By Lucy Spicer
One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival is having a front-row seat for the bright future of independent filmmaking. While we can learn a lot about the filmmakers from the 2024 Sundance Film Festival through the art that these storytellers share with us, there’s always more we can learn about them as people. This year, we decided to get to the bottom of those artistic wells with our ongoing series: Give Me the Backstory!
Christopher Jenkins has been working with animated films since the ’80s, but he didn’t venture into writing until 20 years later. “I had no real training as a writer, but ever since I sat on my dad’s knee to listen to his wonderful, colorful, and exceptionally funny stories, the desire to write my own screenplays has been a constant ambition,” he says.
“I’m an illustrator by training and nature. I became an effects animator because of chance,” explains Jenkins. That chance was an opportunity to work on the animation for Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Jenkins would go on to animate for a host of family films — Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Klaus just to name a few — before extending his love of storytelling to the writing and directing spheres. His sophomore directing project — on which he also served as co-writer — premiered in the Family Matinee section at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival to tears and laughter alike. Featuring the voices of Mo Gilligan, Simone Ashley, Bill Nighy, and more, 10 Lives follows a pampered house cat named Beckett as he returns to Earth on a mission to help Sophie, who rescued him as a kitten, after his nine lives are up.
And though this fantastical animated tale may seem like it’s just for children, Jenkins knows that its message of living one’s life to the fullest is a universal one. “10 Lives has something for every family and generation to watch and enjoy together,” he says. “Having said that, the selfish joy I have in seeing younger children laugh until they fold over is without measure. Being able to reach that kind of uncomplicated glee is sheer magic.”
Read on to learn more about 10 Lives and its director, including Jenkins’ inspiration behind the film and how he decided on the perfect person to voice Beckett the cat.
What was the biggest inspiration behind 10 Lives?
Initially, my lifelong love and constant menagerie provided the inspiration for a cartoon about an arrogant cat who becomes many different animals. The humor of one cat’s attempt to remain aloof under all circumstances kicked it off, but the deeper message — the connection all pet owners feel to their animals — brought the story into a far greater focus. The animals we bring into our homes are only here a short time, but our lives are massively changed by their presence.
Films are lasting artistic legacies; what do you want yours to say?
Many messages of hope come through this story of a cat who encounters multiple chances at living a “better” life. The message of this movie is quite simple really: You only have one life, so live it well and love better.
Why does this story need to be told now?
On the surface, seeing a cat deal with the ignominy of being other, “lesser” animals is great comedic fun. On a deeper level, I believe that at a time of such cynicism as ours, 10 Lives unabashedly tugs on the heartstrings and raises a message of unselfish hope.
How do you want people to feel after they see 10 Lives?
When audiences leave the cinema, I would like them to feel emotionally warm, humorously exhausted, and ready to go back and see it again.
Tell us an anecdote about casting or working with your actors.
Casting big names for an independent animated movie isn’t easy, and we were literally chasing our tails (excuse the pun!) for who would voice Beckett. Then, one day, our wonderful casting directors, Robyn Klein and Jeremy Ross, suggested the amazingly talented comedian Mo Gilligan, whom they were considering at the time for a smaller role. Within about three minutes of listening to Mo’s stand-up, I absolutely knew he should play our male lead, Beckett the cat. Apart from his obviously wonderful comedic skill, Mo’s distinctive, warm voice exudes an infectious joy in every syllable, and this, combined with his genius ability to improvise and (who knew?) great acting talent, made him the perfect choice. Every session was a “pinch me” moment.
What was a big challenge you faced while making 10 Lives?
It was a massive creative challenge to pre-plan everything in such a way that there would be no cost overruns. While rewriting the movie, I had to imagine what would be great to see, then fight with myself over what could be achieved within our relatively small budget. However, when all’s said and done, the kind of poetry of small choices ultimately led to a movie that tells a beautiful story without trying too hard to impress with fireworks and special effects. This is unusual for animation.
Why is filmmaking important to you? Why is it important to the world?
Generally speaking, a movie can influence an audience for the positive and move them to emotional recognition, thrilling them with spectacle and giving higher metaphors from which to lead a better life. Or, it can quite simply just give you some time in another world. And we all need that now and again, don’t we?
If you weren’t a filmmaker, what would you be doing?
I’d be making guitars from a small wood shop somewhere in Oregon.
What is something that all filmmakers should keep in mind in order to become better cinematic storytellers?
Be honest and genuine. Take risks. Listen to advice, but be deliberate in your exclusive vision. Specifically in animation production, avoid the overpowering urge to lean toward the tried and tested, and don’t believe in “It can’t be done!”
What three things do you always have in your refrigerator?
- Chardonnay
- Smoked cheddar cheese
- A penguin
What was the last book you read or album you listened to?
Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide by John Cleese
Early bird or night owl?
A nap in the afternoon with the cat!
What’s your favorite film that has come from the Sundance Institute or Festival?
Little Miss Sunshine remains not only a Sundance favorite, but an all-time favorite of mine.
