Kid Reporters go inside Hotel Transylvania!

Diego: On Thursday, January 10, my good friend Damien and I took a trip to Sony Pictures Animation Studios to get a behind-the-scene look at how the movie Hotel Transylvania was made. When we arrived, we were greeted by two very hospitable ladies who showed us around and walked us through the animation process. Looking around, everyone seemed so enthusiastic and exuberant as they were getting ready for their next big project and wrapping up this one.

Damien: When we walked up to the entrance we were greeted by a life-sized character cutout of Dracula from Hotel Transylvania. The lobby of the studios was filled with giant 3D poster boards of all the characters from the movie. I couldn't believe I was in the studios where so many of my favorite computer animated movies had been created!

Our tour began with a special one on one drawing lesson from Darrell Rooney, a story artist who worked on the movie. He taught us the basics of how to draw Dracula. It's really simple and composed of the three basic shapes: triangles, rectangles and circles.

Diego: Thanks to Darrell Rooney I can draw a decent portrait of Dracula! Of course, it’s nothing compared to what he has done but at least I know the basics to draw my own cartoons. “When drawing a character,” paraphrasing what Rooney said, “it is important to exaggerate, distort, or alternate certain features in order to help with theme development and characterization.” For example, did you know that the shape of Dracula’s head in Hotel Transylvania was inspired by a coffin?

Damien: Then we were off to meet the creator and director himself, Genndy Tartakovsky. He was in the voiceover room where many of the world's animation voices have been recorded. Diego and I took turns doing voice over for Mavis and Dracula by viewing clips from the movie. It was hilarious and super cool to try.

Diego: That was my favorite part of the trip. Going into the scratch room with Director Genndy Tartakovsky and recording dialogue for a scene was really fun!

Talking with Genndy was cool, too. He's an interesting man with an impressive background in the art of animation. When he was young, and he came to America from Russia, Genddy said cartoons were his escape from everyday life. And now look where he is. Cartoons and animation ARE his everyday life.

Damien: The last stop on our tour was to the other side of the studios where we met 3D Stereoscopic Supervisor Von Williams who gave us a sneak peek on the tech side of what it takes to make 3D movies.

Diego: Von Williams is possibly the best stereoscopic 3D professional in the world and he gave us an inside look at his job, too. Watching Von Williams was like observing a potter create a whole entire world from clay, only with computers.

Damien: It's amazing how just the slightest touch of a button here or a flip of a switch there can make all the difference in how a movie can pop out at you. It was fascinating to see the layers and controls that are used to make 3D animation come alive in 3D. It was a lot of fun to learn all the secrets behind the magic of the animation movie making. It really is fun!

Diego: Seeing the characters jumping out of the screen and huge, atmospheric castle chambers make many feel as if they were jumping into the screen. But to actually see the 3D process is a whole other story.

Check out our video report about our time at the Sony Animation Studio on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website! And watch a video of our voiceover work below!

—Kid Reporters Diego Magaña and Damien Murphy

Photo: Kid Reporters Diego Magana (left) and Damien Murphy take a turn behind the microphone to give voice to characters in Hotel Transylvania during their Sony Animation Studio tour in January. 

A view inside the mind of Guillermo del Toro

Guillermo del Toro is one of the most imaginative directors working in movies today. His movies, like Hellboy and Hellboy II, are full of creative creatures and unique stories. When you watch a movie directed by del Toro, you immediately know it.

But del Toro is also a producer. He has produced numerous movies, including Megamind, Puss in Boots and Kung Fu Panda 2, as well as the soon-to-be-released The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Like the movies he directs, most of del Toro’s projects are infused with his love for comic books and the comic book imagination.

His latest producing credit is Rise of the Guardians, which hits theaters on November 21. At a recent press event for the movie in New York, I had the opportunity to interview del Toro about Rise of the Guardians, making movies, and what comic books he recommends for kids like me!


Kid Reporter: What was it that interested you about Rise of the Guardians?

Guillermo del Toro: It was the fact that it was a movie that looked like an illustrated book. It was very beautiful to look at, but also that it felt like a timeless tale. It didn’t feel hip, super-modern. It felt classic, and I felt it was important to make it. When you watch the classic movies, like Pinocchio or Sleeping Beauty, you get a nostalgia for a movie that is actually earnest and romantic about what it’s doing, and this movie has that spirit.

