Sophie Chats With... Craig Gerber

Craig Gerber
(From Instagram; used with permission)

Craig Gerber, 49, is the creator and executive producer of the popular Disney Jr. series Sofia the First and Elena of Avalor. He lives in Los Angeles, where he shares a house with his wife and three boys. He went to high school at Westlake High School (in Westlake Village, CA) and earned a B.F.A in Screenwriting from the University of Southern California.

What gave you the idea to write Sofia The First?

In 2009, I had just working as a screenwriter on the animated Tinker Bell movies and I was introduced to Nancy Kanter, who was running Disney Junior at the time. She had been trying to do a show about a "young princess" but was having trouble finding the right idea. She told me if I ever thought of one, to give her a call. I had just had my first child and noticed that there weren't a lot of animated shows that young children and parents could enjoy watching together. With that in mind, I came up with the idea that eventually became Sofia the First while stuck in traffic on the freeway.

The idea itself was loosely inspired by my childhood. My parents divorced when I was young and my father soon remarried. I thought the idea of a blended royal family would be an interesting premise for a show, especially given the history of step-mothers and step-sisters in Disney's animated movies. But, like everything in Sofia, I wanted to put a fresh spin on the fairytale tropes we had seen many times before. 

Where did you get the idea for Elena of Avalor?

After working in the world of princesses for years on Sofia the First, I saw that there was a huge demand for a Latina Disney princess. For a little while, I was researching old Latin and South American folktales with the idea in mind that I would develop a feature animation pitch. But as luck would have it, in 2014, creating a Latina princess became a huge priority at Disney and when I found out they would be open to doing it on television, I jumped at the chance. 

I actually came up with the idea that Elena would be the Crown Princess, in charge of ruling her kingdom, in the middle of a meeting with the network. The show would be about Elena learning to be a leader on her way to becoming Queen. I'm usually not certain about anything, but I was certain that this idea would be the basis of a great series--and would make Elena an empowering role model worthy of being a Disney Princess.

If you were still writing Sofia The First, would you make one where Elena visits Enchancia? 

It was very important that Elena went on her own epic journey that was separate from Sofia's, especially since Sofia is such a big presence when she's on-screen. So other than the Coronation Day visit, I haven't really thought about stories involving both of them. But now that Elena has realized her destiny and become Queen, a visit to Enchancia would be fascinating to consider. 

Queen Elena on the day she was 👑 Queen of Avalor!
(Promotional photo from Disney Junior, used with permission)

What did it feel like to make your last Elena episode, “Coronation Day?” (I LOVED it!!!😄)  

First off, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Making "Coronation Day" was both exhilarating and bittersweet. I've spent a decade in this fairytale universe, so it was sad to leave this world and these characters. Plus, the Elena crew are both tremendously talented and great people to work with. So saying goodbye to them has been tough. But I am extremely proud of what we all achieved with "Coronation Day." Despite having limited time and money (compared to animated movies), I felt like the crew delivered a movie-quailty finale, from the writing and directing to the animation and music. Plus, we had incredible performances from our amazing cast. 

Out of the two times Sofia and Elena were together, which was your favorite and why? 

"Elena and the Secret of Avalor" is my favorite because they went on an adventure together. But I love that final image of Elena and Sofia dancing together in "Coronation Day."

You’ve always been so nice about interacting with fans on social media. Why do you like to chat and share behind-the-scenes insight?

If folks care enough to tweet about the show, I like to return that kindness, especially if I can give them info or insight they will find useful. Of course, it all depends on how much free time I have, which, between work and family, isn't much these days. But I'm not complaining. I am fortunate enough to love what I do.

Thank you Mr. Gerber for being a great interview! 😃💗 I really appreciate your time!