Auteur of animation

"We didn't know how big it would be. It surprised us," recalls Anderson.

"With a movie like that, you have to create everything, from the trees to the architecture," he says.

"Stop-motion is entirely in-camera tricks that create an illusion. I've always found it very appealing and I love miniatures. Even though the characters' faces are very small, they are very well painted," says the director about his fascination with the technique dating to 1897.

A favorite at international festivals, the six-time Oscar-nominated Anderson recently won a Silver Bear for best director at the 68th Berlin International Film Festival for Isle of Dogs.

The movie was selected as the opening film for the Berlin event, becoming the first ever animation to open the long-established film gala.

Speaking about his future plans, Anderson says it takes a long time to direct an animated film.

"I will take a break. I think I will make at least another two live-action movies before I do a new animated film. It is a very involving process," he says.

"And I also wonder what will be the next animal (to be the new protagonist)," says the director, wearing a gentle smile.