You’ve become more involved as a producer of family films, films more aimed at children. How is working on these films different from the films you direct?

First of all, it’s a different part of my brain that works. I really like working on these films because they can tell beautiful stories in a beautiful way. Visually, Kung Fu Panda, Puss in Boots, [Rise of the] Guardians, Megamind – they’re very beautiful movies, but you can create crazy creatures, crazy adventures, crazy action moments. They give you a lot of freedom.

How is this movie different from the all the other animated films you have worked on?

What is similar between Kung Fu Panda, Puss in Boots, and this one is the three of them were not ironic, they were not post-modern. Puss in Boots really wanted to be a spaghetti western. Kung Fu Panda wanted to be a great martial arts movie. And this one wanted to be a classic tale of timeless appeal. So that is what is similar. What is very different is the visual style and the quiet moments. This movie has quiet moments that are very beautiful, like the kid talking to his stuffed rabbit, Jack emerging from the frozen waters, Jack in Antarctica. Moments that are a lot more dark, but a lot more beautiful, too.

The girl who makes Ralph wreck it

On a last-minute invite, I got to attend the wrap party celebration at the Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, for the movie Wreck-It Ralph (which opens in movie theaters today). It was there that I got to interview Stephanie Scott on her latest role in the new movie. She plays the girl playing all the video games as Ralph jumps between different game worlds. In the interview, she shares what it's like doing a voice over, her favorite character in the movie, and her favorite video games.

Check out my interview below! And read about my trip to Disney Animation Studios a few months ago for a behind-the-scenes look at Wreck-It Ralph!

—Kid Reporter Damien Murphy

Tell Us What You Think: Andrew Garfield Brings Spider-Man to Life

Read today's top story and answer the following question in the comments section below:

Do you read comics? If you do, who is your favorite superhero? If you don't, why?

Photo: Andrew Garfield stars as Spider-Man in Columbia Pictures' The Amazing Spider-Man. (Jaimie Trueblood, 2011 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

Braving my first press junket

After seeing the movie Brave last weekend, I went to a press conference in Hollywood on Monday afternoon to interview some people who had a role in making the movie. I checked in with the Disney publicity team, then went to the room where the interviews were going to take place.

At exactly 1 p.m., the publicist started announcing the actors and actress, Craig Ferguson, who played Lord Macintosh, Kevin McKidd, who played Lord MacGuffin, and Kelly MacDonald, playing the voice of Merida. The stars sat on a stage in front of the audience.

The questions then began. Reporters would raise their hands, and the publicist would signal for his two assistants to give the microphone to whoever he chooses. I raised my hands many times, hoping that I would be chosen to ask a question. However, when the publicist announced that the last question would go to another reporter, all my hopes vanished. I was a little discouraged since I wasn’t able to ask any questions. The 30-minute period with the stars was not enough for all questions to get answered.

The director and producer of Brave, Mark Andrews and Katherine Sarafia, were the next people introduced. Once again, I eagerly raised my hand. This time, the publicist signaled for his assistant to hand me the microphone. I waited for my turn to ask a question, and when I did I felt proud to talk in the microphone.

“How was directing or producing Brave different from the other Pixar works that you have done?” I asked.

Mark Andrews answered, “Each film has its own challenges. I was the head of the story of The Incredibles and Ratatouille, and those were very different in aspects of their story. I think that’s one thing for me as a storyteller that gets me is that I’m going to encounter something I haven’t encountered before with whatever story I’m going to be working on. Brave was chock-full of story challenges.”

Katherine Sarafian added: “Definitely one difference was that we were going into an ancient time period. Pixar has never done that before, we never went way back in time, and stuff looked different then: teeth were crooked in this region, something growing on every thing, the castles are worn and run down.”

I was very happy that the filmmakers answered my question, even though I didn’t have the opportunity to ask any of the stars a question. Maybe the next press conference will be different.

—Kid Reporter Aminah Tamimi

Photo: Director Mark Andrews talks to reporters at the press junket for Brave. (Photo courtesy Aminah Tamimi) 

Tell Us What You Think: A Brave New Disney Princess

Read today's top story and answer the following question in the comments section below:

Do you like to go to the movies in the summer? If so, what movies are you most looking forward to? If not, what other activities do you like to do over the summer?

