*Pixar Animation Studios‘ “Elio” follows an eleven-year-old space fanatic who finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he forms new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms!
Now, Elio Solis (Kibreab) has to navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and discover who he is truly meant to be.
We talked to the dynamic trio of creators, Domee Shi (Director), Madeline Sharafian (Director), and Mary Alice Drumm (Producer), plus
Claudia Chung Sanii (Visual Effects Supervisor) and Harley Jessup (Production Designer) about loneliness, shades and dreams.
WATCH the full “Elio” interview above.
Scroll to continue reading
Q: Why was it important to create this type of film for kids and consult with a child psychologists while working on Elio?
Domee Shi: After the pandemic, I think all of us have been feeling more isolated, more lonely than ever, especially kids who spent many years of their lives in Zoom classrooms. A lot of them don’t really have the tools to make friends. Perhaps watching a movie about this kid making his first friend in space will give them the courage to reach out and make their first connections, too.
Madeline Sharafian: A lot of the time, as we’re making these movies about very heavy concepts…solving loneliness, we’re all working on that, too. Bringing in experts is super informative because we don’t have the answers. I was learning stuff. I was taking notes…be vulnerable. Taking notes in for myself [and the film], and making sure that as we take Elio through this narrative we are checking these boxes, the things we talked to the surgeon general about, like the steps to step out of your loneliness. We’re like, ‘is Elio doing that?’ When he meets Glordon, does he help him? Does he reach out? Does he start to learn how to look people in the eye? At the beginning of the film, is he not…
Mary Alice Drumm: At Pixar we’re always telling stories in these fantastic worlds. But when we’re at our best, we’re weighting them in real human behavior and relationships. The more real that feels, the more the film works on all levels.
WATCH the full Elio interview below.
Q: Why did you pick green to be Elio’s signature shade?
Harley Jessup: That was Maddie Sharafian, the director. She had a very clear idea that Elio should have a color. We talked about different colors and landed on green. There was a period where I was getting notes, like it’s not green enough. I love the way it turned out. It’s Elio’s color, his secure and happy color.
Q: What was the most rewarding part of working on Elio?
Claudia Chung Sanii: This is the first movie I entered for my children. My children are around Elio’s age, and I’m more [into] the princessy [type] movies. But this is about a child who’s dreaming and makes connections. I can only hope this will inspire children and adults all over the world to dream.
See “Elio,” only in theaters, June 20!
For more details follow #Elio | @Pixar | @Disney
MORE NEWS ON EUR: FIRST LOOK at Merch Coming To Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration!
We Publish Breaking News 24/7. Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
