Jenny Slate on Father’s Day Mishaps, Marcel the Shell Movie & Her Husband’s General Store

TL;DR

Jenny Slate shares insights about creating and bringing Marcel the Shell to the big screen.

Transcript

our first guest is a very funny lady who's the co-creator and vocal wizard behind a certain soft-spoken sensitive shoe wearing seashell say that ten times fast now she takes him to the big screen in the movie marcel the shell with shoes on it opens in new york and la friday and nationwide july 15th please say hello to the very funny jenny slate [Ap... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥶 Jenny Slate co-created Marcel the Shell with Dean Fleischer-Camp during a creative brainstorming weekend.
• 🥺 The character's quirky charm and soft-spoken personality have a broad appeal, leading to its viral popularity in 2010.
• 👻 The movie's extensive audio recording process involved improvisation, allowing for organic dialogue and narrative development.
• 🛟 Slate humorously describes her lifestyle in a small Massachusetts town, highlighting relatable moments of parenting and everyday life challenges.
• 💨 The film blends humor and emotion, showcasing Marcel’s adventures and reflections on life in an endearing way.
• 🖐️ Isabella Rossellini plays Marcel’s grandmother, contributing a powerful, recognizable voice that adds depth to the character's story.
• 💁 The film illustrates the growth and evolution of Marcel across various media forms since its inception.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Jenny Slate to create Marcel the Shell?

Jenny Slate's inspiration for Marcel the Shell came during a weekend stay in a cramped hotel room. Feeling annoyed and squeezed in with friends, she began to entertain herself by impersonating characters, leading to the development of Marcel. The character was born from her humorous perspective and playful voice, embodying a unique viewpoint that resonated with audiences.

Q: What was the reason behind the seven-year production timeline for the film?

The seven-year production timeline for "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On" arose from the intricate process of audio recording and improvisation. Slate and her co-creators crafted an extensive script that evolved through a collaborative, iterative approach. They recorded audio first, then adjusted the storyline based on the improvised sessions, ensuring a deeply authentic narrative that showcased the charm of Marcel.

Q: How did Jenny Slate feel when Isabella Rossellini joined the cast?

Jenny Slate felt incredibly awed and nervous when Isabella Rossellini joined the cast for "Marcel the Shell." The arrival of such an iconic figure in their rental space was surreal. Despite the excitement, Slate shared that they had to maintain their composure in front of Rossellini, highlighting her immense talent, distinctive voice, and the impactful casting choice made for Marcel's grandmother character.

Q: What was the significance of including Leslie Stahl from 60 Minutes in the film?

Including Leslie Stahl in "Marcel the Shell" added a unique layer of authenticity and familiarity to the story. Known for her serious journalism background, having her in the film elevated the surreal concept of a shell interviewing her. Slate noted that their producer's connection facilitated this collaboration, leading to a memorable and unexpected moment blending reality with Marcel's animated world.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jenny Slate, co-creator of Marcel the Shell, recounts the character's origins, highlighting it emerged from a fun weekend experience while sharing a hotel room.

• The production process of the movie took seven years, characterized by extensive improvisation and adaptations of the story from recorded audio sessions.

• Slate discusses her experiences, including challenges and amusing moments, such as her husband’s Father's Day mishap, all while engaging with her vibrant personality.