Viva Kids’ 100% Wolf is now available on VOD and digital platforms. It’s adapted from a book with quite a hook: a young man is expected to turn into a werewolf like his dad and relatives, but instead… he becomes a poodle. Four-time Emmy winner Bill Schultz (The Simpsons) serves as Executive Producer. (This interview was conducted as an Email Q&A.)

Jackson Murphy: What attracted you to Jayne Lyons’ 100% Wolf book?

Bill Schultz: Werewolves are always fun and interesting. And this twist of a teenager wrestling with accepting himself transforming into a pink poodle vs the archetype of a macho Werewolf was such a compelling and engaging update!

JM: Wolves have been a popular animal in animated movies over the years, including Balto, Hoodwinked!, Alpha & Omega, Penguins of Madagascar and this year’s Wolfwalkers. What do you think makes a wolf a strong choice for animation?

BS: There is a mythological base for these legendary creatures. Great stories and great visual characters. Tortured souls. Especially seemingly evil or bad characters that have good in their hearts makes them endearing creatures. Getting to know their true intent – or a story of redemption. It’s a feel good moment in the end.

JM: The film consists of several sequences with movement (including the opening one), along with some emotional flashbacks and revelations. Which scene/portion of the story was the most challenging to make sure it was perfect?

BS: Alexs Stadermann, the Director, really gave us great powerful galloping through the town – to give the audience the buy in and what Freddy was aspiring to. But then in the father son moment on the cliff howling at the Moon – he and Jai Courtney, who plays the role of Flasheart, gives us a meaningful and heartwarming moment between a father and son. In many ways this carries Freddy through all the ups and downs of the whole film. It’s about characters we care about.

JM: Samara Weaving is breaking through in America with her work in Ready or Not and Bill & Ted Face the Music. What surprised you the most about working with her and her voice performance as Batty?

BS: In her live action work she can use her full appearance to achieve a funny, funky, wacky persona, mixed with “someone we should take serious”. I think she delivers that same weighty and fun performance just as a voice – backed up with some great animation and design! Her back story of orphandom has gotten a lot of praise in the industry. It’s legit!

JM: Jane Lynch is one of the most popular voice actors in the business. What made her the right choice for The Commander?

BS: Jane brings the evil – but in a fun way. She never breaks character in terms of seriousness – but you know this is a comedy film. Just like in her Christopher Guest films.

JM: If you looked up at the Moon and were transformed into a dog – for even a day – which one would you like it to be?

BS: Well I love American Cocker Spaniels – but the film was written by an Australian – so there wasn’t one (jk)– but Twitchy is a pretty funny little dog!.

JM: You were an animation producer for several years on The Simpsons, including the 1995 episode “Bart vs. Australia”. Did you think about making that episode while working with Screen Australia on 100% Wolf?

BS: I love Australia – especially Sydney. There are many folks in Australia who would be great to work with. One of our co-pros was with SLR … and we won an Emmy Award. Australia has great great talent!

JM: 100% Wolf is one of the final major animated movie releases of 2020 in one of the most fascinating years ever for animated movies. What kind of impact does that have on you, as well as families being able to watch this over the holiday season?

BS: We are so happy that we can deliver this film for all the families out there starved for family entertainment – especially since all the big studios have pulled back their output. So it just means that there is more demand for strong quality FAMILY Entertainment. We only wish we could deliver a sequel right now to keep the fans happy!