Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” Press Conference Offers Insights Into Film Inspiration, Recording at Home

Hi everyone!

Giuliana Rancic moderated the virtual press conference for Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” that we were invited to. The animated movie debuts on Disney+ June 18th (I love the film and will have a review next week). The press conference included Jacob Tremblay (“Luca”); Jacob Dylan Grazer (Alberto); Maya Rudolph (Daniela, Luca’s mom); Jim Gaffigan (Lorenzo, Luca’s father); Emma Berman (Guilia) along with director Enrico Casarosa and producer Andrea Warren.

The film is inspired by Casarosa’s childhood, which is what the first question was about. Casarosa was born in Genoa, which he described as “this poor town on the Riviera”. He was shy and said he was a bit sheltered by his family. He met Alberto when he was 11 – the character in the film is inspired by his real friendship – and he says his world opened up. “I was kind of following him and getting dragged into…troubles”.

Warren discussed how the pandemic affected the film once she realized everyone would be working from home. “It involved sending iPads and microphones, and everyone testing out spaces in their houses where the sound would be baffled”. She addressed Grazer about the challenges they had. “I’ll never forget you, Jack, especially in your…I think your mom’s closet…your arms hitting the hangers and we’re all trying to, you know, press the right buttons at the right time”. She said it was tricky to be acting and be your own tech. Zoom can be challenging as well because it can cut out during performances.

Grazer laughed as he answered Warren, “Being in my mom’s closet for a year…it was definitely a stretch for me, a challenge for me as an actor…and as a human being. It got hot in there. And I bet my neighbors were really freaked out about the amount of screaming that was going on from my house”.

Rudolph said that she also filmed in the closet. “Like my kids were like, ‘Who’s Luca? Why are you yelling so much?’ Is he in trouble? Is he a bad kid? What happens in the movie?’ Because all they heard was me screaming ‘Luca'”.

This is Emma Berman’s first movie, which was a surprise to me. She was excited to have her first film be a Pixar movie. She has done some voice over for toys and does a fabulous job as Giulia.

The cast was asked about the film’s themes that include family, friendship and acceptance and what aspect of their character’s journey’s did they hope to take with them. Tremblay answered, “The Silencio Bruno part”, using words to silence anxiety. Grazer took the question next. “I think, honestly, the overarching message is being comfortable in your skin and not dressing the part for anybody but yourself”. Berman feels that the way Giulia keeps trying ever year (to win the Portorosso Cup) every year is relatable for her when it comes to acting. “Don’t get a job, keep auditioning.”

The cast and filmmakers talked more about subjects that include the score and research trips, and I will post another article next week, as well as my review.

Share this:

Related