

Now and Ben: Chris Sanders on The Wild Robot, hand drawn animation vs. CG, and Lilo & Stitch
Jan 30, 2025
In this captivating discussion, Chris Sanders, director of the Oscar-nominated ‘The Wild Robot’ and voice of Stitch from Disney, shares his unique insights into animation. He delves into the stunning blend of hand-drawn and CG animation in his films, emphasizing the emotional power of character development. Chris explores the deep human connections represented by robot characters like Roz, revealing how they mirror our complexities. He also reflects on the nostalgia tied to beloved animated figures, celebrating the joy they bring to fans.
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Unprecedented Excitement for "The Wild Robot"
- Chris Sanders expresses unprecedented excitement about his film, "The Wild Robot."
- Unlike other projects, no one wanted production to end, with animators requesting extra shots.
Impressionistic Realism
- "The Wild Robot's" unique aesthetic blends hand-drawn and CG animation, inspired by Tyrus Wong and Daniel Kekuo.
- This approach, while seemingly abstract, enhances realism by focusing on overall impressions rather than minute details.
The Human Touch
- Hyperrealistic animation can create a disconnect with viewers, while impressionistic styles can feel more real.
- "The Wild Robot" achieves this by using painted surfaces and avoiding excessive geometric detail, even with elements like moss and leaves.