"The Making of Zootopia: Exploring the Theme of Discrimination"

"The Making of Zootopia: Exploring the Theme of Discrimination"

Introduction:
When it comes to Disney animations, John Lasseter is known for his love of talking animals, walking on two legs, and wearing human clothing. However, since the release of "Chicken Little" in 2005, there had been a lack of Disney films that fulfilled these requirements, except for the remake of "Winnie the Pooh." It wasn't until Lasseter's comeback to Disney in 2006 that the concept of "talking animals" made a return. This brings us to the creation of "Zootopia," a film that not only showcases Lasseter's affinity for anthropomorphic characters but also tackles the theme of discrimination.

The Three Directors:
In the world of animated films, it is not uncommon for multiple individuals to be credited as directors. In the case of "Zootopia," three names stand out: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and co-director Jared Bush. While John Lasseter, the creative director, undoubtedly had a significant influence, it is worth noting that having multiple directors is not a rare phenomenon in the world of animation.

Research and Inspiration:
Before diving into the production of "Zootopia," extensive research was conducted. One fascinating finding was the ratio of predators to prey in the animal kingdom, with 90% of mammals falling into the prey category and only 10% serving as predators. This inspired the idea of using this ratio as a foundation for storytelling, exploring the dynamics between the majority and minority in society, and highlighting the theme of discrimination.

The Unstoppable Train:
With the voice actors and staff assigned, "Zootopia" became an unstoppable train hurtling towards its release date in March 2016. The pressure was on, as any delay would tarnish Disney's reputation. It seemed like there was no turning back, and everyone believed that the film was on track for success.

A Surprising Turn of Events:
In November 2013, during a screening attended by Pixar personnel, Andrew Stanton made a surprising comment that halted the unstoppable train. He expressed his dislike for the world depicted in "Zootopia" and how the treatment of the character Nick was too harsh. He questioned who would want to live in a world that made Nick's life so difficult. This unexpected intervention forced the team to reevaluate their approach and make necessary changes to the film.

A Collective Effort:
As Rich Moore explained, working in a studio means being part of a collective effort. When a film becomes a team project, everyone must be willing to pause their current work and contribute to the next film in line. This level of commitment and collaboration ensures that the production line keeps moving smoothly.

Connecting the Dots:
When we connect the dots, we see a clear picture of the making of "Zootopia." John Lasseter's return to Disney provided the opportunity for the reintroduction of talking animals. The three directors, with Lasseter's guidance, brought their unique perspectives to the film. Extensive research and the exploration of the predator-prey ratio laid the foundation for the theme of discrimination. However, it was Andrew Stanton's intervention that reshaped the narrative and highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding.

Conclusion:
The creation of "Zootopia" was a journey filled with challenges and unexpected turns. It serves as a reminder that even in the world of animation, where everything is carefully planned and scripted, flexibility and open-mindedness are essential for creating a film that resonates with audiences. Here are three actionable pieces of advice that can be drawn from the making of "Zootopia":

1. Embrace research and inspiration: Conducting thorough research and finding unique angles can provide a solid foundation for storytelling and help create diverse and engaging narratives.

2. Welcome collaboration and collective effort: Recognize that filmmaking is a team effort, and everyone's contribution is crucial. Encourage open communication and be willing to adapt and make necessary changes based on feedback and insights from other team members.

3. Emphasize empathy and understanding: Acknowledge the power of storytelling in addressing social issues. Use narratives to promote empathy, understanding, and the importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity.

By following these three pieces of advice, filmmakers can create impactful stories that resonate with audiences and contribute to positive social change.