Nicole Scherzinger, Succession star Sarah Snook, Game of Thrones and Sherlock actor Mark Gatiss, a revival of the musical Sunset Boulevard and the play Stranger Things: The First Shadow were among the winners at the 2024 Olivier Awards, which celebrate achievements in London theater. The ceremony at Royal Albert Hall in the British capital was hosted by Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham.
The revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s Sunset Boulevard, which has starred Scherzinger as Norma Desmond and is set to come to Broadway this year, won the best musical revival award, the best actress honor for the former Pussycat Dolls singer and five other honors after also leading the nominations with 11.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel to the Netflix hit series, which has hinted at its Broadway ambitions, won the best new entertainment or comedy play award, as well as the Olivier for best set design.
Dear England,...
The revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s Sunset Boulevard, which has starred Scherzinger as Norma Desmond and is set to come to Broadway this year, won the best musical revival award, the best actress honor for the former Pussycat Dolls singer and five other honors after also leading the nominations with 11.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel to the Netflix hit series, which has hinted at its Broadway ambitions, won the best new entertainment or comedy play award, as well as the Olivier for best set design.
Dear England,...
- 4/14/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sarah Snook, Sarah Jessica Parker, Andrew Scott and David Tennant were among the nominees for the 2024 Olivier Awards, which celebrate achievements in London theater.
Parker was nominated for best actress for her role in Plaza Suite, opposite her husband, Matthew Broderick, while Snook was nominated in the same category for her one-woman take on The Picture of Dorian Gray. Tennant was nominated for best actor for his role in Macbeth, in the same category as Andrew Scott, in a one-man version of Vanya.
Sunset Boulevard, which starred Nicole Scherzinger, who is also nominated, and is set to come to Broadway next year, received 11 nominations, while Dear England, a play by James Graham about an English football manager, received nine nominations. Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel to the television series, which has also hinted at its Broadway ambitions, is up for best new entertainment or comedy play.
The Olivier...
Parker was nominated for best actress for her role in Plaza Suite, opposite her husband, Matthew Broderick, while Snook was nominated in the same category for her one-woman take on The Picture of Dorian Gray. Tennant was nominated for best actor for his role in Macbeth, in the same category as Andrew Scott, in a one-man version of Vanya.
Sunset Boulevard, which starred Nicole Scherzinger, who is also nominated, and is set to come to Broadway next year, received 11 nominations, while Dear England, a play by James Graham about an English football manager, received nine nominations. Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel to the television series, which has also hinted at its Broadway ambitions, is up for best new entertainment or comedy play.
The Olivier...
- 3/12/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stars including Sarah Jessica Parker, Sarah Snook, Andrew Scott and David Tennant will compete for Olivier Awards at the UK’s most prestigious theater ceremony next month.
The Sex and the City stars is up for Best Actress for her performance in Plaza Suite – her first Olivier – while Succession’s Snook has picked up a nod for her critically-acclaimed performance as 26 characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
In the Best Actor category, Scott’s performance in Vanya will come up against Tennant’s role in Macbeth, while the starry nominee list also includes Joseph Fiennes for Dear England, which is being made into a BBC series, Mark Gatiss for The Motive And The Cue and James Norton in A Little Life.
Other notable nominations include for singer Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard, where she has picked up a nod for Best Actress in a Musical. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s...
The Sex and the City stars is up for Best Actress for her performance in Plaza Suite – her first Olivier – while Succession’s Snook has picked up a nod for her critically-acclaimed performance as 26 characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
In the Best Actor category, Scott’s performance in Vanya will come up against Tennant’s role in Macbeth, while the starry nominee list also includes Joseph Fiennes for Dear England, which is being made into a BBC series, Mark Gatiss for The Motive And The Cue and James Norton in A Little Life.
Other notable nominations include for singer Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard, where she has picked up a nod for Best Actress in a Musical. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s...
- 3/12/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The Smeds And The Smoos
An ancient feud, jungle exploration, forbidden romance and an interplanetary adventure complete with aliens – BAFTA longlisted animation The Smeds And The Smoos has got it all. It’s based on the book by children's author and illustrator team Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, best known for the Gruffalo and Samantha, and has been brought to life by director team Samantha Cutler and Daniel Snaddon. I caught up with the two of them at an animation event late last year to find out how this delightful children’s fable made it to the screen and enjoyed such success there.
Daniel has worked on previous adaptations of Donaldson and Scheffler’s work, and for him it was all about the story.
“It's about two races of aliens,” he explains. “Red aliens and blue aliens who live on a planet. And they're neighbours and they can't stand each other.
An ancient feud, jungle exploration, forbidden romance and an interplanetary adventure complete with aliens – BAFTA longlisted animation The Smeds And The Smoos has got it all. It’s based on the book by children's author and illustrator team Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, best known for the Gruffalo and Samantha, and has been brought to life by director team Samantha Cutler and Daniel Snaddon. I caught up with the two of them at an animation event late last year to find out how this delightful children’s fable made it to the screen and enjoyed such success there.
Daniel has worked on previous adaptations of Donaldson and Scheffler’s work, and for him it was all about the story.
“It's about two races of aliens,” he explains. “Red aliens and blue aliens who live on a planet. And they're neighbours and they can't stand each other.
- 1/10/2024
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Aquaman star Jason Momoa swaps a trident for silk pyjamas as he joins the list of celebrities reading a CBeebies Bedtime Story.
Jason Momoa is following in the footsteps of Tom Hardy and joins the growing roster of celebrity readers for CBeebies Bedtime Stories. Momoa will be appearing on TV screens across the UK in black silk pyjamas and reading Tiddler by Julia Donaldson to the kiddos – and probably a few parents, too.
“One of my favourite books that I read to my children as they were growing up was The Gruffalo, so I am very happy to read another amazing story by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler for a CBeebies Bedtime Story,” Momoa said of his stint on the popular children’s programme.
It’s a big week for CBeebies Bedtime Stories with a high profile list of readers. Tom Hardy kicks things off with a reading of Tisha...
Jason Momoa is following in the footsteps of Tom Hardy and joins the growing roster of celebrity readers for CBeebies Bedtime Stories. Momoa will be appearing on TV screens across the UK in black silk pyjamas and reading Tiddler by Julia Donaldson to the kiddos – and probably a few parents, too.
“One of my favourite books that I read to my children as they were growing up was The Gruffalo, so I am very happy to read another amazing story by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler for a CBeebies Bedtime Story,” Momoa said of his stint on the popular children’s programme.
It’s a big week for CBeebies Bedtime Stories with a high profile list of readers. Tom Hardy kicks things off with a reading of Tisha...
- 12/18/2023
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
Rose Ayling-Ellis To Lead ITV Drama ‘Code Of Silence’
Rose Ayling-Ellis will star in an ITV drama Code of Silence, playing a Deaf catering worker who is called in support a detective by lip reading the conversations of dangerous criminals. Her interpretation of a gang’s clandestine meetings lead to police unlocking a case but she becomes drawn to a main suspect and pulled into a risky situation as things threaten to spill over into her personal life. Catherine Moulton is writing the series, with ITV Studios-owned Mammoth Screen, the indie behind The Serpent and Noughts + Crosses producing. Tom Leggett and Damien Timmer executive produce alongside Moulton. Ayling-Ellis, a Deaf actress known for her role in EastEnders and winning Strictly Come Dancing, is also developing a comedy-drama about Deaf women dating in London, as Deadline revealed last August.
Mediawan Buys African Indie Distributor Côte Ouest
Mediawan’s...
