In a recent episode of Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, Robert Smigel opened up about his inspirations for the animated film “Leo.” Smigel, who collaborated with O’Brien on various projects in the past, expressed his emotions and excitement for the movie’s success.
During the conversation, Smigel mentioned that he believes “Leo” will become a timeless classic, with both kids and adults enjoying it for years to come. He expressed his delight for O’Brien’s achievement, acknowledging their successful collaborations and how this movie stands out among their previous works.
Smigel revealed that “Leo” is the first project in his career that everyone agrees on. Not only has it been a critical success, but it also resonates with audiences on a deeper level. He discussed the creative process of bringing the film to life, from animatics to 3D conversion, and even shared humorous anecdotes from Zoom meetings with his fellow directors.
Aside from the animation, Smigel noted that he was thrilled to write songs and work on the music for “Leo.” Drawing from his collaboration with O’Brien on sketches turned songs, Smigel found joy in creating jingles and theme songs for various characters throughout their careers.
As for the music in “Leo,” Smigel confessed that he is not a musician but sang his ideas into Garage Band and collaborated with a talented composer, David Yasbeck. Together, they crafted songs that added depth and humor to the film. Smigel particularly mentioned the song at the end, where children sing about their ages, as one of his favorites.
The conversation took an emotional turn as Smigel shared a personal experience involving his son and the concept of death, which influenced a poignant moment in the movie. Reflecting on the impact of the song, he admitted that it always touches his heart and brings tears to his eyes.
Switching gears, O’Brien highlighted the remarkable success of “Leo,” as it garnered a staggering 34.6 million views within its first six days on Netflix. Smigel humorously responded, quipping that as long as he gets a piece of the merchandise sales, he’s more than content.
The conversation ended on a heartfelt note, with Smigel expressing his appreciation for O’Brien’s presence in his life and the impact he has had, both positively and humorously. They fondly reminisced about their early days and the joy they shared as writers, with Smigel jokingly wishing there had been cameras in the writer’s room to capture their best work.
In conclusion, Smigel’s appearance on Conan O’Brien‘s talk show shed light on his inspirations for “Leo” and showcased the friendship and creativity shared between the two. As the film continues to captivate audiences, their collaboration proves to be a testament to their talent and lasting impact in the world of entertainment.
