I like actors that are good with pantomime and that can transmit a lot by their presence and attitude more than through their dialogue.

Del Toro's work is characterised by a strong connection to fairy tales and horror with an effort to infuse visual or poetic beauty. The movie was originally set up as a project at DreamWorks in 2004. On December 9 2010 del Toro launched Mirada Studios with his long-time cinematographer Guillermo Navarro director Mathew Cullen and executive producer Javier Jimenez.

Del Toro is known for his use of insectile and religious imagery underworld and clockwork motifs dominant amber lighting and his frequent collaborations with Federico Luppi Ron Perlman and Doug Jones. Del Toro's work is characterised by a strong connection to fairy tales and horror with an effort to infuse visual or poetic beauty.