Interview: Discussing the Handcrafted Look of ‘Wildwood’ with Caleb Deschanel, Brad Schiff, Ollie Jones, and Deb Cook

Among the many feathers in Laika’s cap, the fact that the cinematography on Wildwood is done by less than Caleb Deschanel really stands out. Such an accomplished cinematographer working in the stop motion animation realm is quite something. I’ve previously spoken to director Travis Knight here, voice actors Peyton Elizabeth Lee and Jacob Tremblay here, as well as the book’s author Colin Meloy (also the frontman for the rock band The Decemberists) and illustrator Carson Ellis here. Now, our final Wildwood chat is with Deschanel, alongside animation supervisor Brad Schiff, Head of Character and Practical FX Ollie Jones, and costume designer Deb Cook.

In my review of the film here, I spoke of its craftsmanship and look like so:

Director Travis Knight and writer Chris Butler are Laika stalwarts, with this their most ambitious work to date. Adapting the novel by Colin Meloy (illustrated by Carson Ellis), this is truly one of the most gorgeous animated works ever made. Cinematography from Caleb Deschanel is stunning, both transporting you to another world while never letting you forget the love that went into every single shot. The visuals are amazing, while the score from composer Dario Marianelli sours. Knight and Butler also did good work with Masters of the Universe earlier this year, even if this is more of a passion project.

Below, you can hear my discussion with Cook, Deschanel, Jones, and Schiff. Given their various jobs in crafting the look of Wildwood, I was eager to hear about the feeling that comes with making a flick like this. Whether they were old hands at Laika or newer on the scene, you can hear the immense pride that comes out of their voices when talking about the work. A film like this only works if everyone involved loves what they do. As you’ll find out next, these craftspeople certainly do, and it resulted in a wonderful looking movie.

Here now is my interview with Wildwood‘s cinematographer Caleb Deschanel, costume designer Deb Cook, Head of Character and Practical FX Ollie Jones, and animation supervisor Brad Schiff. Enjoy:

Wildwood is in theaters now!