How many animators will be on required for the project, and who came up with the story of Twilight running away (causing Discord to break out) and her friends (and Luna) going on this journey to find her?
In terms of animators, we need a LOT. As many as we can to make the film a reality. Currently, with the very small team we have, it could very well take 2 years on our own. But if we have a much bigger team, we could very well finish the film a lot faster.
In terms of the overall story, that was something I came up with on my own a year ago. I had the basic general concept of Twilight accidentally causing an event that seperated her from everyone she loves and the girls having to go off to find her to rekindle their friendship.
In a way, it was very much like my own envisioning of how a series finale would be, in which Twilight would learn one of the most important lessons of Friendship and how this particular journey has further shaped her into who she is as well as the rest of her friends.
My main goal with the film is that I want to tell a very emotionally driven story. One that touches on many different aspects of the series that hasn’t been explored yet while remaining as faithful to Lauren Faust’s original vision as possible.
Considering how much we’ve developed the story since its inception last year, I think you guys won’t be disappointed.
What inspired you to do this movie in the first place?
Simple, my pure love for the series and my love for filmmaking. I’ve always wanted to be a film director, especially one for animated films. I grew up on loving Classic Disney and other animated films like “The Secret of NIMH” and the works of Hayao Miyazaki.
I just simply wanted to follow in their footsteps and deliver a movie that could universally be viewed by anyone, even if they aren’t a brony.
Beyond the edge of Equestria is a journey filled with incredible imagination. Here is a lovely piece of Concept Art drawn by Sarah Williams (the voice of Rarity).
If this picture didn’t give the implication of how incredible of an experience BronyCon was for me, then allow me to state it in much more simpler terms: BronyCon was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had in my life PERIOD.
I met so many incredible people that I honestly lost count. I happened to run into a ton of different people at the con. One of which included our very own Jen, the Voice Actress for Celestia in “Journey of the Spark”! I also happened to run into my good friend Dylan, the leader of the Beatle Bronies! I actually got to see them perform live at Bronypalooza, which was probably the closest I’ll ever get to going to a real concert. My voice has never felt so dead from shouting.
But to me, my personal highlight of the whole convention was getting the chance to meet Lauren Faust. Lauren has ALWAYS been a HUGE inspiration to me and what I want to do with my career and finally getting the chance to meet someone like her was a dream come true. As she was autographing my Wonderbolts bag (as seen in the picture above), I briefly mentioned the movie to her and her initial response blew my mind.
Lauren Faust herself gave me her personal blessing. For the people reading this, you have absolutely no idea how much this meant to me personally. Getting that sort of approval from someone I look up to rarely ever happens and the fact that Lauren was so humble about it and actually encouraged me to go out and make the movie I personally want to make means the world to me.
It was easily the greatest moment of my life and its something I’m probably going to look back on years to come. Thanks to everyone who made this con such an amazing experience!
Stay tuned, I’m going to post more pictures of all the swag I got ;D
Here’s one of our first interviews we held with one of the voice actresses from the movie. Meet newcomer Sarah Williams, the Voice of Rarity!
