For their latest animated feature, GOAT (now playing in theatres), Sony Pictures Imageworks turned to Toronto area animator Eric De Carolis to help bring their vision to life. One of the lead animators at Imageworks, De Carolis, a Sheridan College graduate, has previously worked on acclaimed Sony related features like Spider-man: Across the Spider-Verse and the global sensation, KPOP Demon Hunters.
GOAT takes place in a fantastical world where a variety of different animals compete in a basketball inspired co-ed sport called Roarball. Young billy goat Will Harris (voiced by Caleb McLaughlin) has grown up idolizing superstar Jett Filmore (Gabrielle Union) and hopes to have a career of his own. But in a sport dominated by giants, Will has to go the extra mile to stand out. After becoming a viral sensation for clowning one of the league’s biggest bullies (Aaron Pierre) in a pick-up game, Will gets a chance at the big time, playing opposite Jett and her team of ill-fitting, neurotic, misfit players. Frustrated with her standing in the league and on the team, Jett gives Will the coldest of shoulders, but it’s not long before the goat starts turning things around and squad begins a run at the playoffs.
We talked to Eric De Carolis on the film’s opening day and discussed the environment and character designs of GOAT, the influence of basketball on the sport of Roarball, technological advancements in animation, pre-planning shots with physical video references, and working on a variety of different animated movies with their own unique visual styles.
GOAT is now playing in theatres everywhere.
