An artist performs as a pensive monk. [PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY]

Pam Marsden, head of production for Sony Pictures Animation, also considers characterization as a crucial element to developing successful animated works.

The studio's 2018 smash hit Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse won a string of awards, including the 91st Oscars' best animated feature, thanks to its unique look that combines computer animation and traditional hand-drawn techniques.

Speaking of developing a formula for making hit movies, Marsden says: "It begins with characters. If you can create a character that is beloved, charming and appealing, and touches the hearts of an audience, you are well on your way to creating a successful animated movie that can cross all borders."

If Hollywood's experience leads it to focus primarily on the characters they create, Japanese director Hayato Date says he believes that voice-over dialogue is another important factor affecting the success of any animated work.

Best known for the manga-adapted animated TV series Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, Date reveals that he has developed a particular method which gathers all the voice artists together to record the scenes.