Director Benjamin Renner almost declined Illumination’s offer for ‘Migration’ but changed his mind. Here’s why

In an exclusive interview conducted by Cartoon Brew in collaboration with INBTWN Animation, acclaimed director Benjamin Renner, renowned for his outstanding 2D productions such as Ernest & Celestine and The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales, shared intriguing insights into his latest venture, Migration. The Illumination film, set to be released by Universal, marks Renner’s foray into the realm of Hollywood CG animation.

Renner’s initial hesitation toward directing a CG film was evident when Illumination approached him. However, the studio’s founder, Chris Meledandri, presented Renner with a compelling pitch for Migration. Although unsure about navigating the world of 3D animation, Renner was enticed by the prospect of working with a substantial team of artists, prompting him to embark on this new cinematic journey.

Known for his penchant for using anthropomorphized animal characters as protagonists, Renner explained that animals provide a unique storytelling canvas devoid of cultural assumptions associated with human casts. In Migration, Renner explores the characteristics of ducks, leveraging their innocence and, in his words, “very grumpy” French-like traits to create relatable and emotionally resonant characters.

Migration’s musical score, composed by John Powell, played a pivotal role in transforming Renner’s perception of the film. Prior to the addition of the score, Renner candidly expressed a negative opinion of the project, feeling it lacked emotional depth. However, Powell’s contribution significantly elevated the film, turning it into a poignant and engaging cinematic experience.

At its core, Migration is a road trip movie, and Renner acknowledged the indirect influence of iconic films like National Lampoon’s Vacation series on its production. However, he emphasized his desire to maintain a fresh perspective by avoiding excessive references to other movies. Renner expressed a preference for drawing inspiration from life, family-related experiences, and unique anecdotes that carry a special and inherently human quality.

For cinephiles and animation enthusiasts eager to delve into more behind-the-scenes anecdotes and trivia, the full interview promises a deeper understanding of Renner’s creative process and the intricate details that went into the making of Migration.

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