Gallery of process images from ‘My Little Pony: The Movie’ cinematographer Anthony Di Ninno showcases the work that went into crafting the final film.
In theaters this October 6 from Lionsgate, My Little Pony: The Movie is the animated musical fantasy film MLP fans from all around the world have been waiting for.
My Little Pony: The Movie follows the “Mane 6” -- Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity -- as they embark on an epic journey to save Ponyville from a dark force. In addition to the series’ regular voice cast of Tara Strong, Ashleigh Ball, Andrea Libman, Tabitha St. Germain and Cathy Weseluck, the film also features guest performances by Emily Blunt, Kristin Chenoweth, Liev Schreiber, Michael Peña, Sia, Taye Diggs, Uzo Aduba and Zoe Saldana.
DP, animator and previsualization artist Anthony Di Ninno recently served as the cinematographer on My Little Pony: The Movie. In the burgeoning field of cinematography for animation, Di Ninno is a pioneer, crafting a language of photography for his projects by balancing creative vision with technologies that he develops. He uses camera moves, staging, light and shadow to support the characters, the emotional intent, and the story arc of a film. These elements help create intent and motivation that carries through the entire production process, and ultimately elevates the visuals of the final product.
AWN spoke with Di Ninno about his work on My Little Pony: The Movie, delving into virtual cameras and staging, the advantages of a hybrid 2D/3D pipeline, and the differences between cinematography for animation versus live-action. Read the full Q&A here: Lights, Camera, Action: The Cinematography of ‘My Little Pony: The Movie,’ and check out the gallery above showcasing process images from the film, which reveal some of the work that went into crafting the final movie.
