The Impact of the Latest 'How to Train Your Dragon' Release in Creating a Sensory Authentic Berk Experience
Turning Dreams into Reality: Dean DeBlois' Journey with the live-action How to Train Your Dragon
io9 got a chance to chat with the mastermind behind both the DreamWorks animated series and Universal Pictures' upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, the legendary filmmaker Dean DeBlois.
DeBlois shared his exciting process of bringing the enchanting world of Berk to life, emphasizing the vital contribution of practical effects in capturing the essence of dragon interactions for the actors. These elements were crucial in making pivotal moments feel genuine, particularly when Hiccup (Mason Thames) forms an extraordinary bond with his future Nightfury companion.
"You might think Toothless was computer-generated in those scenes," DeBlois jokes, "but nope! In reality, it was a foam head. During all the flight sequences, we used animatronics." The crucial aspect was capturing the actors' believable movements while riding dragons, as opposed to having them merely sit in a box and be manipulated. "To achieve this, we built massive gimbals over eight or ten feet tall, capable of moving along six different axes," DeBlois explained. Each dragon had its own animatronic model to help the actors embody their dragon-riding roles.
Thames was no stranger to dragon-riding, given the narrative's focus on Hiccup and Toothless' bonding journey. DeBlois described the adventure of bringing dragon riding to life for his lead actor: "It was all about the chest, the neck, and the head, and they could move independently. Either controlled by joystick or animation previously created by the animators. As Hiccup dipped, dived, rolled, and ascended, Mason's body responded appropriately, like a jockey on a horse."
DeBlois revealed that this method was pioneering, as no one had ever attempted it before. "It was nerve-wracking, considering the risk of failure or technical issues," he admitted, "but it worked out surprisingly well."
John Powell's iconic melodies for the animated films, in collaboration with cinematographer Bill Pope's artistic vision, revitalized Hiccup's friendship with Toothless. Their collaboration played a significant role in shaping the film's direction, according to DeBlois. "Bill quickly grasped the need to preserve the enchantment, whimsy, and wishful thinking from the original animated movie. Through his lens, the world transforms while retaining those magic elements," he praised.
Pope's work behind the camera was crucial, DeBlois stressed. "A good cinematographer understands what needs to be preserved and what the director envisions. Bill managed to make the world feel tangible yet enchanting." Naturally, Powell's cherished music seamlessly added to the narrative, elevating it to new heights.
With the upcoming film's release, the excitement is palpable. io9 inquired about Berk's real-life version at Epic Universe, and DeBlois seemed impressed. "I'd heard it would be a bit hokey, but it turned out to be quite remarkable," he admitted. He was particularly taken with the Toothless meet-and-greet and the casting of the theme park's Hiccup. "The kid has really studied; he has all the mannerisms and voice down, embodying the characteristics that Jakob Jensen, the lead animator, brought to life," he complimented.
Stay tuned for more updates on your favorite sci-fi and fantasy franchises, including Marvel, Star Wars, and the DC Universe on film and TV. Can't wait for the release of How to Train Your Dragon on June 13!
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- In the future, movie fans can anticipate the release of Dean DeBlois' masterpiece, How to Train Your Dragon, which successfully blends practical effects and animatronics for a realistic depiction of dragon-riding scenes.
- tech-focused sites like Gizmodo and io9 have been excitedly following Dean DeBlois' journey, from animation to live-action, especially given his use of pioneering methods in the entertainment industry.
- As filmmakers continue to innovate the future of entertainment, DeBlois' work on How to Train Your Dragon serves as a remarkable example of blending traditional and modern technology to create captivating experiences for audiences.
