Interview with the Director of Hoodwinked
—1. Overview
—2. Cast and Crew
—3. Photo Pages
—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack
—5. Posters (Anne Hathaway)
—6. Production Notes (pdf)
—7. Spiritual Connections
—8. Presentation Downloads
The premier of Hoodwinked was of special local interest for those of Anderson University, with the University’s president, James Edwards, particularly beaming. His sons, Cory and Todd Edwards, co-wrote the story. Cory directed the movie (and was the voice of scene-stealer, Twitchy the Squirrel). Todd wrote ten of the original songs for the movie. Together—with their sister, Katie Hooten and another Anderson University alum, Preston Stutzman—they form Blue Yonder Films. The creators had a special Alumni screening of the movie in Anderson, Indiana where I had a chance to meet the creators.
Why did you choose an animated movie this time around?
CE: We had an investor who was a fan of animation and wanted to retell a classic story as an animated feature. I had some experience directing some shorter TV animated projects (such as "Wobots" on DVD), and so I felt confident that I could pull off a feature. But I never thought that my first film would be an animated one.
What drew you to the story of Little Red Riding Hood? Was there anything that particularly attracted you to this fairy tale?
CE: As I researched a number of known fairy tales, I was struck by how universal and recognized the story of Red Riding Hood was, in almost every culture. Plus, it is a fun story to retell! Then when my brother proposed the "Rashomon" concept of flashbacks from many perspectives, I got very excited about doing the project. I knew that this kind of story had never been done in a children's film or animated film before. And with this concept, I thought we could transcend the genre of a typical "kid movie."
As far as themes in the movie, what would you say the film was about? Was there anything you were trying to say about truth?
CE: In any story or event, there's your side, my side, and the truth. Very simply, I want kids to think about the fact that there is always another side to a story, no matter what your perspective tells you. And there is probably more to someone's life than you think. I also wanted to say something about heritage, and about how family makes us who we are. The hood is a symbol of that. When Red discards her hood in the movie, she is basically shunning her connection to her Granny and her heritage. And in the end, she embraces that heritage again as she grows up a little bit.
What themes are you drawn to in the projects that you choose?
CE: I want to tell stories about characters seeking a greater purpose, or who want to become more than they are. I also like stories about risk and what it takes to achieve a higher goal. Those are lofty things, but they are compelling and universal when put in the context of a direct choice a character has to make. Even popcorn movies can make you think.
How would you describe the role of faith in your work?
CE: I worked in the Christian media for many years, enough to know that I am not interested in making Christian "message" films. Those films are valuable, but they are just not what I am driven to make. My mantra is "entertainment first, message second." And by that I mean that your audience only wants to be entertained. Take care of them on that level, and you can work in your ideals and your faith as you tell them a story. If you rivet them to their seats, they will be open to anything.
Who I am is going to come across in my storytelling. If I try to put my own agenda up on the screen first, storytelling becomes secondary and falters. At least that's what happens for me. I am a film-maker who is a Christian, not a "Christian film-maker." I hope people can realize the difference.
There were a lot of movie references that you drew upon; what sort of movies have influenced you?
CE: Growing up, I was greatly influenced by Lucas, Spielberg, Jim Henson's Muppets and Bugs Bunny cartoons. I also saw every Disney movie that came out. I love Robert Zemeckis (especially the style of the "Back To The Future" movies) and the boldness of Tim Burton's vision. Then, in my adult years, my sense of humor has been greatly influenced by Wes Anderson and the Coen Brothers' films. And of course, I cannot forget EVERY Pixar movie, the gold standard of animated entertainment these days. Put that all in a big blender and that's what's going on in my head when I make a movie!
What other projects do you have in the pipeline?
CE: We have already started writing the sequel, which is scheduled to go into production by this spring. It is going to be much bigger in scope than the original, and we take Red and her friends into a real "Mission Impossible" adventure.
Other projects I am developing are live action ones. I really want to work with actors in front of cameras very soon! Some of the projects I am preparing are a sci-fi comedy, an action film, and a fantasy film.
