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KPop Demon Hunters directors reveal tough production process

The directors explain the lengthy synchronization of music and animation for the film.

June 21, 2025 at 10:06 PM

Syncing Up Music And Choreography In An Animated Movie Is Apparently ‘Torturous,’ And The KPop Demon Hunters Directors Told Me Why

KPop Demon Hunters directors shared the challenging process of syncing animation with music.

Directors Share Struggles Of Syncing Music And Animation In KPop Demon Hunters

In an interview, directors Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang revealed the complex and demanding process of synchronizing music with animation in their upcoming film KPop Demon Hunters. The film, set for release on Netflix in 2025, showcases choreographed moments where dance and combat perfectly align with the film's catchy pop music. Appelhans described the workflow as "horrible" and "torturous," involving music editor Oren Yaacoby and picture editor Nathan Schauf working tirelessly to ensure every frame matched the rhythm of the music. Kang mentioned the use of a "bouncing ball" method to track rhythm, highlighting how integral music is to the storytelling throughout the film.

Key Takeaways

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KPop Demon Hunters features meticulously synchronized music and choreography.

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The animation process is described as torturous but essential for the film's success.

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Directors emphasize the strong connection between music and storytelling in animation.

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Innovative techniques like bouncing ball tracking help achieve rhythmic precision.

"It's a horrible, torturous process. But we had a great team that made it work."

Chris Appelhans highlights the demanding nature of the synchronization process in KPop Demon Hunters.

"The music always comes first because it was part of the story."

Maggie Kang explains the importance of music in the storytelling process.

"Hearing our song for the first time had us in tears."

Maggie Kang shares her emotional reaction to the film's music.

The insights shared by the filmmakers shine a light on the unique challenges in animation where every beat matters. Their thorough approach is a testament to the balance of artistry and precision required in such projects. By using innovative methods to synchronize music and animation, the film not only entertains but also showcases the skill and teamwork behind its production. This relentless pursuit for perfection in KPop Demon Hunters reflects a broader trend in animation toward enhancing viewer experience through meticulous detail, suggesting a future where similar projects may need to adopt such rigorous standards.

Highlights

Syncing animation and music is a torturous process but worth it.
Every frame matters in KPop Demon Hunters.
We used a bouncing ball technique to track rhythm in animation.
The music is integral to the storytelling in our film.

Challenges in creative production could provoke industry scrutiny

Directors describe syncing animation and music as a complex and torturous process, revealing the high stakes and pressures of animated filmmaking which might invite scrutiny from audiences and industry critics.

The intense collaboration behind KPop Demon Hunters sets a new standard in animated musical storytelling.

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kpop animation directors film music film animation music

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