Creators of 'Lilo & Stitch' enjoying Oscar nod

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

"We're right on schedule," said Chris Sanders, who provides the voice of Stitch in the Hawai'i-based animated feature. Sanders co-directed and co-scripted the film with Dean DeBlois.

The nomination for best animated feature film was the pair's first. Sanders called it "a very pleasant surprise." They're sending out mahalo messages already, although the Oscars aren't till March 23.

The academy's attention comes at an opportune time, since Sanders and DeBlois have follow-up projects in the works.

"Both the sequel and the TV series, done by separate groups of people, are shaping up nicely," said DeBlois. "And both will still be set in Hawai'i, a fictional town roughly based on Hanalei."

The story will pick up "life right after the movie ended," said Sanders. "We're moving it forward and keep the rich Hawaiian environment. And I will still be doing the voice of Stitch," said Sanders.

Daveigh Chase will continue to voice Lilo, and Tia Carrere will continue as her sister Nani. However, as earlier announced, Jason Scott Lee has bowed out as David, Nani's boyfriend.

DeBlois said the message conveyed in the film about the importance of family — 'ohana — "is a lesson for the world. Any group of friends is a important to a sense of family; family doesn't necessarily mean a blood relationship."

DeBlois and Sanders were in the Islands in December for an international DVD kickoff for "Lilo & Stitch," bringing about 20 reporters to Hawai'i for the launch. "We wanted the media to experience some of the authentic Hawai'i we did, so there was little of the hotel lu'au stuff and more off-the-beaten path kind of things, including traditional hula done at the Volcanoes National Park," DeBlois said.

Now there's talk of a second DVD release — a so-called "director's cut" — that would entail a number of extras, including commentary from the makers, deleted scenes and more. That could be forthcoming by year's end, said Sanders.

Both animators are thrilled that "animation is alive again."

"Four of the nominated movies feature hand-drawn features, at least predominantly," Sanders said. "It's big nod for our medium. It silences the whole conversation of digital animation replacing traditional animation, which remains a viable medium. Keeps us in business. And off the streets."

Besides "Lilo & Stitch," the other best animated film nominees are "Ice Age," "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron," "Treasure Planet" and "Spirited Away."

Sanders was in Hawai'i last week, not for work-related research or huddling, but doing early preparations for his Maui wedding to Debra Rogers on April 19. "She does voiceovers for cartoons and has done quite a lot of Japanese dubs," he said.