What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMakin' Toons
Allan Neuwirth · Book · 2007
If you loved Makin' Toons, start with Shrek (Andrew Adamson, 2001) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Makin' Toons across media.
What hooked you in Makin' Toons was the immersive look at the creative labor and personality behind beloved animated worlds.
Films on the same thread

Shrek
Andrew Adamson · Film · 2001
Explores: Acceptance, Outsider Perspective, True Love vs. Superficiality.
Since Makin' Toons highlights Andrew Adamson's creative process, you will appreciate seeing his vision for Shrek come to life through the same industry-defining character design and storytelling expertise.

Shrek 2
Andrew Adamson · Film · 2004
Explores: Acceptance, True Love, Family Relationships.
Following the interviews in Makin' Toons, you will enjoy witnessing how Andrew Adamson expands his animated universe, showcasing the technical and narrative evolution of his successful feature film franchise.

Ratatouille
Brad Bird · Film · 2007
Explores: Underdog Success, Following Your Dreams, Unlikely Partnerships.
Much like the artist insights featured in Makin' Toons, this film reveals the meticulous attention to detail required to bring a unique, anthropomorphic vision to life on the big screen.

The Rugrats Movie
Norton Virgien · Film · 1998
Explores: Sibling Rivalry, Baby's Perspective, Misadventures.
After learning about Gabor Csupo's industry contributions in Makin' Toons, you will value seeing the specific animation techniques that transformed his popular television series into a successful feature film.
Series on the same thread

Rugrats
Arlene Klasky · Series · 1991
Explores: Childhood Imagination, Toddler Adventures, Adult Incompetence.
The behind-the-scenes stories in Makin' Toons provide a perfect context for appreciating the inventive perspective and character-driven development that defined this iconic series throughout its long television run.

Tiny Toon Adventures
Series · 1990
Explores: Mentorship, Coming-of-Age, Parody.
If the industry challenges discussed in Makin' Toons interested you, this series offers a meta-commentary on the craft of animation that mirrors the creative hurdles faced by professional cartoonists.

Space Ghost Coast to Coast
Mike Lazzo · Series · 1994
Explores: Deconstruction of Superhero Tropes, Absurdism, Interview Comedy.
Makin' Toons explores the art of character creation, and this parody demonstrates a subversive approach to the industry's legacy by deconstructing classic tropes through a sharp, experimental lens.

How It's Made
Gabriel Hoss · Series · 2001
Explores: Manufacturing Processes, Industrial Production, Everyday Objects.
Just as Makin' Toons satisfies your curiosity about how movies are made, this series provides a fascinating technical deep dive into the manufacturing processes behind the objects we use.
Podcasts on the same thread
Brody Animates
Podcast
Explores: animation, art, creative journey.
This podcast mirrors the intimate artist interviews found in Makin' Toons, offering a direct, personal look at the daily realities and creative journeys of working professionals within the industry.
Making A Scene
Matt Lucas and David Walliams · Podcast
Explores: celebrity life, anecdotes, movie adaptation.
The collaborative spirit documented in Makin' Toons is reflected here as comedy legends discuss the adaptation process, bridging the gap between professional industry insights and the art of storytelling.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Makin' Toons a collection of interviews?
Yes, Makin' Toons features 47 personal interviews with animation artists and industry leaders. The book documents the professional experiences of creators ranging from Shrek director Andrew Adamson to Rugrats producer Gabor Csupo as they discuss the process of bringing animated characters to life.
What does Makin' Toons cover regarding the animation process?
Makin' Toons covers the entire production lifecycle of animated cartoon movies. It illustrates the thrills and challenges of the medium, starting from the initial drawing board sketches and moving through the development stages until the final animated character appears on television.
Who is featured in Makin' Toons?
Makin' Toons includes insights from 47 successful animation artists and industry leaders. Notable figures interviewed in the book include Shrek director Andrew Adamson and Rugrats producer Gabor Csupo, who provide personal accounts of their work within the animation industry.
Does Makin' Toons explore the challenges of making cartoons?
Yes, Makin' Toons explores the specific challenges faced by industry professionals. Through personal interviews, the book details the technical and creative hurdles involved in transforming a concept from a simple sketch into a finished animated production for television or film.