Preston Mutanga, a talented 14-year-old from Toronto, Canada, became an animation sensation after impressing the creators of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” with his remarkable LEGO-style recreation of the film’s trailer. His passion and dedication to animation caught the attention of renowned producers Chris Lord and Phil Miller, leading to an exciting opportunity to work on the blockbuster movie. Let’s delve into the inspiring journey of this young animator and how his love for LEGO brought him one step closer to realizing his dreams.
A LEGO Remake that Dazzled the Producers
When Preston Mutanga recreated the “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” trailer using LEGO blocks, little did he know that his work would captivate the film’s producers. The incredible shot-for-shot remake caught the attention of Chris Lord and Phil Miller, who are no strangers to LEGO-inspired sequences as directors of “The LEGO Movie.” Recognizing the sophistication and talent displayed by this nonprofessional animator, the duo decided to reach out to Mutanga to explore a unique collaboration.
The Road to Becoming an Animator
Mutanga’s journey into animation began when his father introduced him to Blender, a 3D software. Instantly hooked on the possibilities it offered, the young animator turned to YouTube tutorials to enhance his skills. His passion and self-guided learning proved to be a winning combination, propelling him forward in the world of animation.
An Unbelievable Opportunity
Remote work from Toronto did not deter Mutanga from collaborating with the creators of “Across the Spider-Verse.” Spending several weeks meticulously animating a LEGO sequence, the 14-year-old showcased his commitment to the project. Regular video meetings with Phil Miller provided an opportunity for feedback and refinement, exposing him to the iterative nature of the animation process.
A Heroic Young Talent
The “Spider-Verse” franchise revolves around the idea that a hero can emerge from anywhere, and in this case, it was a young talent inspired by the first “LEGO Movie.” Chris Lord emphasized that their initial inspiration for “The LEGO Movie” came from people making films with LEGO bricks at home, a testament to the power of creative individuals like Mutanga.
A Dream Come True
For Preston Mutanga, the experience of working on “Across the Spider-Verse” was nothing short of a dream come true. Adoring the first movie and eagerly awaiting its sequel, he found himself collaborating with the very people who crafted this cinematic masterpiece. This opportunity brings him closer to achieving his career goal of becoming a full-time animator, and he cherishes every moment of this incredible journey.