What may have initially seemed like a hurdle, however, turned out to be a springboard.
That way, we could continue to surprise them because the tone has a wide range.
Here’s the setup, here’s the big adventure, here’s the fun in episode 1.
Jonathan Groff voices Ollie, a toy bunny looking to find his way home in Netflix’s ‘Lost Ollie.'.Netflix
We continue that quest in episode 2.
And then we start to gut punch you a little bit with things that happen to Ollie."
The subversion comes from the direction Tindle wanted to take this story.
Mary J. Blige voices Rosy (L) and Tim Blake Nelson voices Zozo (R) in Netflix’s ‘Lost Ollie.'.Netflix
“I don’t think people talk about it enough.
I wanted to have something that talked about it right up front, worn on his sleeve.”
The director ofLost Ollie,Peter Ramsey, also helmed that movie.
Newcomer Kesler Talbot plays Billy as part of the live-action, animation hybrid story that is ‘Lost Ollie.'.Diyah Pera/Netflix
Tindle says the producers backed his vision, though he stops himself from getting too specific.
He doesn’t want to give away the exact means of dealing with these themes.
Ultimately, the creator hopesLost Olliewill help spark more conversations among families about what the show is tackling.
‘New Girl’ vet Jake Johnson plays Billy’s father in ‘Lost Ollie.'.Netflix
The inspiration there was purely aesthetic, Tindle assures.
A native of rural Kentucky, the animator never heard of anyone local doing what he does now professionally.
He jumped at the opportunity to “create a fantasy in a place like that.”
Gina Rodriguez plays Billy’s mother in ‘Lost Ollie.'.Netflix
He says, “There are actual shots in the show that were shot in my hometown.
Groff and Blige are some of the voice actors giving personality to these CG-animated characters.
Tindle felt Groff, particularly, understood the assignment.
The poster for Netflix’s ‘Lost Ollie.'.Netflix
Blige’s Rosy brings more of a toughness and honesty.
(Tindle confirms Rosy will sing inLost Ollie.
“I was not gonna have Ms. Blige in the show and not have her character sing.”
Animation proved to be the medium that could complement the actors’ wide range of emotions.
The puppets and the puppet performers, however, were mainly used for lighting and reference.
ILM’s crew then scanned the exact details of the puppets to create animated characters.
“They’re just… they’re people.
They behave like people and they move like people and they can be hurt like people.”
In short, pack a tissue.
