"Hardest Part Was Keeping the Whole Movie in Your Head" | Caleb Deschanel cinematography of Wildwood

Caleb Deschanel spoke to HeyUGuys about Wildwood at the BFI London Film Festival Premiere in London. The cinematographer explains why shooting stop-motion is "kind of like looking at the DNA that becomes a whole human being," why "the hardest part" was "keeping the whole movie in your head," and how the animators' work makes you "forget that it's little." He also tells how Portland, from winter rain to a 115-degree summer day, seeped into the film. Interviews for Wildwood at the BFI London Film Festival World Premiere. The film features the voice talents of Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits, Richard E. Grant, Rob Delaney and Blythe Danner, it was written by Chris Butler, adapted from the novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis, and directed by Travis Knight. Colin Hart and Abigail Shii ask the questions. Plot: When a murder of crows abducts her baby brother, Prue McKeel sets out to rescue him, venturing into the Impassable Wilderness, an enchanted forest just outside Portland, Oregon. Joined by her classmate Curtis Mehlberg, she encounters talking animals, bandits and powerful figures caught in a conflict that threatens the fragile balance of Wildwood. Wildwood will be released in UK cinemas on 23rd October 2026. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Patience or concentration? 00:40 Like looking at the DNA of a film 00:54 The hardest part: keeping the whole movie in your head 01:11 Great artists: puppets, sets and props 01:27 Miniature sets and the animators' magic 01:52 At the dailies: forgetting that it's little 02:11 Portland's influence on the film 02:33 Working through a Portland winter 02:49 Feeling every season of the year 03:01 The day it hit 115 degrees 03:16 The coffee shop scene and subtle Portland details 03:41 Bridges, mountains and a key part of the movie #Wildwood #CalebDeschanel #TravisKnight #Premiere #HeyUGuys #LFF #LFF2026 #BFILondonFilmFestival #LondonFilmFestival #LAIKA #StopMotion #Cinematography --------------------- For syndication or usage opportunities please contact syndication@heyuguys.co.uk. --------------------- More from HeyUGuys: Website ► http://HeyUGuys.com Follow us on Twitter ►   / heyuguys   Subscribe here! ► http://bit.ly/HeyUGuysYTSub Facebook ►   / heyuguys   Instagram ►   / heyuguysofficial   TikTok ►   / heyuguysofficial   ---------------------