SING 2 Writer and Director Garth Jennings on Making His First Animated Movie
By Movieguide® Staff
Garth Jennings, director and writer for Illumination’s upcoming sequel to SING, said that SING 2 combined his love for music and storytelling.
Although SING was Jenning’s first feature-length animated movie, he said that after talking to Illumination’s CEO Chris Meledandri, he was excited to jump into animation.
“I hadn’t made it an animated film before SING,” Jennings told Movieguide®. “I made this little film called SON OF RAMBO and Chris Meledandri saw that and liked it and met up with me. We talked about his idea for a musical with animals and singing, and we both got very excited about the prospect of making this into a film.”
“I originally came on board just to write a script for Illumination. But I fell in love with the characters, and Chris was very generous and said, ‘Well, would you like to direct it?'” Jennings explained.
Jennings said that he moved to Illumination HQ in Paris and experienced “one of the greatest adventures I’ve ever had.”
Despite not working in animation previously, Jennings said that he has always loved the medium of storytelling.
“I love animation anyway. I was going to see all this stuff before I even had Children. But it’s great to have movies that you can share with them. We’ve loved that over the years,” he said.
Jennings revealed that his background in directing music videos helped him direct SING 2. Jennings added that working with artists like Tori Kelly, Halsey, Bono, and Pharrell Williams was surreal.
“They weren’t just great outside of the movie, they really went for it in this,” he said. “There was no like, ‘oh well I am a star and I can just do my thing.’ They all really went for it. There was no sort of like half measures, it was delightful and kind of still dazzling that this is all happened.”
A portion of Movieguide®’s review of SING 2 reads:
The animated musical comedy SING 2 picks up where the first movie leaves off, with Buster Moon and his friends finding success at their local theater. After a reviewer walks out of their show, Buster and his cast go to Redshore City to audition for Jimmy Crystal, the biggest name in showbiz. Buster gets Crystal’s attention by telling him their next show will include rock legend Clay Calloway. Crystal gives Buster and his friends the resources they need to perform the biggest show yet. However, Calloway is a recluse who hasn’t been seen in 15 years. Will they be able to pull off the show of a lifetime?
SING 2 is a colorful, funny, heartwarming movie that stresses overcoming fear and grief through love, family, courage, kindness, and faith. Several characters struggle, but they overcome their own obstacles with support from friends. The music deftly conveys the emotions of the characters, and the story is well-paced. Ultimately, love and faith conquer fear. SING 2 has moments of peril, an intense, scary villain, and some minor objectionable content. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for younger children.
Jennings said that while the premise is built around music and showbusiness, there is a deeper message about the pursuit of dreams for every viewer.
“You don’t have to just be in showbusiness to feel those things, like you’re capable of being somewhere or reaching for something,” he said. “It can be very daunting, but you really feel you can do it. And often there’s someone, at least one person there, to say ‘you can’t make it there, that you don’t have the ability to get there.’ And they’ll give you very good reasons that you might well believe. You really have to question that.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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