Shane Acker Interview on 9

Our friend Alex from First Showing was able to get 10 minutes in the same room with director Shane Acker and asked some great questions about his movie 9, to be released on Wednesday.


In the interview, Shane talks about his influences, the trouble he had getting the film picked up by a studio and hints at more movies to come.

Shane Acker Interview – 9 from FirstShowing.net on Vimeo.

Shane explains that it was difficult to convince a studio to pick up this dark cartoon, however, upon showing the short that this movie is based on at a private screening with Tim Burton who himself has brought us similar dark animations “A nightmare before Christmas” and “the corpse’s bride”. They were able to start the ball running after the meeting and now we can get to see the finished product on the silver screen.


When asked why the film did not have a 3d version, Shane explains that making a 3d film is still expensive, and rather than making an average 3d film he wanted to make a great 2d film. He feels that by using clever cinematography he has managed to create a depth to his film and more importantly, to the characters. He also explains how they considered having silent characters, but in the proved to be too much of a challenge.





Alex goes on to ask Shane about the future of “9” another projects in the pipeline. When this question was asked, it emerged that a game was planned, however, the company that was designing it folded, but they are considering picking it up gain. From the vibe of the film, I’m hoping for a little big planet type of game. There may also be comics based on the film, and depending on how well it does at the box office, a sequel could also be on the cards.


After the watching the interview I have to say that I have been swept up in the enthusiasm displayed by Shane and have no doubt that this will be one of the better films of 2009.


What do you think? Are you looking forward to it?