This week director, and voice of Skipper, Tom McGrath was in Denver. We were lucky enough to talk with Tom and ask him questions submitted by local readers of YourHub.

Below is the conversation with Tom

Q-Who's your favorite Madagascar character and why?

A-Skipper. I get to voice him and let out my alter ego.

Q-Have you ever been to Madagascar?

A-No, at the time of the 1 st movie there was political unrest, but now would be a great time to go.

Q-How did you become a director?

A-A good film school, hard work and a love of storytelling.

Q-What do you like best about working with animation?
A-Anything you can imagine you can put on the screening with the help of futuristic artists.

Q-What was the first movie you worked on?

A-Cool World

Q-How many movies have you directed?

A-Two features, four televisions shows and a couple of shorts.

Q-Are you planning on making another Madagascar Movie?

A-If the opportunity arises I'd love to. The characters are so fun to put in situations.

Q-How hard is it to get into character of being an animated animal?

A-Eric Darnell and I think of them as people, so it is very easy.

Q-Do you watch the movie as you are talking for the characters to help with expressions etc.?

A-All the voices are recorded before animation so the animators can base their performance from what the actors do.

Q-Does it help being the director and a"character" of the movie to understand what everyone is going through?

A-It helps to know what it's like behind the microphone. You need to explain the imagery of the scene.

Q-How would you describe yourself as a director? Easy to work with/under...

A-A good director needs to be a cheerleader for the film. I hope I'm that.

Q-What is the most important part about creating an animated film that most people do not realize?

A-Story, story, story. The best animation in the world can't save a poor story.

Q-How did you know you wanted to direct these films?

A-The concept of four NY animals shipped to the wild had so many great possibilities.

Q-What is more fun, being the voice of Skipper or directing the film?

A-Directing is the most satisfying but the voice work is a flat-out blast.

Q-Do you have kids? Are they excited that you are working on this film?

A-No, but my nephews are my biggest fans and critics.

Q-What is your favorite scene from the film?

A-The opening because it sets up the story and draws you in.

Q-Did you do anything to prepare for your role as a Penguin?

A-I watched planet of the apes, Charlton Heston is a great penguin.

Q-What was your favorite part of making this film?

A-Finishing, then you get to watch an audience react to it.

Q-What is it like working with all of the stars of the film in the studio? Is it harder than a live set?

A-We usually record them separately and focus on ones at a time which is unique to animation. They improvise a lot and it's like having the best seat in the house for your favorite comedian.

Q-What made you want to come back to "Madagascar" and make a second film?

A-I fell in love with the characters so it was easy to think of other situations to put them in.

Q-Is it easier to direct animated actors or live action?

A-It's hard to train animals to talk.

Q-What are some of the un-seen problems of dealing with animation?

A-Sometimes the computers don't want to cooperate and the characters fur goes crazy. Sometimes Alex's mane will be 10x's as big as he is.

Q-Besides films that you have done, what are some of your favorite movies and why?

A-I love Shawshank Redemption, the characters are so rich.

Q-Who from the movie did you enjoy working with the most?

A-Eric Darnell

Q-What was the most memorable part of your experience directing this movie?

A-Our trip to Africa. It makes you feel part of something much bigger.

Q-What is it like working with Chris Rock?

A-Your cheeks hurt from laughing.

Q-How did you come up with the idea for Madagascar 2?

A-If you draw a line from Madagascar to NY you pass through the African continent. Would it be fun if they dropped in?

Q-Are there any parts that didn't make the movie that you wish would have?

A-There are some great jokes that were cut for timing issues. Hopefully they'll be on the DVD.

MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA in Theaters, and on IMAX November 7 th

www. madagascarmovie.com