Sean Charmatz and Peter McCown, known for ‘Orion and the Dark,’ talk about their new DreamWorks project, ‘Nocturne

In DreamWorks Animation’s latest venture, “Orion and the Dark,” a young boy grappling with phobias confronts the primal force of darkness. This captivating fantasy-adventure, making its debut on Netflix this month, deviates from the contemporary norms of 21st-century politics, social agendas, and technology, offering a refreshing escape into an urban fairy tale. Directed by Sean Charmatz in his debut feature film role and produced by Peter McCown, the film, crafted by Mikros Animation, embraces the handcrafted charm reminiscent of old-school claymation.

Based on Emma Yarlett’s 2014 children’s picture book, the film is infused with the quirky humor of screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, known for his work on “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “Being John Malkovich.” Kaufman’s imaginative touch elevates the story, introducing surprising scenes that evoke a spectrum of emotions for both young and adult audiences. The film, complemented by memorable music from Kevin Lax and Robert Lydecker, features a stellar vocal cast, including Jacob Tremblay, Paul Walter Hauser, and the distinctive voice of Werner Herzog.

For Charmatz, known for his previous work on projects like “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Trolls World Tour,” this marks his first foray into feature film direction. The collaboration with Kaufman was a dream come true, and the film’s tone and uniqueness resonated with his artistic aspirations. McCown, who also has an impressive background in projects like “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous” and “The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants,” shared Charmatz’s enthusiasm for working with Kaufman, citing him as a screenwriting luminary.

“Orion and the Dark” avoids the conventional four-quadrant approach, allowing the filmmakers to take creative risks under Netflix’s umbrella. The script, enriched by Kaufman’s whimsy, retains the spirit of Emma’s charming book. Charmatz emphasizes the importance of surprise in storytelling, and McCown appreciates the opportunity to work on a project that defies expectations, especially in the animated space.

The film’s soundscape and score, carefully curated, contribute to its emotional depth. Charmatz commends the collaborative effort, highlighting the clarity of vision that guided the entire team, from editors to sound professionals. McCown underscores the significance of a soundtrack that enhances the emotions embedded in Kaufman’s heartfelt script.

DreamWorks entrusted the production to Mikros Animation in Paris, known for its lively claymation-style CG. The design team, led by Joe Pitt and Tim Lamb, played a pivotal role in bringing the characters to life, with animation leads contributing exceptional work. McCown praises the efficient and creative crew, emphasizing the minimal notes from the director to the design department, a testament to the team’s intuition and commitment.

Charmatz expresses pride in creating a film with a strong message and pure intentions, highlighting the honor of working with talents like Angela Bassett and Paul Walter Hauser. The collaboration with Mikros Animation resulted in an extraordinary effort, elevating each animated shot. “Orion and the Dark” emerges as a testament to the synergy of creativity, vision, and dedication, offering audiences a visually enchanting and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

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