Emigration Illustrated: A Stirring Animated Portrayal
**"At Illumination Entertainment, we're blessed to shepherd a stack of franchises, but we also believe we've got a duty to spin fresh yarns and introduce new characters," Chris Meledandri, the company's founder and CEO, says with a grin. Migration, the studio's latest venture, takes us on an exciting expedition delving into universal themes like family, curiosity, and breaking free from the confines of our comfort zones.
Launched in 2007 by Meledandri, Illumination is the animation industry's heavyweight, pumping out blockbuster event films, such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie, a 2023 record-breaker, Despicable Me—the most successful animated franchise in history— to winners like Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, Dr. Seuss' The Grinch and The Secret Life of PetsandSingfilms. The library of Illumination's epic animated creations boasts three of the top ten animated films of all time.
"Journeying through Migration has been one wild ride," Meledandri muses. Each fresh tale we spin sees us setting out from different places. As a kid, I've always had a thing for ducks-they're just damn silly yet loveable. But what truly elevates this movie in the grand scheme of things is our touch on universally human struggles and relatable issues."
At its core, Migration is a narrative that taps into the comedic, wise, obnoxious, and lovable elements of universal family dynamics. Kicking off our comedy project is none other than Mike White, the sharp-witted Emmy winner responsible for HBO's smash hit series The White Lotus and the 2003 comedy sensation School of Rock. Working alongside White was acclaimed French director, Benjamin Renner, whose 2014 Oscar-nominated film Ernest & Celestine showcases his extraordinary talent for compelling stories and unforgettable characters.
"The moment I saw Ben's work, particularly his direction of Ernest & Celestine, I instantly felt a kinship with his vision," Meledandri explains. "He manages to convey moments in a film that are simultaneously touching, funny, and brilliant. His work is visually stunning, and perhaps most importantly, his characters exude just the right amount of sweetness. And he, like me, has a peculiar fondness for ducks."
Details of Migration mark Renner's first feature with a major U.S. studio, and the French director admits to entering their initial rendezvous with a mixture of excitement and nerves. "Meeting Chris, I felt like I needed to put on a front, pretending to be the Hollywood-ready director," Renner says. "But I was taken aback when Chris connected with me on an emotional level. Instead of diving into the nitty-gritty details of the project, we talked about our feelings and shared experiences. Working with Chris became an exhilarating prospect, as we shared a common vision and the desire to have a blast while creating this magnificent film. What drew me to the project was the honesty behind it-we were speaking about real issues-relationships, compassion, and the struggles of wanting different things."
The film's heart dives deep into the fears and anxieties of the unknown and how our worries can deter not just us but also the people we care about from becoming the bravest, best, and most authentic versions of ourselves. "Through the narrative, we aimed to evoke a harmonious balance, steering clear of being too heavy while still underscoring the importance of grasping life's opportunities," Meledandri adds. "Benjamin's unique approach as a storyteller enabled us to navigate these themes gracefully, fostering an intimate connection between the audience and the characters."
The Mallard family is stuck in a rut. Dad Mack, currently content to keep his family paddling around their New England pond, is fine with that. However, mom Pam is eager to shake things up and show their kids—teen son Dax and duckling daughter Gwen—the whole world. After a migrating duck family lands on their pond with tales of far-off places, Pam convinces Mack to set off on a family vacation, starting from New York City and ending in tropical Jamaica. As the Mallards make their way south, their meticulously planned journey swiftly falls apart. Along the way, they'll learn to expand their horizons, make new friends, and achieve more than they ever thought possible, all while examining the intricacies of their relationships and themselves.
Dad Mack, played by Kumail Nanjiani, is preoccupied with the dangers lurking beyond the comfort of their home, while mom Pam, played by Elizabeth Banks, yearns for her family, particularly her children, to experience the wonders of the world. "As we splashed through the story, we figured out the emotions we wanted to deliver, and that became the foundation of the movie," Renner says. "I did what I knew best-injecting humor and relatable moments into my work. This movie aspires to foster a strong bond with audiences by reflecting the gratification of embracing new experiences and the beautiful moments and connections that blossom along the way. In exploring the theme of stepping out of one's comfort zone, it reminded me of my own passion for hiking and traveling. I've had experiences where I didn't want to go, but someone convinced me to venture out, and every time I did, I had a fantastic, unforgettable experience. I wanted to share that feeling with the audience, that exhilarating rush when you embark on an adventure."
The arduous process of getting Migration to the big screen extended Renner's professional expedition as he adapted to the subtleties of working in 3D animation instead of the 2D styles he was more accustomed to. "Coming from indie French films, where I knew everyone, I cherished bonding with the people I met," Renner says. "I had to let go and trust their capabilities. Navigating 3D animation entails progressing from stiff layouts to animation and then to the final rendering, where the studio works its magic. It's been mind-blowing to watch the transformation and the attention to detail. I am eternally grateful to the team for their stellar work in every department. I keep finding new things in the movie each time I watch it."
Renner was surrounded by an experienced Illumination team, including co-director Guylo Homsy, who's previously contributed to the layout teams for various Illumination films, including the Despicable Me and Sing franchises. "When I learned that Guylo would be my co-director, I was ecstatic because I'd seen his work on the Sing movies," Renner says. "He contributed the assets of 3D animation, especially with his camera movements, which I wasn't as well-versed with. He elevated the storyboard sequences to grandiose levels. We worked together seamlessly, like a well-matched duo."
Working on an original, new Illumination film opened up a world of creative freedom for the filmmakers. "It evoked sentiments of my early days on Despicable Me," Homsy reflects. "We had the opportunity to develop a unique world and determine the right tone for the movie. It's also a more intimate and deeply thematic film than I've ever tackled before. Collaborating with Ben was a blast. We shared a mutual vision, ambition, and passion for conjuring magical, poetic elements."
As Migration sets flight across theaters this holiday season, the filmmakers hope it inspires audiences to spread their wings and soar to unforeseen destinations in their own lives. "I hope that resonates with people," Renner says. "I hope this film motivates them to embrace the wonder waiting beyond the horizon."
References:[1] Illumination. (2023). Migration. Retrieved from https://www.illuminationentertainment.com/our-films/migration[2] IMDb. (2023). Migration (2023). Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13084184/[3] Box Office Mojo. (2023). The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Retrieved from https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=supermariobrothersmovie2023.htm[4] Rotten Tomatoes. (2023). Illumination Entertainment. Retrieved from https://www.rottentomatoes.com/studio/illumination-entertainment
- At Illumination Entertainment, known for their work in movies-and-tv entertainment, Chris Meledandri and his team are not only responsible for franchises like Despicable Me, but also strive to create fresh narratives and introduce new characters.
- In the upcoming animated film Migration, French director Benjamin Renner, known for his Oscar-nominated film Ernest & Celestine, highlights the comedic, wise, obnoxious, and lovable elements of universal family dynamics, as he collaborates with Illumination Entertainment on a new project that taps into the themes of family, curiosity, and breaking free from comfort zones.
