How Filipino creativity elevates DreamWorks Animation's progress

MANILA, Philippines — DreamWorks Animation is marking a notable shift in its animation design and characterization, and Filipino influences are playing a part in that progress.

The studio first entered the market with early releases "Antz," "The Prince of Egypt," and "The Road to El Dorado," but arguably its pop culture-defining hit was the "Shrek" franchise that began at the turn of the millenium.

Since then, the company has released franchises for "Madagascar," "Kung Fu Panda," "How to Train Your Dragon," and "Trolls," each to varying degress of success alongside one-part features.

Next on the theatrical line is "Forgotten Island" helmed by longtime DreamWorks artists and "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

What makes the upcoming film so special is that it is inspired by Filipino culture, mythology, and folklore. It is also borrows from the real-life friendship between the Filipino-American Mercado and Crawford, whose wife is Filipina.

It's a daunting task to follow the footsteps of well-received and award-winning predecessors. However, recent releases like "The Wild Robot" and even "The Last Wish" can serve as indication to the direction DreamWorks is heading.

Philstar.com exclusively spoke with Crawford and Mercado to discuss how Filipino creativity factored in the pioneering animation studio's improvement.

Mercado began by stating his belief that DreamWork's progress is elevated by Filipino artistry, not just by the community sharing its stories and making their voices heard but also to inspire other cultures to step up.

"I want to hear everybody's story, we always talk about how 'rising tides raise all ships,'" he said. "I think together we can tell very beautiful, personal stories and amazing filmmaking."

Crawford elaborated on the special opportunity "Forgotten Island" had to play with different animation styles, including 2D animation, which was contributed by the Quezon City-based Snipple Animation.

While the movie heavily makes use of 3D animation, flat 2D styles are used in individual storytelling formats and exaggerated moments by characters.

The director credited the local animators in Snipple for inspiring the film's crew and for much of how the project has been received so far.

He even compared the collaboration to his working relationship and real-life friendship with Mercado.

The filmmakers first worked together as storyboard artists on "Kung Fu Panda 2" 15 years ago and have been quite the dynamic duo ever since.

"That was the experience and joy working with Snipple, it was amazing," Crawford added.

Mercado ended by recalling how emotional he got upon entering Snipple's office for the first time last year as — in all his years working in animation. He had never seen a studio full of Filipino animators and artists, and for him it was incredible to witness.

"Forgotten Island" follows best friends Raissa and Jo (Liza Soberano and H.E.R.) stranded on the titular mystical island Nakali filled with aswangs as told by the latter's grandmother (Dolly de Leon).

Also in the voice cast are Lea Salonga, Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy, Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto, Filipino-American actress Amielynn Abellera, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, and Ronny Chieng.

The movie goes wide in Philippine cinemas beginning September 23.

abtestabtest Exclusive Directors say 'Forgotten Island' platform to tell Filipino story By Kristofer Purnell | 3 days ago Beyond highlighting Philippine experiences in a major feature film, a big factor of "Forgotten Island" is that a... Entertainment ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day!’: Atasha Muhlach proves naysayers wrong as Annie Batungbakal By Nathalie Tomada | 18 hours ago After facing online bashing in the weeks leading up to her first lead role in a musical, Atasha Muhlach got to prove the naysayers... Entertainment ‘Resident Evil’: Horror worth putting your phone down for By MJ Marfori | 1 day ago One of the toughest things to do these days is probably not surviving a zombie apocalypse but actually putting your phone... Entertainment Michael V. steps in as ‘Family Feud’ host for Dingdong Dantes By Jan Milo Severo | 3 days ago Michael V. is returning to game show hosting as he temporarily takes over the hosting duties of GMA Network’s “Family... Entertainment Katherine Luna hopes to sustain showbiz comeback for her eight children By Charmie Joy Pagulong | 1 day ago Award-winning indie actress Katherine Luna is hoping that her showbiz career will continue to flourish following her comeback... Entertainment Latest More in Entertainment Brigitte Bardot widower slams sale of star's belongings Shakira to cap off world tour with Madrid 12-gig run Doom Loop? Ed Sheeran struggles against Gaza tide Directors hail 'blessed' Filipino cast of DreamWorks flick 'Forgotten Island' abtest Jessica Sanchez brings the house down at Calgary’s Fiesta Filipino Festival 2026 By Carlo Orosa | 18 hours ago Thousands of Filipinos gathered at Eau Claire Park on Sept. 5 for an extraordinary celebration of Filipino culture, music... Entertainment K-pop fans get up close with their favorite boy groups in VR experience in Quezon City By Josiah Antonio | 18 hours ago K-pop fans are in for a treat, as they can get up close with their favorite boy groups with the recently launched VR exhibition... Entertainment Lawyer Ed Chico sets pre-Christmas comedy show By Kristofer Purnell | 1 day ago Political humor and jokes just deemed legal take center stage in Ed Chico's "Laugh Control." Entertainment Janine Gutierrez leads Netflix horror-mystery series 'Balaraw' By Kristofer Purnell | 1 day ago Janine Gutierrez responds to mysterious calls and finds herself on the titular island in "Balaraw." Entertainment Recommended Next witness to testify on Sara business interests, government deals 18 hours ago The House prosecution panel is preparing witnesses to testify on Vice President Sara Duterte’s declared business interests,... EntertainmentBENJAMIN TOLOSA JR. More time needed to resolve impeach vote threshold 18 hours ago The impeachment court trying Vice President Sara Duterte may defer resolving the voting threshold question to give senators... EntertainmentIMPEACHMENTSARA DUTERTE Senators should consider commuting to work – Sherwin 1 day ago Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian urged his fellow lawmakers yesterday to try commuting to work, inspired by a Department... EntertainmentSENATESENATOR President Marcos has no plans to resign – Palace 1 day ago President Marcos has no plans of stepping down, Malacañang said yesterday, after the camp of Vice President Sara Duterte... EntertainmentMALACAñANGRESIGNS House prosecutors defend statements on impeachment September 19, 2026 - 12:00am Members of the House prosecution panel have maintained that their statements on the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte were not about the merits of the case, but merely on procedure and summary...r EntertainmentIMPEACHMENT next Recommended Next witness to testify on Sara business interests, government deals The House prosecution panel is preparing witnesses to testify on Vice President Sara Duterte’s declared business interests, possible government contracts and registered firearms for this week’s impeachment hearings. 18 hours ago BENJAMIN TOLOSA JR. More time needed to resolve impeach vote threshold The impeachment court trying Vice President Sara Duterte may defer resolving the voting threshold question to give senators more time to study the issue, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said yesterday. 18 hours ago IMPEACHMENT SARA DUTERTE Senators should consider commuting to work – Sherwin Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian urged his fellow lawmakers yesterday to try commuting to work, inspired by a Department of Transportation policy requiring key DOTr officials to experience the daily troubles of the riding public firsthand. 1 day ago SENATE SENATOR President Marcos has no plans to resign – Palace President Marcos has no plans of stepping down, Malacañang said yesterday, after the camp of Vice President Sara Duterte said she is ready to replace him in case he resigns. 1 day ago MALACAñANG RESIGNS House prosecutors defend statements on impeachment Members of the House prosecution panel have maintained that their statements on the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte were not about the merits of the case, but merely on procedure and summary of the proceedings.  1 day ago IMPEACHMENT OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!