(left to right) Lord Macintosh and his son, Young Macintosh; Merida; Wee Dingwall and his father, Lord Dingwall; Lord MacGuffin and his son, Young MacGuffin; Queen Elinor and King Fergus in the movie Brave. (Photo: ©2011 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.)

My experience at Pixar Animation Studios

As soon as we entered Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California, I could not contain myself. I jumped in delight at a ginormous Luxo ball along with the famous lamp, Luxo Jr. The woman at the front desk gave us name tags with the Toy Story aliens saying, "OOO. A stranger, from the outside!" The lobby of the main building was decorated with all sorts of Pixar things. Tia Kratter, the shading art director of the new Pixar movie Brave, told me that when tours are held, the kids are given a scavenger hunt to find Pixar characters throughout the building. These characters are scattered everywhere! For example, there was a small Remy from Ratatouille painted at the bottom of the staircase. Even the bathroom sign for men was a Woody silhouette, while the sign for women was Bo Peep.

The halls each had a different theme. One hall was decorated with nature pictures by one of the staff. Another was dedicated to the process of filmmaking. Each office also had its own decoration. There would be figurines and paintings in one office, while the one next to it could have plushies and paperwork.

Once we got to the theater to watch a 30-minute screening of Brave and the Pixar animated short La Luna, everything was pitch black. Then, there were "stars" that lighted up the ceiling. Every few seconds, a shooting star would pass by. The "stars" faded away, and then began La Luna. La Luna is directed by Enrico Casarosa, and is a coming-of-age tale of a boy, his father, and his grandfather. I've got to say that that was the best short I have ever seen. It was accompanied by dreamy music by Michael Giacchino, (he also composed the music for Up and Ratatouille) and glossy animation.

Before the footage from Brave began, Mark Andrews, the director, and Katherine Sarafian, the producer, came on stage to talk a bit about what we were about to see. They explained that this wasn't the final cut, and some of the animation may be lacking some shading and color. Nevertheless, I didn't even notice the unfinished parts! Then, when Brave started playing, a warm feeling in my heart started to spread all throughout my body. I felt like I was 8 years old again! For the 30 minutes, I was intrigued, and when it ended I yearned for more. Afterwards, all the journalists had an Italian-themed dinner under the night sky in one of Pixar's buildings with an outdoor patio.

The next day, the Pixar grounds had transformed into the Scotland Highlands. One could practice archery, watch a bagpiper demonstration (I even got to play one!), and watch a few Scottish people explain the history behind kilts.

After all the fun and games, we had lunch and interviews. Being a hardcore Disney and Pixar fan, I was in heaven. I got to learn about certain Easter eggs, little cameo appearances the staff puts into each movie, and the filmmaking process. Did you know that Merida, the heroine of Brave, has a total of 111,700 computer-generated hairs? And that the Pizza Planet truck, which has been in every Pixar movie except for The Incredibles, is also in Brave?

It was certainly one of the highlights of my reporting career.

Check out my story on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website for more from my visit to PIXAR! 

—Kid Reporter Veronica Louise Mendoza

Photo: Kid Reporter Veronica Louise Mendoza with Mark Andrews, the director of Brave, at PIXAR Studios. (Photo courtesy Veronica Louise Mendoza)

At the top of the world — or, at least, New York

Fifty-five seconds.

That is how long it took for me to ride up in the elevator with Lily Collins to the 86th floor of the Empire State Building in New York City. Fifty-five ear-popping, totally awesome and exciting seconds as I prepared to interview the star of the movie Mirror Mirror.

I have lived in New York City my entire life, but this was my first ride up to the Observation Deck that towers above the streets of the city. Tourists snapped pictures one after the other of Lily as I tested the microphone getting ready for my big interview with "Snow."

We all know the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. But my guess is that the version in Mirror Mirror will have a different twist. When I asked Lily if kids in 2012 would be able to relate to the old fairytale where the princess needs to be rescued by a handsome prince, without hesitation she explained that her role as Snow was different from the traditional take. For example, she told me that she had to take four months of sword fighting lessons to prepare for the fight scenes in the movie. One of her greatest challenges was fighting in ball gowns and heels. Not your typical fighting attire.

