DREAMWORKS Animation’s new 3D film “Home” opens in China today, bringing both laughter and tears to local cinema-goers.

The buddy-comedy film is about Oh, a lonely alien from the Boov race, who lands on Earth and makes friends with an adventurous teenage girl names Tip. On their fabulous and funny journey to protect their family and friends, they learn the true meaning of the word “home.”

The film’s protagonists also encounter cultural shocks and challenges that test their trust and friendship.

No stranger to outer space or compelling stories, director Tim Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and astrophysics from Northwestern University.

Prior to his new offering “Home,” Johnson served as executive producer on the studio’s Academy Award-nominated 2010 feature film “How to Train Your Dragon” and directed the feature films “Over the Hedge,” “Sinbad” and “Antz.”

The movie’s voice cast includes Rihanna, Jim Parsons, Jennifer Lopez and Steve Martin. Some of these stars also lent their voices to the film’s soundtrack.

Following its smash success in North America and Europe, Johnson is in China now to promote “Home.” He recently spoke with Shanghai Daily about filmmaking and the stories behind his new film.

Q: There are many different types of aliens in animated works. How did you create the alien protagonist in this movie?

A: I am a big fan of science fiction film and literature. But so much of the genre is repetitive and familiar. Our challenge in creating the aliens for “Home” was to make something fresh.

I wanted the aliens to remind the audience of a toy — very cute and accessible. We wanted the Boov to be friendly and appealing, in spite of the fact that they were invading us! I worked closely with our character designer, Takao Noguchi, to create the friendly faces, rounded bodies and simple outfits for our aliens.

Q: What do you want to convey through this film? What is the most touching part in your mind?

A: I am attracted to characters who are vulnerable. With a 12-year-old girl, separated from her mother, we have a young lady who is very strong, but very vulnerable. And with Oh, the alien, he is desperate for friendship and connection.

The story is about these two very vulnerable characters finding each other. I also really like the idea that we all make quick judgments about each other, but once we get to know each other, those first judgments are so often false. This movie looks at what it is like to truly empathize with another person — even an alien!

Q: How long have you spent on this project? What is the biggest challenge for you during the production?

A: I first read the book, “The True Meaning of Smekday” to my kids over seven years ago. I spent several years working with artists, designers and writers as we explored the best way to bring the story to animation.

Our biggest challenge was crafting the opening scene of the film. We tried over a dozen different ways to open the film. So much has to be clear in the very opening of a sci-fi movie.

You need to introduce the characters, their goals, their history, the tone, the music — and it all has to be entertaining. I think we ultimately landed on a great opening as we follow Oh and the Boov on invasion day. It’s an alien invasion, but all from the alien’s point of view!

Q: The film has been well received among the cinema-goers since its release in North America. What are your expectations for its box-office performance in China?

A: I cannot wait to share “Home” with Chinese audiences. I am very proud of the film’s message and believe that family audiences in China will love Oh and Tip. I have no predictions or expectations of the box office — I’ll leave that up to the accountants! But I know we have made a film that international audiences will love.

Q: Is “Home” likely to become a film franchise in the future?

A: While there are no current plans for a sequel. I love the characters and am always on the lookout for the next great adventure Tip and Oh might have.

Q: The film’s soundtrack and star-studded dubbing cast are highlight of the movie. What effect do you think these well-known artists have had on the movie?

A: I had a great time working with Rihanna on her voice performance in the film. And it was very special to have her talent on the soundtrack as well. Voice performance and music are so important to an animated film.

I’m thrilled to be able to work with some of the greatest talents from around the world. Chris Li and Tong Dawei are superstar talents, and I know audiences in China are going to love the acting they provided to the film.

Q: How do you define a good and successful animated film? What kind of subjects do you want to deliver in your next film?

A: I love creating a movie for an all-age audience. When kids, teens, parents and grandparents can all enjoy a movie together, that is the ultimate triumph for an animated film.

I love animation for its all-age appeal. And I love the type of stories we can tell with this art-form. You can gently satirize contemporary society, holding up a comic mirror to ourselves by using animated characters.

We get to use painting, dance, acting, music, color, costume, writing and design to create a story. It’s the greatest art-form ever created!

The producer

Chief executive officer and cofounder of DreamWorks Animation SKG Jeffrey Katzenberg says Oriental DreamWorks, a Chinese-American film production company, is a blueprint for collaborative success as evidenced by the incredible effort put into “Kung Fu Panda 3.”

In 2012, Oriental DreamWorks was founded in Shanghai to produce high-quality content and experiences for audiences in China and around the world. “Kung Fu Panda 3,” slated for release next year, is DreamWorks Animation’s first collaborative work.

“The co-production gives us the opportunity to really enhance the authentic, Chinese elements of the film,” Katzenberg says. “It is a true co-production, as we have Shanghai-based talent throughout all levels of production including a Chinese co-director.”

In 1994, Steven Spielberg and David Geffen cofounded DreamWorks SKG with Katzenberg. Under his leadership, DreamWorks Animation has become the largest animation studio in the world.

In 2013, Katzenberg was awarded the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes.