In yet another superhero reboot, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem has hit theaters, exciting animated movie fans worldwide. The movie is directed by Jeff Rowe who also co-wrote the screenplay with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. The duo also produced the movie under their production house, Point Grey Pictures.
During a recent interview, Director Jeff Rowe enthusiastically discussed the film’s animations along with the excellent work culture achieved by the animators, setting it apart from the toxic work culture prevailing in certain movies and companies.
Seth Rogen And Jeff Rowe Ensured A Work-Life Balance For Mutant Mayhem Animators
Jeff Rowe revealed that he and Seth Rogen were determined to ensure that the animators working on Mutant Mayhem were not overworked. Rowe acknowledged that he learned this approach from Rogen, as he witnessed the work environment at Point Grey Pictures. When consulting with Rogen, The Fabelmans actor emphasized the importance of not allowing the movie to consume the animators’ entire lives.
Rowe held discussions with the Mutant Mayhem animation team, where some expressed their preference for working three days a week, while others wanted to work from home. The Mitchells vs. the Machines director accommodated the varied preferences, understanding that a comfortable and relaxed work environment leads to the best quality output. He said:
“I never want the team to be suffering more than I am. And I also hopefully am suffering more than the team because I’m the captain and I’m paid to absorb that, and they’re not. It’s important to preserve that. People just do better work when they’re rested and have home lives.”
The director’s positive approach stands in stark contrast to allegations of unsustainable working conditions prevalent in major production houses, some even resorting to blackmailing artists.
Mutant Mayhem Teaches Ethical Filmmaking 101 To Marvel And Sony
The positive work culture on the set of Mutant Mayhem sparks discussions about the overworked animators and VFX artists in the industry. Recently, crew members from last year’s blockbuster movie, Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse, revealed that the animators were pushed to their limits to complete and release the film on time.
Another major player facing criticism is Marvel. As movies and series continue to pour in from the $29B franchise, reports suggest they “underpay and overwork, have no idea what they want, demand endless last-minute revisions, and will blacklist anyone who comes up short.”
Also Read: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Review – The BEST TMNT Yet
The recent dip in the quality of MCU movies is a testament to the inhuman treatment of the workers on set. In that aspect, Mutant Mayhem and its crew serve as a refreshing and much-needed example of ethical filmmaking in Hollywood.
Source: Insider
