The film includes a mix of various animation and live action techniques, 3D computer characters, miniature sets and traditional 2D hand drawn animation. The miniature sets filled an entire motion picture sound stage. Production achieved a staggering number of camera set-ups
in a very limited time-frame, doing 375 set-ups in just 5 days.
The directors had the animation team relentlessly watch a number of classic Buster Keaton films as inspiration for the Morris Lessmore Character.
This film is based on a children's story by William Joyce, that he began in 1999. It will be published in June of 2011 by Simon & Schuster.