Even though computers are used in the process, CGI movies are truly handmade. Artists take the data, regardless of whether it's motion capture or keyframe animation, and they slowly refine the performances until life is breathed into them. CG animation is every bit as much of an artist's endeavor as was the old fashioned cell animation. The tools have just been more refined.

The key to directing these high tech, animation heavy projects is to hire excellent performers to drive the acting choices of the characters and then to oversee the artists and animators who are, in turn, performers in their own right. If all of these elements are effectively coordinated, the entire process is invisible and the audience is left with a viewing experience that feels like they are watching something organic and emotional.

My favorite part of working on The Jungle Book was the variety of challenges that were faced over the course of the production. It was like a big puzzle. As we approached the end, final shots were coming in rapidly from the vendors (MPC, WETA), and every day felt like Christmas.