How do you bridge the gap between video games and movies?
The new Ratchet & Clank movie may have the answer.
Despite what it may seem like on the surface, this isnt just your average game-movie promotional tie-in.
Its been a few years for each of them.
That helped us balance the film and the game and tell two different stories.
We participated in the animation dailies for the film, lighting passes…Its been a tightly coordinated experience.
On an unprecedented level, the two projects work hand-in-hand toward a shared artistic vision.
Not the case withRatchet & Clank.
The game is arguably one of the prettiest looking of all time.
For us, it makes it that much easier to envision the game becoming a film.
For a fan, it helps keep them immersed in the universe that much more.
When we created this franchise, it leapt onto the screen.
We felt like it had far greater potential beyond video games.
It was a no-brainer for us.
Youve got these endearing, engaging characters on this intergalactic quest with these out-of-this-world weapons.
It lends itself perfectly to film.
It just takes a while to get there.
For us, the best situation was to be fully involved in the process.
We finally found a partner who was willing to give us that opportunity in Blockade and Rainmaker.
Thats one of the benefits of owning the actual property.
We have the opportunity to expand our universe however we see fit.
I believe that our approach worked.
I think we were able to very clearly avoid that.
Theres a lot we learned along the way that we can apply to being more successful next time.
Theyre two of the most iconic faces in gaming, after all.
What is it, then, thats allowedRatchet & Clankto endure?
Id like to think its the gameplay first and foremost, says Schneider.
From a narrative standpoint, I think its a timeless story told with humor and heart.
Everybody appreciates a good underdog story, and this is the heart of a terrific underdog story.
Perhaps nobody, though, loves the characters more than their creators at Insomniac Games.
People over here love working on Ratchet & Clank, says Schneider in an earnest tone.
Bernard Boo is a freelance contributor.
