Carlos Saldanha

Hi Carlos! Tell us about Rio!

It took nearly ten years to make from when I first had the idea. It’s about Blu, a rare blue macaw that is taken to Rio to mate with a female macaw. Blu falls in love with Jewel, the female, but they are taken on an unexpected journey around the city of Rio when smugglers snatch them.

Why is the movie set in Rio?

I’m from Rio and I probably take for granted what a wonderful city it is! I hadn’t been back for about 10 years but I remembered loving every thing about the place. We actually took some of the film crew to Rio because they hadn’t been before.

What did you do while you were there?

We went to the world famous carnival and tried to experience Rio like Blu does in the film. I wanted everyone to take in the atmosphere and wear the funny costumes and everything!

There are humans and animals in the film. Why’s that?

I wanted to make the film appealing to everybody, kids to adults. Having just animals in the film can make it seem like it’s just for a younger audience. Everyone can enjoy the film, as there is a human side to it as well as the animals.

Who is your favourite character?

It’s hard to say, they are like my children! Each character has their own unique qualities that make them so likeable. Or unlikeable in the case of Nigel!

What’s the funniest bit in the film?

There’s a scene where there’s a brawl between the monkeys and the other animals, which has some very funny moments in it. There is also a bit where Nigel starts singing, which is one of my favourite parts!


Will there be a Rio 2?

Who knows! It took so long for Rio to come about I’m just happy this film is out there. It’s a dream come true for me to make an animated film with a personal story!


Rio is released on Blu-ray Triple Play Ultimate Carnival Edition, Blu-ray 3D and DVD on 24 October from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment