'Lilo & Stitch' Director Dean Fleischer Camp on Protecting Your Character’s Soul

Dean Fleischer Camp, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, joins GG Hawkins on this episode of the No Film School Podcast to discuss his journey from indie auteur to directing Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch. Camp delves into the emotional and technical challenges of maintaining character integrity, scaling up production, and bringing heart and authenticity to a beloved IP. From personal anecdotes about his early filmmaking days to deep dives into character animation and working with child actors, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring filmmakers and animation fans alike.In this episode, we discuss:How Dean’s background in editing and indie filmmaking shaped his directorial approachThe creative transition from Marcel the Shell to Lilo & StitchCapturing the emotional depth and soul of Stitch in a live-action formatThe importance of involving original creators in adaptationsDirecting child actors and creating real interactions with animated charactersThe casting and character development of Nani, Lilo's sisterPractical advice for emerging filmmakers navigating their first projectsGuests:Dean Fleischer CampSubscribe to the No Film School Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogleGet your question answered on the podcast by emailing podcast@nofilmschool.com Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here: This episode of The No Film School Podcast was produced by GG Hawkins.

May 26, 2025 - 21:55

'Lilo & Stitch' Director Dean Fleischer Camp on Protecting Your Character’s Soul

Dean Fleischer Camp, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, joins GG Hawkins on this episode of the No Film School Podcast to discuss his journey from indie auteur to directing Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch. Camp delves into the emotional and technical challenges of maintaining character integrity, scaling up production, and bringing heart and authenticity to a beloved IP. From personal anecdotes about his early filmmaking days to deep dives into character animation and working with child actors, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring filmmakers and animation fans alike.

In this episode, we discuss:

How Dean’s background in editing and indie filmmaking shaped his directorial approach
The creative transition from Marcel the Shell to Lilo & Stitch
Capturing the emotional depth and soul of Stitch in a live-action format
The importance of involving original creators in adaptations
Directing child actors and creating real interactions with animated characters
The casting and character development of Nani, Lilo's sister
Practical advice for emerging filmmakers navigating their first projects

Guests:

Dean Fleischer Camp

Subscribe to the No Film School Podcast on:

Get your question answered on the podcast by emailing podcast@nofilmschool.com

Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:

_{This episode of The No Film School Podcast was produced by GG Hawkins.}