New York
Los Angeles
Representation
US
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Isabella Parish
Ciaran Bennett
Asia & Australia
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Following the surreal adventures of two lovable characters, Max and Maxine, director Peter Sluszka creates a dreamscape world bursting with imaginative life, immersed in both metaphor and mixed media mastery. Imagination, and its ability to provide childlike wonder and motivation for living even in the face of terminal illness, is the thematic thread. But it’s the technique—an irresistible implementation of stop motion using custom-made puppets and materials—which transforms the story from simple and sweet to completely enthralling.
Peter’s vision was to immerse the viewer in a mixed media wonderland, savoring the sweet relationship between the characters, until the poignant moment when the grandfather snaps out of his daydream and brings the real world into sharp focus. This transition from dreamscape to reality serves as a powerful revelation, shedding light on the central theme of imagination and its motivating force for life.
Craftsmanship takes center stage in this narrative, with a commitment to in-camera techniques. Scenes like the one with the ocean and water utilize fabric, emphasizing the handcrafted touch. Every element, from the characters' clothes to the smallest details, is custom-made, contributing to the overall distinct look and feel of this mesmerizing tale.
Director Peter Sluszka
Client Eli Lilly
Production Co Hornet
Managing Director Hana Shimizu
Head of Creative Development Kristin Labriola
Head of Production Sang-Jin Bae
Executive Producer Cathy Kwan
Associate Producer Claudia Gaspar
Sr Editor Anita Chao
Editors Stephanie Andreou, Eren Gulfidan, Sam Stulin
Pre Production
Storyboard Artist Natalie LaBarre
Character Designer Felicie Haymoz
Enviroment Designers Alison Abitbol, Alejandro Diaz
Prop and Background Character Designer Anna Bron
Live Action/Stop Motion
Line Producer Joel Kretschman
Director of Photography Ivan Abel
Motion Control Operator Richard Coppola
Animators Matt Christensen, Pete List, Matt Somma, Peter Sluszka
Gaffer Michael Yetter
BB Electric: Jacob Malin
Key Grip Balz Beillmann, Garrett Cantrell, Chris Clarke, Sean Herlihy, Corey Jacobs
2nd Grip Bill Hilferty, Corey Gallit, Jarrod Kloiber
Fabricators Nico Benenati, Erika Bettencourt, Tiffany Chan, Melissa Chow, Kerry Coutu, Pete Erickson, Ben Kress, Camille Labarre, Michael Lawrence, Tim McDonald, Jackie Nash, Laura Noveck, Janet O'Sullivan, Matt Scharenbroich, Samantha Smith, Maxwell Sorensen
3D Modeler Rachel Kwak
Post-Production
Lead Compositor Ted Wiggin
Compositors Heeyeon Chang, John Harrison, Bil Thompson
Colorist Seth Ricart, RCO
Audio
Music, Sound Design, and Mix by Walker
Executive Producer Abbey Hendrix
Music Supervisor Julianne Wilson
Mixing Engineer Christopher Keyes
Agency Area 23
Chief Creative Officer Tim Hawkey
Executive Creative Director Elliot Langerman
VP, Group Executive Producer Chinkara Singh
Creative Director Joe Capanear, Chris Bernesby
ACD Ronnie Caltabiano, Erica Byrnes, Danielle Burke
Business Manager Rubina Handrigan
Account Executives Matthew Mcclafferty / Kaitlyn Molina
