Happy World Book Day 2017 !
We had a great time last year working with some of the UK’s leading authors and illustrators to turn their well-loved classics into beautiful animated films. To celebrate World Book Day 2017, here’s a bit more about the process involved:
Ethel and Ernest, Raymond Briggs
Based on Raymond Briggs’ graphic novel, Ethel & Ernest depicts the story of the author’s parents’ relationship, set against a backdrop of immense social change. The book won Best Illustrated Book of the Year at the 1999 British Book Awards and is considered by many to be his masterpiece and by Briggs himself to be his greatest achievement (Guardian, 2007). It is so close to Raymond’s heart that he was initially reluctant to give up the filming rights. With this in mind the producers, Lupus Films, felt a huge responsibility to do the story and characters justice.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
First published in 1985, ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ is a family favourite that has sold over 9 million copies worldwide. Children around the world are able to recite Michael Rosen’s catchy refrains off by heart. While Helen Oxenbury’s atmospheric illustrations continue to immerse readers as they follow the characters through swirling, whirling snowstorms and dark, gloomy forests in search of bears. The book was even the subject of a Guinness World Record for “Largest Reading Lesson” in 2014, with a book-reading attended by 1,500 children, and an additional 30,000 listeners online.
Last Christmas, working in collaboration with Channel 4 and Walker Productions, we brought this classic picture book to screen, where it was watched by over 8 million people becoming Channel 4’s most watched programme for the past four years. The hand-drawn 24 minute animated film featured voice talent Olivia Colman, Pam Ferris and Mark Williams, music from George Ezra and 100,364 drawings and 288 painted backgrounds.
Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury were involved throughout the entire production process, both the narrative and visual aspects of development, with Michael joining the voice talent as Bear (and the hedgehog!).