Mark Osborne is an American filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, and animator.
Mark Osborne is most known for directing the first "Kung Fu Panda" and "The Little Prince". Before his presentation, the majority of the class suggested the Kung Fu Panda presentation because its the more well-known film of the two, and I have not seen or read "The Little Prince" before. However, Mark still decided to do his "The Little Prince" presentation because it was the day after Election Day and "Kung Fu Panda" did not fit the mood.
I was really blown away by his story on "The Little Prince". I have always known about the book, but never had the chance or enough interest to read it. His story changed my view on the book. The book is precious to him because it was given to him by his wife, who believed it could bond them together even when they are physically apart.
When first contacted by French producers, Mark rejected the idea of him directing "The Little Prince", because he believed the book means so much to him and so many people, and it would be impossible to make a great film adaptation. However, as he put more thought into it, he proposed the concept of not directly copying the book's plot but to create a world where the book was never published. The world would be rather boring and adult-like, without any fun. This part of the film would be animated in CG, while the world within the book would be in stop-motion, made with paper. Visually, the stop-motion is truly more magical and beautiful than the bland CG. It is a success for the medium as not many investors are usually with a feature that contains stop-motion.
When Mark pitched his ideas for the film, he created a special suitcase that opened up into a tiny universe with stars and planets. He believed such as special project needed a special pitch, and it turned out great. Everyone bought his idea, even the decedents of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Mark emphasized how the book is magical for him and for readers all around the world. It changed his life, and he hopes his film can capture the essence of the book. I really had to try out the book after hearing his story, and I hope I can form my special bond with it just like Mark.