised an orphaned human boy named Eggs (voiced by Isaac Hempstead-Wright) in the amazing cavernous home they’ve built beneath the streets of Cheesebridge. When the town’s villain, Archibald Snatcher (Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley), comes up with a plot to get rid of the Boxtrolls, Eggs decides to venture above ground, “into the light,” where he meets and teams up with fabulously feisty Winnifred (Elle Fanning). Together, they devise a daring plan to save Eggs’ family

While keeping their community together underground, the humans’ trash becomes the Boxtrolls’ treasure. The kindhearted band of tinkerers also dumpster-dive and collect mechanical junk which they transform into magical inventions. But with his Boxtrolls family increasingly at risk because of Cheesebridge citizens misunderstanding them and because of Snatcher’s dangerous scheme, Eggs must venture above ground, “into the light,” where he meets and teams up with another 11-year-old, the fabulously feisty Winnie (Elle Fanning of Maleficent) – Lord Portley-Rind’s daughter. Together, Eggs and Winnie devise a daring plan to save the Boxtrolls from Snatcher, embarking on an adventure with madcap antics and open hearts which proves that heroes come in all shapes and sizes – even rectangles.

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LAIKA’S LATEST GROUND-BREAKING MOVIE:

Number 1
The BoxTrolls is a stop-motion, hand-drawn AND CG hybrid movie

While the traditional
stop-motion process remains the bedrock of LAIKA, the company has continued to
integrate new technology, specifically RP (Rapid Prototyping) and CG
(Computer-Generated) advances, into its moviemaking. The Boxtrolls (2014), the company’s third feature, was again
conceived and photographed in stereoscopic 3D. Notably, it is also an example
of hybridization: a stop-motion, hand-drawn, and CG hybrid which marries and
celebrates the handmade tradition and the latest tools of the trade. Once more
in Oregon, new ground is being broken in
exploring and expanding a classic art form

The Boxtrolls wear recycled cardboard boxes the way turtles wear their shells and get their names from their box labels.

[View:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lipo36UxhMQ]

A stop-motion feature is
comparable to a live-action feature – physical sets must be
built and dressed, performers need to be properly coiffed, clothed, and
lit – and given proper direction.

[View:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAckX7fTkkM]

Number 4

Alan Snow’s bestselling fantasy
adventure Here Be Monsters!,
the first volume in the author’s series of
books, was adapted into The Boxtrolls.

LAIKA CEO and Lead Animator Travis Knight reveals, “We have developed this movie for nearly a decade, starting
around the same time as Coraline.
That movie came together first, and then ParaNorman
jumped into view, but now here we are with this long-nurtured project
finally happening.

Boxtrolls speak their own language

[View:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Bkb_JVDvo]

Sir Ben Kinglsey performed the character of Snatcher in a reclined position

Producer David Bleiman Ichioka reveals, “That changed this amazing actor’s voice performance – where it would come from within his body – and that in turn changed the way we were animating Snatcher and how his body and face would be moving. He took on a much more theatrical bent; he is always ‘on.'”
The actor found the voiceover recording sessions “very releasing. I wasn’t bound by physical behavior, costume, or even to a certain extent continuity. I’m quite intuitive, I think, and Snatcher’s voice materialized on day one – I did it at home privately and then brought it to the recording session. It came out of his big gut.”

The Boxtrolls and Imagination Foundation has invited kids of all ages anywhere in the world to build something amazing out of cardboard, recycled materials and imagination.

You can enter The Boxtrolls Cardboard Challenge now through September 29th by posting your cardboard creation on Twitter or Instagram using #TheBoxtrollsCC

Number 8 The movie “Paranorman” needed a Face Wrangler and “The BoxTrolls” has a Face Librarian

Replacement facial animation at LAIKA is groundbreaking; LAIKA was the first animation studio to use 3D printers to create the replacement mouth and brow of each character. On this movie, thousands of face parts were printed, which gives the lead characters an infinite amount of expression.

Tim Yates, who was lead face wrangler on ParaNorman and now lead face librarian
on The Boxtrolls, notes that “the human touch is never lacking in our characters;
there is a tremendous amount of nuance that goes into these faces. Having
thousands of replacement faces coming from the 3D printers, and kept in the
face library that our facial animation department has built up, helps our stop-motion
animators be able to give extra attention to the body movements. What all this
is in the service of is that audiences connect with the characters and feel
their emotions. LAIKA’s movies are highly character-driven, and this range of
expressions helps our characters come even more alive.”

The faces for all characters are now permanently housed in LAIKA’s face library, which currently numbers over 1,300 archival boxes of nearly 53,000 faces

Some “Easter
eggs” did make it past the executives at LAIKA.

Eggs stands in the alley looking for Snatcher LAIKA BoxTrolls
For those familiar with the original source material, Curt Enderle – Boxtrolls art director – reveals that
“people with sharp eyes might be able to spot signs on some buildings that
reference things in Alan Snow’s book.”
So keep your eyes peeled.

Snatcher’s Mecha-Drill puppet, which stood 5′ tall & weighed over 75 pounds is the biggest stop-motion puppet rig ever built

More Boxtrolls by the Numbers

An animator
typically took 1 week to complete 3.7 seconds’ worth of footage, which is just
under 90 individual frames
190 puppets were
built for The Boxtrolls
200 costumes were
made for the movie
Mixing puppets
and CG, the ballroom set hosted 150 Cheesebridgeians
Over 53,000
individual face parts were 3D-printed; of those, 15,000 were Eggs’
The movie’s
smallest costumes were for Eggs as a toddler: the sweater, measuring 3.5″ from
cuff to cuff across the length of both arms and chest, and the socks measuring
5/8″ long

CG humans are in
185 shots of the movie, CG Boxtrolls are
in 131 shots of the movie
The stop-motion flames “burning” in the furnace of the
Mecha-Drill are courtesy of a working iPad displaying a loop video inside the
“mouth” of the device
The river running through the sewer scene where Eggs
climbs the ladder was in fact handmade; a rig holding a 4’x2′ pane of shower
glass passed over a nest of white aluminum fishing-line wire, tiny pieces of
mirror and mylar, and colored masking tape to perfect the illusion of a watery
surface – creating rippling liquid without
actual liquid
The movie’s
smallest prop was the tiny sewing thread and needle
The following
amounts of materials were used or consumed during production:
- 80 pounds of hot
  melt glue sticks
- 96 cubic feet of
  gold urethane foam
- 898 cans of spray
  paint
- 1,000 sheets of
  sandpaper
- 2,000 tongue
  depressors
- 2,896 feet of
  2×4’s
- 2,904 doughnuts
- 4,000 X-Acto
  blades
- 6,928 feet of
  1×4’s
- 12,000 cotton
  balls
- 35,488 square
  feet of plywood

THE BOXTROLLS releases in theaters on September 26!

Get social with the Boxtrolls:

https://www.facebook.com/theboxtrolls

http://instagram.com/theboxtrolls#

Tweets by TheBoxtrolls

http://www.theboxtrolls.com/

#TheBoxtrolls

News & Press Releases

New Updates and Exclusive Content from Jim Hill Media: Disney, Universal, and More

Published

10 months ago

February 23, 2024

Jim Hill

Boy oh boy, do I have some exciting news to share with all of you.

If you’ve been following our journey at Jim Hill Media, you know we’re all about peeling back the curtain to reveal behind the scenes insights, news, and history that surround the world of entertainment and theme parks.

And today, I’ve got a treasure trove of updates to share. So, grab your popcorn, and let’s get into it.

A New Chapter on Patreon

As many of you know, we recently made the big leap over to Patreon, and let me tell you, it’s been quite a rollercoaster ride. This move was driven by your requests for more exclusive content (and the easy to use RSS feed and app is a BIG bonus).

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support. Your enthusiasm and engagement have been the driving force behind our passion for delivering the best of Disney and Universal content.

Moving to Patreon has opened new avenues for us to connect more deeply with our listeners, offering exciting perks and benefits that allow us to tailor our content more closely to your interests and preferences. It’s been an incredible journey of crafting special content, such as the launch of our video podcast series, [Disney Unpacked].

[Disney Unpacked] – A Video Podcast Series Like No Other

Imagine sitting down for a chat with a Disney Imagineer who’s helped shape your Disney experiences for over three decades. That’s what we’re bringing to the table with [Disney Unpacked]. Alongside the legendary Jim Shull and my partner in crime Len Testa, we explore Disney’s storytelling, sharing how beloved rides and attractions were created, through the eyes of an Imagineer like Jim Shull who personally contributed to these projects.

It’s a rare opportunity to host a video show with Jim Shull, a Disney Imagineer who’s worked on projects like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Toontown for over 33 years. If you’re curious about Jim and his work, check out our “Meet Jim Shull” video.

But that’s not all – as a patron, you’ll gain access to even more exclusive content. Our “Carry On” podcast, where Jim Shull and I explore stories that didn’t quite make it into the main episodes, offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind [Disney Unpacked]. Plus, our regular Q&A sessions give you the chance to get answers to all your burning questions about the show.

Beyond the Podcast: Photos and Artifacts from an Imagineers Personal Collection

And if that wasn’t exciting enough, let me introduce you to our brand-new monthly video show, “Picture This.” Hosted by yours truly alongside Jim Shull and moderated by Lauren Hersey, “Picture This” offers a behind-the-scenes look at Jim Shull’s personal collection of over 60,000 photos and artifacts from his 33-year career at Disney. From rare behind-the-scenes shots to exclusive glimpses of Disney history, this show is a must-watch for any serious Disney fan.

Jim Shull opens up his vault and shares some never-before-seen photos and the stories about them.