Rose Ayling-Ellis will star in an ITV drama Code of Silence, playing a Deaf catering worker who is called in support a detective by lip reading the conversations of dangerous criminals. Her interpretation of a gang’s clandestine meetings lead to police unlocking a case but she becomes drawn to a main suspect and pulled into a risky situation as things threaten to spill over into her personal life. Catherine Moulton is writing the series, with ITV Studios-owned Mammoth Screen, the indie behind The Serpent and Noughts + Crosses producing. Tom Leggett and Damien Timmer executive produce alongside Moulton. Ayling-Ellis, a Deaf actress known for her role in EastEnders and winning Strictly Come Dancing, is also developing a comedy-drama about Deaf women dating in London, as Deadline revealed last August.
Mediawan Buys African Indie Distributor Côte Ouest
Mediawan’s...
- 5/17/2023
- by Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Adaptation
“Tabby McTat,” the lively children’s story by writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, is set to get the BBC treatment with a new adaptation by longtime Donaldson/Scheffler collaborators Magic Light Pictures. “Doctor Who” star Jodie Whittaker will narrate the tale about a cat who gets separated from his owner while Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísú (“Gangs of London”) will voice Tabby. Other stars lending their voices to the short include Rob Brydon (“Gavin and Stacey”), Cariad Lloyd (“Peep Show”), Joanna Scanlan (“The Thick of It”) and Susan Wokoma (“Enola Holmes”).
“Superworm” directors Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman will helm the project, which was written by Max Lang and Suzanne Lang. Barney Goodland and Michael Rose of Magic Light Pictures will produce. BBC chief content office Charlotte Moore and BBC drama commissioning editor Nawfal Faizullah acquired the film for the BBC. Red Star Studio will provide animation services.
Disney Season...
“Tabby McTat,” the lively children’s story by writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, is set to get the BBC treatment with a new adaptation by longtime Donaldson/Scheffler collaborators Magic Light Pictures. “Doctor Who” star Jodie Whittaker will narrate the tale about a cat who gets separated from his owner while Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísú (“Gangs of London”) will voice Tabby. Other stars lending their voices to the short include Rob Brydon (“Gavin and Stacey”), Cariad Lloyd (“Peep Show”), Joanna Scanlan (“The Thick of It”) and Susan Wokoma (“Enola Holmes”).
“Superworm” directors Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman will helm the project, which was written by Max Lang and Suzanne Lang. Barney Goodland and Michael Rose of Magic Light Pictures will produce. BBC chief content office Charlotte Moore and BBC drama commissioning editor Nawfal Faizullah acquired the film for the BBC. Red Star Studio will provide animation services.
Disney Season...
- 5/11/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
‘Doctor Who’ Unveils Jonathan Groff First Look
Jonathan Groff has begun filming his Doctor Who scenes and the BBC has unveiled a first look. The BBC is keeping details about Groff’s character close to its chest but the images show him dressed in Victorian-style clothing flanked by the new doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, and Millie Gibson, who is playing companion Ruby Sunday. Groff, who shot to fame in Glee and has since starred in the likes of Knock at the Cabin, Mindhunter and The Matrix Resurrections, is one of the most high profile stars to have landed a role in the new season, which will air later this year. The likes of Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney and RuPaul star Jinx Monsoon have also boarded, while David Tennant and Catherine Tate are returning for anniversary specials. Upon the Groff news last week, showrunner Russell T Davies called his signature “an incredible coup.
Jonathan Groff has begun filming his Doctor Who scenes and the BBC has unveiled a first look. The BBC is keeping details about Groff’s character close to its chest but the images show him dressed in Victorian-style clothing flanked by the new doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, and Millie Gibson, who is playing companion Ruby Sunday. Groff, who shot to fame in Glee and has since starred in the likes of Knock at the Cabin, Mindhunter and The Matrix Resurrections, is one of the most high profile stars to have landed a role in the new season, which will air later this year. The likes of Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney and RuPaul star Jinx Monsoon have also boarded, while David Tennant and Catherine Tate are returning for anniversary specials. Upon the Groff news last week, showrunner Russell T Davies called his signature “an incredible coup.
