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Created entirely using stop-motion animation without sacrificing visual effects or the seamless fluidity of an animated feature, Wildwood – The Secrets of the Forbidden Forest was the Notorious Pictures preview presented at the Alberto Sordi Hall. Directed by Travis Knight and produced by LAIKA—the studio whose feature films have redefined the boundaries of contemporary animation and earned Academy Award nominations for every one of its productions—the film promises to be an extraordinary adventure.
Introducing the film to the +10 jurors in the Alberto Sordi Hall were character designer Thibault Leclercq, animator Guillem Ignasi, and Arianna Craviotto, the Italian voice actress of the film’s protagonist. Together, they revealed some of the secrets behind this highly anticipated production, which is still in development. The Giffoni audience had the exclusive opportunity to watch twenty minutes of footage: four sequences that fully showcased not only the film’s remarkable production values—with meticulous craftsmanship and incredible attention to detail—but also its deeply engaging storytelling.
As the characters came to life on screen, they transported viewers into an enchanted world inhabited by countless extraordinary creatures. At the heart of the story is young Prue McKeel, who embarks on a quest to rescue her kidnapped younger brother after disobeying her parents. Along the way, she faces incredible challenges that test both her courage and her ability to believe in herself. The result is an epic tale that blends adventure, personal growth, and magic, once again showcasing LAIKA’s unmistakable artistic style.
The film will be released in Italian cinemas on October 22. Speaking about the setting, character designer Thibault Leclercq explained that it was inspired directly by Portland, where LAIKA’s studios are based. “The castle you see in the film,” he said, “is a real place that people can actually visit. The forest is real too.”
“These locations were discovered during the COVID pandemic,” he continued. “At that time, we used to take long walks and sketch the landscapes, which eventually became part of the film’s setting.”
Ignasi, meanwhile, explained the stop-motion technique with a practical demonstration, moving a few objects to illustrate the process. “To create just one second of animation,” he said, “I have to take 24 photographs. That means making tiny movements with the character and capturing a new image every single time.”
The young audience responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, showering the guests with applause and questions. “I couldn’t believe what I was hearing over the phone,” Arianna Craviotto recalled. “When they called to tell me I had passed the audition, it was an incredibly emotional moment. I’m so happy.”
Happiness is also what defines the atmosphere at LAIKA, according to those who work there. “It’s an amazing community,” said Thibault Leclercq. “We’re truly like a family,” added Guillem Ignasi.
For both American professionals, working as part of the LAIKA team is nothing less than “a dream come true.”