— Overview
—2. Cast and Crew
—3. Photo Pages
—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack
—5. Posters (Anne Hathaway)
—6. Production Notes (pdf)
—7. Spiritual Connections
—8. Presentation Downloads
The premier of Hoodwinked was of special local interest for those of Anderson University, with the University’s president, James Edwards, particularly beaming. His sons, Cory and Todd Edwards, co-wrote the story. Cory directed the movie (and was the voice of scene-stealer, Twitchy the Squirrel). Todd wrote ten of the original songs for the movie. Together—with their sister, Katie Hooten and another Anderson University alum, Preston Stutzman—they form Blue Yonder Films. The creators had a special Alumni screening of the movie in Anderson, Indiana where I had a chance to meet the creators.Why did you choose an animated movie this time around?
CE: We had an investor who was a fan of animation and wanted to retell a classic story as an animated feature. I had some experience directing some shorter TV animated projects (such as "Wobots" on DVD), and so I felt confident that I could pull off a feature. But I never thought that my first film would be an animated one.
What drew you to the story of Little Red Riding Hood? Was there anything that particularly attracted you to this fairy tale?
CE: As I researched a number of known fairy tales, I was struck by how universal and recognized the story of Red Riding Hood was, in almost every culture. Plus, it is a fun story to retell! Then when my brother proposed the "Rashomon" concept of flashbacks from many perspectives, I got very excited about doing the project. I knew that this kind of story had never been done in a children's film or animated film before. And with this concept, I thought we could transcend the genre of a typical "kid movie."
As far as themes in the movie, what would you say the film was about? Was there anything you were trying to say about truth?
CE: In any story or event, there's your side, my side, and the truth. Very simply, I want kids to think about the fact that there is always another side to a story, no matter what your perspective tells you. And there is probably more to someone's life than you think. I also wanted to say something about heritage, and about how family makes us who we are. The hood is a symbol of that. When Red discards her hood in the movie, she is basically shunning her connection to her Granny and her heritage. And in the end, she embraces that heritage again as she grows up a little bit.What themes are you drawn to in the projects that you choose?
CE: I want to tell stories about characters seeking a greater purpose, or who want to become more than they are. I also like stories about risk and what it takes to achieve a higher goal. Those are lofty things, but they are compelling and universal when put in the context of a direct choice a character has to make. Even popcorn movies can make you think.
How would you describe the role of faith in your work?
CE: I worked in the Christian media for many years, enough to know that I am not interested in making Christian "message" films. Those films are valuable, but they are just not what I am driven to make. My mantra is "entertainment first, message second." And by that I mean that your audience only wants to be entertained. Take care of them on that level, and you can work in your ideals and your faith as you tell them a story. If you rivet them to their seats, they will be open to anything.
Who I am is going to come across in my storytelling. If I try to put my own agenda up on the screen first, storytelling becomes secondary and falters. At least that's what happens for me. I am a film-maker who is a Christian, not a "Christian film-maker." I hope people can realize the difference.
There were a lot of movie references that you drew upon; what sort of movies have influenced you?
CE: Growing up, I was greatly influenced by Lucas, Spielberg, Jim Henson's Muppets and Bugs Bunny cartoons. I also saw every Disney movie that came out. I love Robert Zemeckis (especially the style of the "Back To The Future" movies) and the boldness of Tim Burton's vision. Then, in my adult years, my sense of humor has been greatly influenced by Wes Anderson and the Coen Brothers' films. And of course, I cannot forget EVERY Pixar movie, the gold standard of animated entertainment these days. Put that all in a big blender and that's what's going on in my head when I make a movie!What other projects do you have in the pipeline?
CE: We have already started writing the sequel, which is scheduled to go into production by this spring. It is going to be much bigger in scope than the original, and we take Red and her friends into a real "Mission Impossible" adventure.
Other projects I am developing are live action ones. I really want to work with actors in front of cameras very soon! Some of the projects I am preparing are a sci-fi comedy, an action film, and a fantasy film.
— Overview
2 Comments:
Dangit! Why do I have to be the one do the negative review about such likeable guys?? Umm... Edwards Brothers, if you're reading this, I blame my negativity on the obnoxious guy who sat beside me in the theater & kept shouting "It's the bunny! It's the bunny!." Though HOODWINKED wasn't my favorite film, I do look forward to seeing what you can come up with next, after you've solidified your style.
The first film by this talent, "Cillicothe," was a great live action autobiographical film. I haven't seen this one yet, but I follow you career with great anticipation.
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