One thing that really stood out to me was that Lily seemed completely real and approachable. Sure, she is a movie star. But she looked directly at me and answered my questions. We rode up to the top of the Empire State Building together in an elevator. When we looked out at the city we both were excited and in awe of the view. She likes relaxing and hanging out on the beach with friends, just like many kids today. Certainly, just like me. 

I ended my interview by asking her if she was "the fairest of them all." While she did not answer the question directly, my hunch is that she is the fairest of all who have acted the part before her.

Watch my interview with Lily Collins on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website!

—Kid Reporter Dani Bergman Chudnow

Photo: Kid Reporter Dani Chudnow with Lily Collins on the observation deck of the Empire State Building. (Dante A. Ciampaglia)

We Go Together: Grease, The School Version

I just finished my middle school’s production of Grease: The School Version, where I played the role of Sandy. I had a blast! Between the tech crew, stage crew, and the cast, 150 students were involved in our Drama Club. In all, we played three school shows and three sold-out public performances. I was very honored to get this role - it has been a great experience, one I will never forget.

Are you interested in becoming involved in the drama club at your school? I have learned a lot during my experience, but these three things stood out:

1. Musicals require hard work and dedication. We practiced October through February, rehearsing several days each week after school. During the month of February, we practiced on Saturday mornings for three to four hours. There was a live band, so we also came in the evening to practice a few times. Also, the teachers involved in putting together this production often spent five to six hours a day working on the musical, from technical stuff to the amazing set to keeping 150 kids occupied. We could not have done it without them!

2. I made a lot of friends during Drama Club, and I looked forward to seeing them nearly every day at practice. I found that we had a lot of things in common, from acting (of course!) to softball to books. They made my experience a whole lot better.

3. I learned a lot more about acting. The teachers taught me to be my character, not just me play someone else. This was my first big role, and I learned to express myself onstage, pronounce my words more clearly and using diction. I also learned some useful techniques to help my singing.

I am sad that Drama Club’s production of Grease: The School Version is over, but I will always have memories from this great experience!

—Kid Reporter Katelyn Barr

Photo: Katelyn Barr as Sandy in her school's production of Grease: THe School Version. (Courtesy Katelyn Barr)

Spider-Man webslings his way back to the big screen

There have already been three Spider-Man movies. But this summer, a new Spider-Man movie comes to theaters to reboot the series. The Amazing Spider-Man will completely clear the slate and feature a new cast, a new director, and some new characters.

The movie comes out this summer, but on Monday Spidey fans all over the globe joined actors from the film for a special sneak peek. I was in the audience for the New York event — and so was the new Spider-Man himself, Andrew Garfield.

The last Spider-Man movie was released in 2007. So of course a lot of Spidey fans — both at the theater and around the world — wonder why reboot the series? Is it a sensible move? Will it be different, and, if so, in a good way or bad? And, are the new cast and director right for the job?

During the 3-D trailer and clips of the work in progress, it seemed like everyone was excited by what they saw. This included Garfield. As he arrived at the front of the theater, the room applauded with pure excitement, and one man shouted "Hallelujah!" 

"You said exactly what was on my mind," Garfield responded.

Garfield’s excitement and appreciation for his role was expressed even later on when asked why he wanted to be Spider-Mman.

"Because I’m not an idiot," Garfield said as the crowd cheered. "It’s the thing everyone wants. Everybody in this room wants it, and it belongs to everyone in this room."

From what I could tell, there was much excitement and anticipation. As fans left the theater, I could overhear comments about how they thought Garfield’s Spiderman appears to have a more humorous element. They were also impressed with the film’s 3-D.

The new Spider-Man is not meant to compete with the older movies. Instead, it’s meant to take one of the greatest comic book superheroes of all time and put him in a scenario that has not yet been explored.

"It’s so overwhelming to represent this symbol, because that’s all I am, just the guy in the suit, it can be anyone in the suit,"  Garfield said. "But it just happens to be me this time."

—Kid Reporter Fred Hechinger

Photo: Andrew Garfield stars as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Columbia Pictures' The Amazing Spider-Man. (Photo: Jaimie Trueblood © 2011 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)