“Mutant Turtles: Mutant Panic! ” Director Jeff Lowe Aiming for “cool” video and music [Director's Interview Vol.354]

The world of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" is based on a popular comic and has produced many movies, including a live-action version in 1990 and an animated version. There are many die-hard fans who appreciate the great success of the somewhat endearing turtle characters. Its latest version “Mutant Turtles: Mutant Panic! ” is an animation work that also depicts the origin of the familiar Turtles and Turtles brothers, and the expression is cool. It is filled with elements that overturn the image of previous Turtles works, and has received unusually high praise from critics.

The director was Jeff Lowe, a rising star who was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for Netflix's `` The Mitchells vs the Machines '' (21). He agreed to an interview during a private visit to Japan.

Index

• The studio upper management's gaze was cold.
• When directing, I was conscious of the live-action production. Japanese movies too?
• The emphasis is on storytelling

The studio upper management's gaze was cold.

Q: “Mutant Turtles: Mutant Panic! ” is a project launched by popular actor Seth Rogen. Please tell us about the circumstances surrounding your offer to direct.

Lowe: When I was looking for a director to follow up on `` The Mitchells vs the Machines, '' my agent asked me, ``Are you interested in the Ninja Turtles? Do you like Seth Rogen?'' I immediately told him, ``I love both of them, and it would be great if Seth would make a Turtles movie!'' At that point, I never even imagined that he would be chosen as the director. After that, I met with Seth and had the opportunity to promote myself to many people, and although I don't know what made the decision (lol), I got the job.

Q: Didn't the reputation of " The Mitchells vs the Machines " also support it?

Lowe: No, `` The Mitchells '' wasn't available on Netflix yet, and I remember the higher-ups in Paramount's animation department looking at me like, ``Why do I have to talk to you?'' (laughs) However, during that interview, they watched the trailer for `` The Mitchells '' and said, ``This looks interesting. You have talent.'' This is how the production of the current ``Turtles'' began even before `` The Mitchell Family '' was completed.

“Mutant Turtles: Mutant Panic! ”© 2023 PARAMOUNT PICTURES.TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES IS A TRADEMARK OF VIACOM INTERNATIONAL INC.

Q: You were born in 1986. How much did you like the world of "Turtles" in the first place?

Rowe: I'm a big fan. I loved the early TV series (from 1987) and the first two live-action movies (Mutant Turtles in 1990 and the sequel in 1991), and I used to collect toys as a child. But there are some recent works that I haven't seen... That's a difficult question to answer (lol).

Q: Isn't it because you're not a huge fan that this new movie has a different taste than previous Turtles movies? The animation touch is completely different from `` The Mitchell Family .''

Lowe: I think we were a little timid with `` The Mitchells '' as it was our first feature for Michael Rianda (co-director). That's why I chose a classic touch. But this is my second time. There was no thought of compromise, and we aimed for the coolest footage that no one had ever seen before. I created the film with the feeling of being a teenager, with some immaturity but a strong sense of adventure.

When directing, I was conscious of the live-action production. Japanese movies too?