In The Wild Robot, SDFX Studios partnered with DreamWorks Animation to bring their 3D expertise to the forefront. The team—led by Stereographer Jeremy Carroll and Supervisor Varuna Darensbourg—harnessed state-of-the-art stereoscopic technology to deepen the narrative impact, enhancing both the breathtaking watercolor-like landscapes and the heartfelt connections that define the story. This innovative approach demonstrated SDFX’s ability to transform a distinctively stylized animated film into an immersive and emotionally resonant 3D experience.
"We had to find the right balance between honoring the film's painterly style while creating a dimensionalized space that would pull audiences into Roz's world," explains Carroll. The studio developed a nuanced approach that carefully considered when to enhance depth and when to preserve the artistic intent of the film's unique visual style.
SDFX Studios' work on The Wild Robot particularly shines in its treatment of the wilderness environment, which serves as a crucial character in the story. The team crafted expansive, organic-feeling spaces that invite viewers to explore alongside Roz, the protagonist. This careful attention to environmental depth played a vital role in the film's discovery sequences, where audiences experience the wonder of the natural world through Roz's eyes.
Bringing The Wild Robot to life in 3D was no small feat, as the project posed exciting challenges at every turn. From crafting thousands of dimensional butterflies fluttering through the air to perfecting the scale between Roz and the colorful forest creatures she meets, SDFX Studios embraced the opportunity to flex their creative and technical muscles. By blending their cutting-edge tools with DreamWorks’ stunning 2D mats, the team delivered intricate effects while keeping production efficient and seamless.
The studio’s artistry shines brightest in several unforgettable moments. The breathtaking beach landing scene showcases their ability to create vast, dynamic environments, complete with crashing waves that feel almost tangible. Later, in a climactic forest fire sequence, SDFX masterfully layers elements like falling trees and swirling embers, immersing the audience in the chaos while maintaining crystal-clear storytelling.
But it’s the quieter, heartfelt moments that truly steal the show. Roz teaching her adopted bird Brightbill to fly is a standout sequence, where the thoughtful use of 3D draws viewers into the emotional core of the story. “These touching moments in the film really benefit from proper dimensionalization,” shares Stereographer Jeremy Carroll. “It adds a layer of immersion that lets audiences connect more deeply with the story’s emotional beats.”
Roz herself posed a fascinating challenge for the team. As a robot, her emotions are conveyed through subtle eye movements and body language rather than traditional facial expressions. SDFX developed advanced techniques to enhance these nuances, ensuring her performance remained expressive and natural without being overshadowed by the 3D effects. The team also paid meticulous attention to scale, ensuring Roz’s interactions with the forest creatures felt believable within the dimensionalized space.
The Wild Robot is a testament to why SDFX Studios remains at the forefront of stereoscopic conversion. By seamlessly blending technical innovation with artistic sensitivity, the team consistently enhances the story rather than overshadowing it. “Animated films offer us incredible opportunities to push the boundaries of creative 3D,” says Stereographer Jeremy Carroll. “At SDFX Studios, we embrace those challenges while always staying true to the heart of the narrative.”
Experience the magic for yourself—The Wild Robot is now playing in theaters and available on video on demand. Don’t miss your chance to see it in 3D!