Zootopia Q&A with an Animator

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If you are Disney fan then I’m sure you’re aware that Zootopia opened in theaters and broke records like crazy. Last weekend we decided to go as a family to see it and what an adventure. In Zootopia any one can be anything. It teaches a very valuable lesson to not judge someone because their a fox (sly) or a bunny (little and cute), but to look past the stereotype and get to know them. A great lesson for both kids and adults.

I also had the chance prior to seeing the film to attend a talk and Q&A with Darren Butters who worked as an animator on Zootopia and many other Disney films. I’ve always been fascinated with the behind the scenes of things, and Disney movies are watched frequently in our home so getting to learn more about them is exciting.

Darren has been working with Disney Animation for almost 20 years and gave us some great info about the process of making a Disney film. For starters making a film can take anywhere from 4-6 years from start to finish. Zootopia was very inspired from Robin Hood. They felt the world needs more movies with animals in clothes! Which I totally agree, and there’s a great scene in the movie of what it’s like when animals don’t wear clothes. It makes me giggle even now!

It’s not just about drawing animals in clothes though. They had to really think about and figure out how giraffes would live in the same city as a mouse. Design the animals to walk on 2 legs and still be believable. Imagine how a moose would eat a popsicle or an elephant serve ice cream. The thought and detail is really spectacular. Even taking animal instincts and survival into play.

I was interested in knowing more about the process of creating a film. I learned that the story line comes first. Next the actors voice the character. Then the animation comes into play. As an animator Darren often would act out the scene himself to get ideas for how the character would be portrayed and go to the director with his ideas. We often think they copy the actors who voice the character, and they do, but there’s so much more they have to think about and figure out as the animator.

When we asked Darren which character he worked the most on he told us Flash, the sloth. This was probably one of my favorite scenes in the movie. He captured the perfect timing and keeps you engaged.

I do need to mention that there are a few scary parts in this film. Both kids (4 &6) had moments where they were afraid. Making us question if we should head out, but when we asked they said they wanted to stay and see the end, and I’m glad we did because as the final line sums it up: Change starts with you and Me!

Want to learn more about animation check out this post from my friend Melissa: How to draw Judy Hopps!

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