Directing GOAT, Animation, and Dreaming Big with Tyree Dillihay

Before his debut animated feature GOAT claimed the #1 spot at the box office, director Tyree Dilihay joined IN PROXIMITY host Paola Mardo for an in-depth conversation about the animated sports film. Tyree breaks down his directing process including building the film’s “Brooklyn meets Brazil” world, designing roarball plays with basketball stars Andre Iguodala and Stephen Curry, and working with an all-star cast that includes Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Jenifer Lewis, and Curry (who makes his voice acting debut in the film and produces through Unanimous Media). Tyree also reflects on growing up in Inglewood, California where he was inspired by filmmakers like Spike Lee and John Singleton, and how his supportive mother helped him pursue a career in animation.

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(00:00) Running plays with Andre Igoudala
(02:49) Stephen Curry’s voice acting debut
(04:22) How GOAT came together
(07:12) Worldbuilding “Brooklyn meets Brazil”
(10:31) Costume design
(12:04) From local Angeleno to seasoned animator
(14:22) Spike Lee’s SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT and John Singleton’s BOYZ N THE HOOD
(16:03) How Tyree started his animation journey
(19:20) Running plays with Andre Igoudala (full story)
(22:20) “Roots run deep!”
(25:05) The inspo: SPACE JAM I & II, HOOSIERS, MAJOR LEAGUE, MIGHTY DUCKS, ROCKY, RUDY…and more!
(28:48) The cast: Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Jenifer Lewis, Steph Curry
(30:54) Creating and directing diss tracks, “GOAT TEARS”
(33:31) The seven-year journey to the “right version”
(35:44) Collaborating with studio execs to make the best movie
(38:08) Prox Recs

IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA
Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana
Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza
Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola
Production Coordinator: Joy Woo
Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
Production Intern: Ben Caloza