The History of the Pixar Place Hotel

Recently, it was announced that Disneyland’s Paradise Pier hotel would be reopening as the Pixar Place Hotel.

Curious about the backstory behind this decision? Join Jim Shull and me as we delve into the history of the Pixar Place hotel. Explore its fascinating origins and gain insights into the inspirations drawn from Jim’s leadership on the Toy Story Hotel project at Shanghai Disney.

This YouTube documentary-style video offers a look into the creative process behind one of Disney’s iconic hotel projects.

Debut of “I Want That Too” Video Podcast

Introducing our newest podcast addition, “I Want That Too,” where Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the fascinating world of Disney products. From toys and collectibles to apparel and home goods, we’re here to unpack it all.

But we’re not just about the merchandise – join us as we explore the rich history and untold stories behind your favorite Disney goodies. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your Disney journey, there’s something for everyone on “I Want That Too.”

This show drops bi-weekly as a Podcast and a Video over on the Jim Hill Media YouTube Channel.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today.

Welcoming Universal Fans with “Epic Universal” Podcast

And for all you Universal enthusiasts (or Universal Curious) out there, we’ve got you covered too! Introducing “Epic Universal,” a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Eric Hersey and yours truly.

Join us as we dive into the latest news, interviews, and trip planning tips from the Universal universe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about what’s happening at Universal Studios, we invite you to join the conversation and stay updated with “Epic Universal.”

A Look Ahead: The Future of Jim Hill Media

Phew! It’s been an exhilarating few months at Jim Hill Media, with our Patreon move and new show launches, all dedicated to bringing you top-notch theme park news, insights, and history. Your support and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our efforts, and we’re incredibly thankful for it.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about the future, with more content and partnerships on the horizon. Whether you’re into Disney, Universal, Marvel, or Merch, we invite you to stay engaged and subscribe for more updates.

A huge thank you for being part of our journey.

News & Press Releases

Disney Will Bring D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to Anaheim, California in August 2024

Published

1 year ago

September 9, 2023

Nancy Stadler

Expanded Disney Fan Experience Will Feature New and Exciting Events Across Multiple Locations, Including a D23 Takeover of the Happiest Place On Earth, Evening Entertainment at the Honda Center, D23 Day at Angel Stadium, and Much More

Fan Favorites Including Exhibits, Panels, Shows, and Shopping Will Dazzle Disney Enthusiasts at the Anaheim Convention Center

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a one-of-a-kind fan experience like never before with spectacular shows, new venues, and multiple days of entertainment that will bring together the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more!

Highlightswill include:

Sunday, August 4: D23 Day at Angel Stadium, where D23 fans are invited to attend the Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Mets game.
Thursday, August 8: D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort.
Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11: Shopping, exhibits, panels, and presentations will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center during the day, with the fun extending into the evening at the Honda Center, the bigger home to marquee shows.

Tickets for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will go on sale in Spring 2024, with ticketing options to be announced later for access to the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Admission for D23 Day at Angel Stadium and the D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort will be available as separate ticketed events. Additional details for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will be announced in early 2024.

You can get updates by staying connected to D23 via social media (@DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X), D23.com, and our weekly D23 FanFare email (sign up for free as a D23 General Member at JoinD23.com).

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 100-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic year-round through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the latest news and stories on D23.com; member-exclusive offers and discounts; the popular D23 Inside Disney podcast; and special experiences for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99/year), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99/year), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.

News & Press Releases

Star Wars Spoof: Space Robots in Outer Space Ep X: Battle for the Halcyon: The Last Starcruiser

Published

2 years ago

May 4, 2023

Jim Hill

Sure, Star Wars is cool and all. But let’s not forget about that other multi-part sci-fi cinematic spectacular, “Space Robots in Outer Space.” In fact, Hank Lonely (Hollywood’s ultimate hyphenate — actor / producer / director / writer / guy who makes sure the Porto Potties are kept squeaky-clean) just announced that there’ll soon be a 10th installment of this … Well, not exactly beloved. How about we say “admired from afar” instead? … series coming to a theater near you. In fact, here’s the highly anticipated teaser trailer for that project. Which is supposed to be titled “Space Robots in Outer Space X — Battle for the Halycon: The Last Starcruiser.”

Okay. Now the real story … In honor of Star Wars Day (i.e., May 4th. As in “May the Fourth Be With You”), Len Testa and I are sharing something that we produced with the help of all the nice folks who joined us last month aboard the Halycon.

We turned the Galactic Starcruiser as well as Black Spire Outpost into the backdrop for an affectionate send-up of all things Stars Wars. We hope that you (more importantly, the legal team at Lucasfilm) take this faux trailer in the spirit with which it was intended. Special thanks to Aaron Adams for so skillfully stitching all of this footage together. Also thanks to the team at Storybook Destinations, Touring Plans and the talented cast & crew aboard the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” for making this “Disney Dish” fan event so memorable.