Alain Gagnol, the acclaimed director behind the Oscar-nominated 'A Cat in Paris', is back with his latest animated feature, 'Dog My Cats!'. This heartwarming 2D story, set for release in 2027, follows siblings Jules and Lola as they embark on a quest alongside their grandmother, uncovering a hidden family legacy. The film's unique blend of comedy and a child's perspective, coupled with a star-studded French cast, promises to captivate audiences. Gagnol's collaboration with illustrator and comic book author Lilas Cognet, as well as the involvement of producer Jérôme Duc-Maugé, brings a fresh and exciting vision to the project.
Gagnol's decision to partner with Cognet stems from their shared love for animation as both an art and a craft. Cognet's distinct style, showcased in her book 'Bob Denard', aligns perfectly with Gagnol's vision. The director's history as a graphic novel lover and his appreciation for the technical aspects of animation make this collaboration a natural fit. Duc-Maugé, who produced Gagnol's previous film 'Nina and the Hedgehog's Secret', is thrilled to work with this new duo, aiming to explore a more comedic tone while maintaining a child's perspective.
The production process has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. Cognet's meticulous reference drawings, using a combination of watercolor ink and black pencil lines, set the foundation for the digital adaptation. The team's workflow, involving Photoshop, TVPaint, and After Effects, has brought Cognet's unique style to life. Duc-Maugé highlights Cognet's talent for lighting, framing, and creating an atmosphere, emphasizing the importance of matching her artistic vision in the production.
The film's voice recording has been a crucial aspect, with Josiane Balasko bringing the grandmother to life, Golshifteh Farahani lending her voice to the cat, and Philippe Katerine adding humor and charm as the dog. Gagnol's emphasis on character sound design has resulted in a rich and diverse soundscape, enhancing the on-screen presence of the characters.
Despite the challenges of the animation phase, the team is optimistic about the film's success. Duc-Maugé attributes this to their early financing and the support of Belgian partners UMedia and producer Cédric Iland. The film's presence at Cannes is a strategic move to build awareness and secure distribution deals for French and international audiences. KMBO, a French distribution company, is already presenting the film to theaters and other circuits, ensuring its reach and appeal.
'Dog My Cats!' is a testament to Gagnol's ability to create captivating stories that resonate with audiences of all ages. With its unique blend of comedy, family legacy, and a talented cast, the film is poised to become a standout in the animated feature market. As the team heads to Cannes, their open-minded approach and early awareness-building efforts bode well for the film's future success.