- 5/11/2023
- by Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Set to hit the BBC on Christmas Day in the U.K., “The Smeds and The Smoos” is the tenth in a series of screen adaptations based on books by iconic children’s publishing duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Starring the voices of “Bridgerton’s” Adjoa Andoh and comedian Bill Bailey, the film was produced by long-time Donaldson/Scheffler collaborators Magic Light Pictures.
The 30-minute adaptation tells the story of two adorable aliens, Bill and Janet, who come from warring clans. When they fall in love and run away together, their families reluctantly team up to find them and bring them home – unexpectedly becoming friends in the process.
Donaldson writes (usually in rhyming couplets) while Scheffler illustrates (although he has also written his own pictures books too). Together they hit gold over 25 years ago with “The Gruffalo,” spawning an Oscar-nominated film starring Helena Bonham Carter, an array of carefully-curated merchandise,...
The 30-minute adaptation tells the story of two adorable aliens, Bill and Janet, who come from warring clans. When they fall in love and run away together, their families reluctantly team up to find them and bring them home – unexpectedly becoming friends in the process.
Donaldson writes (usually in rhyming couplets) while Scheffler illustrates (although he has also written his own pictures books too). Together they hit gold over 25 years ago with “The Gruffalo,” spawning an Oscar-nominated film starring Helena Bonham Carter, an array of carefully-curated merchandise,...
- 12/13/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Trailer
Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins can be heard narrating “The Smeds and the Smoos,” the upcoming BBC adaptation of the book of the same name by beloved children’s writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, in a new trailer released today.
A loose re-telling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” the charming adaptation, from Magic Light Pictures, “The Smeds and the Smoos” also features the voices of “Bridgerton’s” Adjoa Andoh and comedian Bill Bailey (“Black Books”) as well as Meera Syal (“Roar”), Rob Brydon (“Gavin and Stacey”), Ashna Rabheru (“Sex Education”) and Daniel Ezra (“All American”).
It will air in the U.K. on Christmas Day.
Check out the trailer below:
Commission
A biopic of one of the U.K.’s most famous soccer siblings, Justin and John Fashanu, has been set at U.K. broadcaster ITV. Justin, who became Britain’s first Black soccer star to command £1 million,...
Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins can be heard narrating “The Smeds and the Smoos,” the upcoming BBC adaptation of the book of the same name by beloved children’s writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, in a new trailer released today.
A loose re-telling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” the charming adaptation, from Magic Light Pictures, “The Smeds and the Smoos” also features the voices of “Bridgerton’s” Adjoa Andoh and comedian Bill Bailey (“Black Books”) as well as Meera Syal (“Roar”), Rob Brydon (“Gavin and Stacey”), Ashna Rabheru (“Sex Education”) and Daniel Ezra (“All American”).
It will air in the U.K. on Christmas Day.
Check out the trailer below:
Commission
A biopic of one of the U.K.’s most famous soccer siblings, Justin and John Fashanu, has been set at U.K. broadcaster ITV. Justin, who became Britain’s first Black soccer star to command £1 million,...
- 12/2/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The first image has been released of Bill Bailey and Adjoa Andoh’s characters in upcoming BBC short film “The Smeds and The Smoos.”
Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s picture-book of the same name, it tells the story of two warring families whose children, Bill and Janet, fall in love and run away together.
Hotly pursued by their grandparents, Grandfather Smed (Bailey) and Grandmother Smoo (Andoh), the two young aliens lead their families on a chase across space, giving them the opportunity to find out they have more in common than they think.
Rounding out the cast are Ashna Rabheru as Janet, Daniel Ezra as Bill, Rob Brydon as Uncle Smoo, Meera Syal as Aunt Smed and Sally Hawkins as the narrator.
The film, produced by Magic Light Pictures, will be released on BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas.
“There’s just the sort of ignorant prejudice...
Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s picture-book of the same name, it tells the story of two warring families whose children, Bill and Janet, fall in love and run away together.
Hotly pursued by their grandparents, Grandfather Smed (Bailey) and Grandmother Smoo (Andoh), the two young aliens lead their families on a chase across space, giving them the opportunity to find out they have more in common than they think.
Rounding out the cast are Ashna Rabheru as Janet, Daniel Ezra as Bill, Rob Brydon as Uncle Smoo, Meera Syal as Aunt Smed and Sally Hawkins as the narrator.
The film, produced by Magic Light Pictures, will be released on BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas.
“There’s just the sort of ignorant prejudice...
- 9/28/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Julia Donaldson’s “Romeo and Juliet”-inspired story “The Smeds and The Smoos” is set to be adapted for a BBC Christmas special starring Oscar-nominee Sally Hawkins (“The Shape of Water”), “Bridgerton’s” Adjoa Andoh and comedian Bill Bailey.
Oscar-nominated production company, who have previously adapted nine of Donaldson’s children’s books for the BBC, will once again take the helm on the project, which will also be based on Axel Scheffler’s original illustrations, with Blue Zoo Animation Studio providing animation services.
Donaldson and Scheffler are the duo behind iconic children’s stories including “The Gruffalo.”
Daniel Snaddon (“The Snail and the Whale”) and Samantha Cutler will direct based on a screenplay by Julia Smuts Louw. René Aubry is composing the music.
“The Smeds and The Smoos” tells the story of two aliens – Bill and Janet – from warring families who fall in love. Faced with their tribes’ disapprobation,...
Oscar-nominated production company, who have previously adapted nine of Donaldson’s children’s books for the BBC, will once again take the helm on the project, which will also be based on Axel Scheffler’s original illustrations, with Blue Zoo Animation Studio providing animation services.
Donaldson and Scheffler are the duo behind iconic children’s stories including “The Gruffalo.”
Daniel Snaddon (“The Snail and the Whale”) and Samantha Cutler will direct based on a screenplay by Julia Smuts Louw. René Aubry is composing the music.
“The Smeds and The Smoos” tells the story of two aliens – Bill and Janet – from warring families who fall in love. Faced with their tribes’ disapprobation,...
- 5/17/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are Britain’s answer to Dr. Seuss.
Ever since publishing “The Gruffalo” — written by Donaldson and illustrated by Scheffler — in 1999, the duo have delighted millions of children with their stories of robber rats, wandering whales and fantastical fish.
In 2009, U.K. production company Magic Light Pictures turned “The Gruffalo,” about a little mouse who ventures into a deep, dark wood, into a 30-minute animated special voiced by James Corden and Helena Bonham Carter. It turned out to be the first of nine animated adaptations of Donaldson and Scheffler’s works.
(Magic Light also manage licensing for the books and films. In Britain alone, the Donaldson/Scheffler empire includes theme park rides, exhibitions, toys and educational materials. “It’s quite frightening,” says Scheffler of what he calls “Gruffalo madness.”)
Their latest holiday special, which airs in the U.K. on Christmas Day and will be rolled...
Ever since publishing “The Gruffalo” — written by Donaldson and illustrated by Scheffler — in 1999, the duo have delighted millions of children with their stories of robber rats, wandering whales and fantastical fish.
In 2009, U.K. production company Magic Light Pictures turned “The Gruffalo,” about a little mouse who ventures into a deep, dark wood, into a 30-minute animated special voiced by James Corden and Helena Bonham Carter. It turned out to be the first of nine animated adaptations of Donaldson and Scheffler’s works.
(Magic Light also manage licensing for the books and films. In Britain alone, the Donaldson/Scheffler empire includes theme park rides, exhibitions, toys and educational materials. “It’s quite frightening,” says Scheffler of what he calls “Gruffalo madness.”)
Their latest holiday special, which airs in the U.K. on Christmas Day and will be rolled...
