Benjamin Renner, from Ernest and Celestine to Migration: “It's craftsmanship, a lot of sweat and effort”

“We can say that by working with the United States (at Illumination), it's going to be super square, but it's still DIY. Luxury DIY, eh!”

Migration will be broadcast this Friday evening on Canal +, then available to subscribers on Canal Play. First recommends this clever animated film following a family of ducks forced to leave their peaceful New England pond for Jamaica. As they cross New York, they will live the craziest adventure of their entire lives.

Migration: a mischievous animated film [critique]

In the making of this funny family film, we find French Benjamin Rennerthe co-director ofErnest and Celestine (2012) and creator of the Big Bad Fox (2017), as well as Mike White, the American behind the hit series The White Lotus – and screenwriter of the excellent Rock Academy with Jack Black.

When it was released last December, First had met Benjamin Renner, who confided in him about his arrival at Illumination, the big animation studio known for having invented Minions. With his usual enthusiasm, he confessed to us “not having understood why” He was chosen to oversee this project, having been acclaimed for more independent works with watercolor drawings, in 2D, and not “big machines” 3D animation.

“I can make you an Ernest and Celestine, but Me, Despicable Me, I do not know how to do !, he explained with all humility. I saw that it was going to be a challenge (…). We can say that by working with the United States, it will be super square, but it remains DIY. Luxury DIY, eh, at Illumination. It's craftsmanship, in fact. We have the impression that we press four buttons and we get something beautiful, clean, and in fact no, it's a lot of sweat and effort to have magnificent things.”

Here is the full video:

Interview and editing: Lucille Bion.

The synopsis and trailer of Migrationto be seen again tonight on television:

The Mallard family is in the throes of a domestic dilemma. While Mack is content to happily splash around with his family in their small New England pond, his wife Pam is more likely to shake up the routine to show her children – Dax, who is no longer a duckling, and his little sister Gwen – the world. When they host a family of migrating ducks for their stopover, Pam has the perfect opportunity to persuade Mack to follow suit and embark on a family journey to Jamaica, via New York. As they head off to the sun for the winter, the Mallard's well-laid plan quickly goes awry. But the unexpected and chaotic turn of events will change them forever and teach them much more than they expected.

From start to finish, The Big Bad Fox is full of good ideas.