Opening Annecy’s 2026 work-in-progress classes, the place each animation followers and curious professionals get a glimpse of the animated options of tomorrow, Netflix Animation Studios unveiled “Steps” in an in-depth behind-the-scenes session full of pleasant insights, humor and beautiful visuals.
On stage, administrators Alyce Tzue, John Ripa, artwork director Dan Casey and head of character animation Jason Figliozzi walked a captivated viewers into the six-year journey that has been “Steps,” a Netflix authentic made with groups between Burbank, Sydney and Vancouver.
Greenlit in November 2020, this authentic spin on the recognized fairy story places the deal with Litith (Alli Wong), Cinderella’s step-sister, voiced by (Amanda Seyfried). Uninterested in dwelling in Cinderella’s shadow, Lilith steals the Fairy Godmother’s (Bette Midler) magic wand and hijacks the Royal Ball along with her sister, Margot (Stephanie Hsu). This dooms the dominion to the tyrannical rule of the villainous Priscilla (Nikki Glaser), who swoops in and snatches the throne. Now, Lilith should crew up with Cinderella to battle biker trolls, outrun evil henchmen, and escape the Screaming Woods.
Breaking with the Cinderella story as we all know it, they go on an epic quest to avoid wasting the dominion, and their relationship.
“At the core of our story,” underlined Ripa, “is the strong belief that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Not just Cinderella.”
But to organize their movie, the crew dove into the wealthy and numerous historical past of this fairy story, method past the Disney traditional. “The history of Cinderella actually goes back to Ancient Greece and the story of Rhodopis, a Greek slave who marries the King of Egypt. There have been many other iterations since then, and we took a bit for each while adding our very own elements to this timeless tale.”
Lilith (Wong) and Cinderella (Seyfried), ‘Steps’ dynamic duo. Credit Netflix Animation Studios
Turning Cinderella’s story the wrong way up and specializing in Lilith and her feeling of alienation was at all times what drove the groups, first at Paper Kite Productions (who introduced the script to Netflix), then for Alyce Tzue, John Ripa and their groups. “I was that overlooked kid,” added Tzue. “I was always a quiet little girl that loved to draw, and I did feel that I never belonged. This story of an Asian step-sister who felt alienated is definitely something I related to on many levels.”
Constructing a twist on recognized characters one step at a time
To construct what seems like a fairly distinctive strategy on the well-known story, “Steps” crew created each distinctive characters, memorable settings and a really particular, elaborate rococo model which has extra to do with Coppola’s “Marie-Antoinette” than with Disney’s tackle Cinderella.
“Our characters are infused with the actresses who portray them,” added Ripa. “Wong played an essential role in bringing Lilith to this charismatic truth teller, and Seyfried brought such a sense of humanity to Cinderella. In the end, both characters want the same thing: to be loved.”
Increasing on character design, Jason Figliozzi unveiled detailed animation exams, showcasing the wide selection of facial expressions and distinct stroll cycles of every character, pushing the bounds of shapes and kinds to match the various and colourful personalities of this female-driven solid. Past the principle duo, the second quirky step-sister Margot reveals herself as a memorable, quirky character. “Animators had a blast animated her,” recalled Figliozzi, “and it was the same for our amazing fairy godmother, and the ‘evil’ Priscilla.”
“Think or her as Marie-Antoinette meets Paris Hilton,” joked Casey. “She’s contemporary, hilarious, and our teams enjoyed making very fun animation tests to bring her to life.” Craft-savvy Annecy crowds couldn’t agree extra, because the Salle Pierre Lamy full of laughter discovering mentioned exams.
‘Steps’ Priscilla (voiced by Nikki Glaser). Credit Netflix Animation Studios
Netflix Animation Strudios
A tasty fairy story setting
To craft their pop world, “Steps” groups turned to a different very colourful ingredient of on a regular basis life, sweet. Mixing espresso foam seems with blue gums and chocolate treats, they constructed the luxurious, vivid kingdom of Alouette mixing two views: tactile textures and chic litter. “Everything in our world should heighten senses,” defined Casey. “It’s a touchable, delectable world blending East and West, with a stylized 3D playing with the medium to explore touch and taste, embracing over-the-top colors and doubling down on rococo decadence.”
Past Alouette, the crew additionally confirmed some animation exams from their different essential location, the Screaming Woods, populated by Biker Trolls driving moto goats and terrifying insect-like mechs.
“It was a long journey,” concluded Ripa and Tzue. “But during all these six years, we managed to create a work environment where everyone could belong. Teamwork and celebrating animation as a collaborative art has always been important fos us, and the film is a testament to everyone’s dedication and energy. Every department had its own hard moments. But when it all comes together and you know that ‘you’ve found it,’ it’s all worth it.”
“Steps” arrives solely on Netflix in 2026.
