The Norris Cinema Theatre was packed with an eager crowd Monday afternoon as they gathered for an exclusive screening of the new “Wallace & Gromit”  film, “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl,” which celebrated its world premiere at AFI Fest on Oct. 27.

The screening was followed by a Q&A session with directors Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham and executive producer Carla Shelley, who offered insights into the making of the film and their creative process with the beloved British claymation duo. The screening not only treated audiences to a sneak peek of the latest in Aardman’s claymation marvels but also offered USC’s aspiring animators and filmmakers a rare chance to hear directly from the Aardman team behind the magic.

In “Vengeance Most Fowl,” Wallace and Gromit return to the screen for the first time in over a decade with a story that pits them against Feathers McGraw, a masterminding supervillain from their past. This time, Wallace and Gromit find themselves in an adventure that involves inventions gone awry — one of the trademarks of Wallace’s enthusiasm and Gromit’s exasperation.

When Wallace’s latest gadget, a “smart” garden gnome, begins displaying a mind of its own, Wallace and Gromit’s bond is challenged unexpectedly. The story revealed classic “Wallace & Gromit” humor, from sight gags to clever nods at contemporary technology.

“Wallace is obsessed with technology,” said Crossingham. “He believes his inventions are his way of solving every problem, which they are. It’s a great site and well meaning. But what he doesn’t realize is that his tech is really upsetting his best friend. And so it asks the questions about how much this tech enhances our lives, which it obviously does, but how much is it diminishing our human experience?”

This blend of the duo’s nostalgic charm with a timely message about technological dependency made it an engaging film for all in attendance, especially in today’s tech-driven society.

The Q&A illuminated the meticulous craft behind the film, reminding everyone of Aardman’s commitment to maintaining the tactile, handcrafted feel that defines “Wallace & Gromit.”

“At the heart of our stop motion by the argument is everything is hands-on, everything — the puppets, the models, the props, the animation — everything is about the human touch that’s really, really irreplaceable,” Park said.

When asked about using computer-generated imagery versus traditional clay, Shelley explained that the team carefully considers where digital enhancements add to the story without overshadowing the handcrafted aesthetic. In this new installment, for instance, CGI was only minimally used, such as for intricate water effects that would be challenging to replicate in clay. This old-school dedication, combined with a few technological upgrades, maintains “Wallace & Gromit”’s authentic, intimate feel.

Gromit and Feathers McGraw, who have always been famously expressive without uttering a single word, remain as endearing as ever in this film. Crossingham described how minimal adjustments can create maximum emotional impact.

“Feathers McGraw was probably the biggest challenge for us all,” Crossingham said. “It’s the art of the minimal and nuance, really, and the power of less is more. His power is in his stillness, finding what is the absolute minimum that you can do with him as a character, to get him to perform up on screen.”

The discussion also touched on the origins and evolution of “Wallace & Gromit.” Originally, Gromit was envisioned as a cat, but practical constraints made a dog the more fitting choice. Over time, both Wallace and Gromit have evolved visually, adapting to new methods while staying true to their original designs.

“With Gromit, he works best when there’s a beautiful mix of the most painfully subtle animation you’ve seen and the most stupidly bold kind often in the same shot,” Park said.

Hearing from these renowned filmmakers was an invaluable experience for the USC students who attended. Many took notes not only on the technical aspects discussed but also on the career advice shared. Park, who began “Wallace & Gromit” as a student project, emphasized the importance of passion, perseverance and staying inspired.

“What inspires me is the storytelling and satisfaction of thinking of the gags, working out the gags and then seeing it with an audience, even four years later. It’s so satisfying and a great payoff for the development,” Park said.

For many students who grew up watching Aardman’s animation, “Vengeance Most Fowl” was like a nostalgic return to their childhood.

“I just love the artistry of Aardman so much, so every film that they put out, I’m so seated every single time,” said Lucy Greenberg, a junior majoring in animation and digital arts. “Everyone loves it, everyone should love it, I should say. It’s got a sort of timeless humor and tone that I just think appeals to everyone.”

The film is set for a Dec. 18 limited theatrical release, a Christmas broadcast on BBC in the U.K. and a global release on Netflix on Jan. 3, 2025.