Animation maquettes from The Tale of Despereaux...

These animation maquettes from The Tale of Despereaux were on display at Universal Studios Hollywood on January 7, 2011. Animators who work on computer-generated feature films often use concept sketches, maquettes and miniature models as reference guides when creating computer images of the characters and the world they inhabit.

Original animation maquettes from The Tale of Despereaux

The movie follows the adventures of the misfit mouse 'Despereaux Tilling'.

The Tale of Despereaux movie poster

Princess Pea maquette from The Tale of Despereaux

'Princess Pea' of the kingdom of 'Dor' is voiced in the movie by Emma Watson (aka 'Hermione Granger' of Harry Potter fame).

Unpainted Miggery Sow maquette from The Tale of Despereaux

'Miggery Sow', Princess Pea's slow-witted serving girl, is voiced by Tracey Ullman.

Unpainted Old Louise maquette from The Tale of Despereaux

Jane Karen voices another servant, 'Old Louise', in the movie.

Unpainted Queen maquette from The Tale of Despereaux

The role of the Queen in the film is voiced by Patricia Cullen.

Also on display as part of the exhibit from the animated movie was this miniature model.

Shelves miniature from The Tale of Despereaux

Check out even more Tale of Despereaux animation maquettes and miniatures here at Hollywood Movie Costumes and Props.

The Tale of Despereaux maquettes and miniatures...

This is the final installment of all the wonderful costumes, props and models that were on display on my latest visit to Universal Studios Hollywood on June 21, 2010.

Today is the turn of the 2008 computer-animated feature film The Tale of Despereaux, featuring maquettes and miniatures used in the creation of the movie.

Maquettes from The Tale of Despereaux

Most CGI (computer-generated imagery) animated characters start life as a sketch or small sculptures called 'maquettes'. The small model serves as a reference aid for the animator when creating a computer image of the character.

Despereaux character maquette

The adventurous mouse 'Despereaux Tilling' is voiced by Matthew Broderick.

Unpainted Roscuro maquette from The Tale of Despereaux

'Roscuro' the rat is voiced by Dustin Hoffman.

Miggery Sow painted maquette from The Tale of Despereaux

In the movie 'Princess Pea's' servant girl, 'Miggery Sow', is voiced by Tracey Ullman.

Unpainted Andre maquette from The Tale of Despereaux

Kevin Kline provides the voice for 'Chef Andre'.

The Tale of Despereaux movie poster

In addition to the wonderful character maquettes, there were also a number of miniatures from the movie on display.

Mouse House miniature from The Tale of Despereaux

Pin Cushion Shelter miniature from The Tale of Despereaux

Jewelry Box miniature from The Tale of Despereaux

Hat Models miniature from The Tale of Despereaux

If you want to see more behind-the-scenes secrets from Universal Studios be sure to check out these other movie and TV costumes, props and models that were part of the recent exhibit.