Transformed Feel of Berk in the Latest 'How to Train Your Dragon' Production
GEARING UP FOR FIRE-BREATHING FRIENDSHIP
Renowned filmmaker Dean DeBlois, the mastermind behind both the DreamWorks animated series and Universal Pictures' upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, recently spilled the beans on the chaotic world of Berk coming to life on screen. Describing the nuts and bolts of practical effects as the backbone of the dragon-riding experience and the real deal that made the 'dragon craze' feel legit, especially in the cinematic encounters between Hiccup (Mason Thames) and his colossal Nightfury pal.
With a passion and intensity you can only muster when you've built a whole enchanted land on the edge of reality, DeBlois emphasized the integral role of hands-on effects in capturing the raw emotions of interacting and soaring on dragons. The prime goal: making the insane, dragon-drenched moments remarkably authentic.
"The Nightfury in those scenes was a giant foam head," DeBlois grinned, as he explained their use of animatronics during all the aerial shenanigans. "We needed convincing movement from our talented actors, instead of putting them in a box and dangling them around like dolls," he laughs. Their imaginary battles against gravity were fought on giant gimbals, about eight or ten feet high, capable of moving in six different axes. Each dragon in the film boasted its very own animatronic accomplice, aiding the extraterrestrial bikers in becoming one with their scaly ride.
Thames essentially spent his precious hours gobsmacked 'on dragon' because, well, the movie's all about Hiccup and Toothless' thrilling escapades. DeBlois described the exhilarating dragon-wrangling experience for our youthful hero: "It was all about the chest, neck, and head, which could move independently, either joystick-controlled or animation-driven by the animators. As Hiccup was diving, rolling, and somersaulting, Thames' body mirrored his digital counterpart's acrobatic moves."
Unsurprisingly, this technique was uber-innovative and had never been attempted before, causing a wave of anxiety that it might flop or break down on them. But, like the best-kept secrets of the Viking world, it turned out to be golden.
The harmonious union of John Powell's iconic melodies for the animated films, along with cinematographer Bill Pope's artistic vision, breathed new life into Hiccup's magical spelunk with Toothless. Powell's symphony and Pope's lens were the perfect marriage that led the movie down the path DeBlois had envisioned. Pope's take on Berk, DeBlois remarked, was "grounded but retained the whimsy, the heart, and the sense of fantasy. The narrative gets a shot of pure enchantment thanks to Powell's spellbinding score."
The spectacular expansion of the score was essential, DeBlois affirmed. "I've always believed that we take a movie halfway there, and then the composer takes it the rest of the way because music speaks directly to the heart. We were fortunate to have Powell's iconic music backing our story and elevating it to the heavens."
With the impending release of the film, they couldn't help but notice the Realm of Berk fans can visit at Epic Universe in the Universal Orlando Resort. DeBlois shared his thoughts on the place, praising the way it brought the enchanted Isle of Berk into our reality. "It was going to be cheesy, but it turned out to be breathtaking," he said about the Toothless meet-and-greet. The casting for Hiccup in the theme park was top-notch, impressing DeBlois with the kid's dedicated study and adoption of Jakob Jensen's groundbreaking techniques as the film's lead animator.
"How to Train Your Dragon" strikes theaters June 13, and if you're a fantasy buff, buckle up for the latest on the Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek universes, the future of the DC Universe in film and television, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
- Amidst the anticipation for "How to Train Your Dragon," social media buzzes with excitement, with fans sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses on platforms like Instagram, eagerly waiting for the cinematic journey to unfold in the realm of entertainment.
- As Disney continues to expand its streaming platform, fans of potentiality look forward to immersing themselves in a galaxy far, far away, with numerous upcoming series and films planned in the expansive universe.
- AI technology has made significant strides in the entertainment industry, leading to innovative techniques in filmmaking, such as the groundbreaking dragon-riding experience in "How to Train Your Dragon," showcasing the power of this technology to elevate storytelling and bring dragons to life in a realistic way.
