Rebecca Sugar, Creator of Steven Universe, talks about her love of anime, Miyazaki's influence on her animation, the immersive experience of Studio Ghibli films, the collaborative process of creating Steven Universe, the importance of communication and teamwork in animation, and the origins of ideas in 'Future Boy Conan'.
Rebecca Sugar discusses her lifelong love for anime and how the work of Miyazaki and Takahata influenced her approach to animation.
Rebecca Sugar highlights the influence of different artists on each other, both within and outside of the animation industry, emphasizing the collaborative nature of television animation.
Deep dives
Rebecca Sugar's Influences and Journey with Animation
Rebecca Sugar, a talented storyboarder, animator, songwriter, and director, discusses her relationship with animation and anime. Growing up with access to animation due to her father's profession as a graphic designer, she developed an understanding of animation as an art form created by artists. She had a fondness for Looney Tunes and NFB shorts, as well as a love for anime, particularly Studio Ghibli films like My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke. Rebecca also had an interest in stop motion and independent animation. She highlights the influence of different artists on each other, both within and outside of the animation industry. Rebecca discusses her own process of creating and working on projects like Adventure Time and Steven Universe, emphasizing the collaborative nature of television animation. She draws inspiration from both Studio Ghibli and Satoshi Kon's works, appreciating their clear vision and attention to detail. Rebecca reflects on the beauty and meaning in Ghibli films like Whisper of the Heart and Princess Kaguya, as well as the deep impact they had on her. She also mentions the different styles and approaches to creating animation and expresses admiration for the craftsmanship and storytelling in jibbly films.
Rebecca Sugar's Connection to Studio Ghibli
Rebecca Sugar discusses her love for Studio Ghibli and its influence on her work. She mentions her admiration for films like Whisper of the Heart, which resonated with her due to its focus on craft and the process of creating art. She appreciates Ghibli's ability to capture specific moments, details, and feelings, making them relatable and immersive for the audience. Rebecca also notes the unique animation techniques used by Ghibli, such as the combination of hand-drawn and digital elements, and the meticulous attention to detail in their visuals. She shares her love for Ghibli films like My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, and Porco Rosso, highlighting specific scenes and the emotional impact they had on her. Rebecca acknowledges Ghibli's influence on her own work, particularly in terms of pursuing quality and challenging oneself artistically.
Rebecca Sugar's Thoughts on Animation Process
Rebecca Sugar shares insights into her own animation process, drawing parallels between her approach and those of Studio Ghibli. She describes her method of chipping away at ideas, studying various artistic choices, and practicing until she feels she has a solid grasp on a concept. Rebecca emphasizes the collaborative nature of creating animated series like Steven Universe, involving discussions with her team and incorporating their perspectives and experiences into the work. She discusses the importance of connecting with her team members, especially in regards to shared experiences or personal connections to the material. Rebecca reflects on the differences between creating a television series and producing films like those from Ghibli, acknowledging the freedom and flexibility in television animation, while also appreciating the focused vision and craftsmanship in Ghibli's films.
Rebecca Sugar's Recommendations and References to Ghibli
Rebecca Sugar recommends exploring the works of Sainzaru, a studio known for its creativity and unique ideas. She also mentions the film Mind Game by Masaaki Yuasa and encourages watching it. Rebecca highlights the impact of Miyazaki and Kon's films on her own work, particularly the connections between animation and music. She references specific scenes and storytelling techniques in Ghibli films, such as the importance of music in establishing a cohesive atmosphere. Rebecca also recalls her experiences meeting Hayao Miyazaki and his insights into dream sequences in his films. She discusses the influence of Ghibli and their use of specific visual and narrative choices on her own series, Steven Universe. Additionally, Rebecca mentions her love for the film Karikano and its portrayal of artistic expression and relationships.
Our series of conversations with writers, animators and filmmakers about their relationship with Studio Ghibli continues with Rebecca Sugar, creator of the Cartoon Network series Steven Universe, talking with Steph and Jake about her lifelong love of anime, and how the work of Miyazaki and Takahata influenced her approach to animation.
