The brilliant minds of Cinzia Angelini and David Feiss talk about their incredible new animated feature, ‘Hitpig!‘ coming to theaters on Friday, November 1, 2024.
I was thrilled to have a conversation with two titans of animation, Cinzia Angelini and David Feiss, the visionary directors behind the much-anticipated film ‘Hitpig!‘. This dynamic duo has left an indelible mark on the animation landscape, with extensive experience at renowned studios like Sony Animation and Illumination. Their impressive portfolios feature some of the most beloved animated films of our time, including the ‘Despicable Me‘ franchise, ‘The Secret Life of Pets‘ series, ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘, 
‘Up‘, and ‘Toy Story 3‘, among many others.
I first had the pleasure of during Feiss during the production of ‘Open Season: Scared Silly‘ at Sony Animation, and it was evident then that his creative vision was matched only by his passion for storytelling. Cinzia Angelini complements this brilliance with her own rich history in animation, bringing a unique perspective and artistry that enhances every project she touches. Together, they are a powerhouse team, and their collaborative efforts on ‘Hitpig!‘ promise to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.
‘Hitpig!‘ is based on the delightful work of Pulitzer Prize winner Berkeley Breathed, whose acclaimed book, ‘Pete and Pickles‘, serves as the inspiration for this animated feature. The film boasts a star-studded cast, with Jason Sudeikis voicing the titular character, Hitpig, alongside Lilly Singh as Pickles, Rainn Wilson as The Leapin’ Lord of the Leotard, RuPaul as Polecast, and Charlie Adler as Super Rooster, among many others. This impressive ensemble brings an array of talent and humor that is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
The partnership with world-class animation studio Cinesite has been integral to bringing the whimsical world of ‘Hitpig!‘ to life. Initial production design at Cinesite focused on capturing the vibrant visuals and humor synonymous with Breathed’s storytelling. Collaborating closely with the director duo, Art Director Sylvie Lacroix, and Cinesite’s talented development team, they embraced an ‘80s, maximalist aesthetic, aiming to encapsulate Berkeley’s distinctive style and emotional depth. This synergy not only showcases the beauty of animation but also invites audiences into a fantastical realm that resonates with both joy and poignancy.
‘Hitpig!‘ comes to theaters on Friday, November 1, 2024.