- 12/21/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
When adapting “The Snail and the Whale” into a short film, Max Lang and Daniel Snaddon had to find ways of stretching out the very short story into a nearly 30 minute short film. Both of them found different ways of bringing more to the story. For Lang, he added a scene where the snail initially tries to hitch a ride with on a boat but nearly gets eaten by seagulls. “What that helped us to establish was that she was trying, she had the drive to go out there. But it’s a dangerous world and this establishes stakes as well. She’s a little snail but she’s also brave,” he tells us in our recent webchat (watch the exclusive video above). Snaddon echoes these thoughts and adds that he wanted to help accentuate the beauty of the story as well as the characters. “It’s not really a comedy.
- 3/5/2021
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars from Film Awards Editor Clayton Davis. Following Academy Awards history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Oscar predictions are updated regularly with the current year's contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. Eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and will be displayed next to revision date.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Collective
Draft>>>Pre Season>>>Regular Season>>>Post Season
2021 Oscars Predictions:
Best Animated Short Film
Updated: Feb. 25, 2021
Awards Prediction Commentary: The Academy announced the shortlist for the animated short contenders, and they produced an interesting crop of selections. Netflix is placing all their power and influence behind the emotional “If Anything Happens I Love You.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Collective
Draft>>>Pre Season>>>Regular Season>>>Post Season
2021 Oscars Predictions:
Best Animated Short Film
Updated: Feb. 25, 2021
Awards Prediction Commentary: The Academy announced the shortlist for the animated short contenders, and they produced an interesting crop of selections. Netflix is placing all their power and influence behind the emotional “If Anything Happens I Love You.
- 2/25/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Olivia Colman (“The Crown”), Matt Smith (“Doctor Who”), Patricia Allison (“Sex Education”) and Rob Brydon (“The Trip” franchise) lead the voice cast of BBC animation special “Superworm.”
Based on the book “Superworm,” written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the half-hour show will air over Christmas on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The show follows Superworm, who is a hero always on hand to help out all the other animals and insects, whose latest challenge is to fight the wicked Wizard Lizard and his servant Crow.
Colman said: “This is such a lovely project to be involved with. When reading the script, and imagining all those goings on at the end of the garden, I could really get a feel for the pure fun and joy that the film will bring. I’ve always loved these charming productions at Christmas and I’m delighted to be voicing the narrator.
Based on the book “Superworm,” written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the half-hour show will air over Christmas on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The show follows Superworm, who is a hero always on hand to help out all the other animals and insects, whose latest challenge is to fight the wicked Wizard Lizard and his servant Crow.
Colman said: “This is such a lovely project to be involved with. When reading the script, and imagining all those goings on at the end of the garden, I could really get a feel for the pure fun and joy that the film will bring. I’ve always loved these charming productions at Christmas and I’m delighted to be voicing the narrator.
- 2/5/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC is once again turning to Oscar-nominated Magic Light Pictures for its latest animation special. The studio behind The Gruffalo will bring Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s book Superworm to life with a cast including Olivia Colman and Matt Smith.
Colman will narrate, while Smith will feature as hero Superworm. They are joined by Patricia Allison (Sex Education) as Butterfly, and Rob Brydon (Gavin & Stacey) as the Crow.
Super-long and super-strong, Superworm is always on hand to help out other animals and insects, but when he is kidnapped by wicked Wizard Lizard and sidekick The Crow, his friend Butterfly must come to the rescue.
Superworm is directed by Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman, from a script by Max Lang and Suzanne Lang. The producer is Barney Goodland, with executive producers Martin Pope and Michael Rose for Magic Light. The composer is Rene Aubry, while animation services are provided by Blue Zoo Animation Studio.
Colman will narrate, while Smith will feature as hero Superworm. They are joined by Patricia Allison (Sex Education) as Butterfly, and Rob Brydon (Gavin & Stacey) as the Crow.
Super-long and super-strong, Superworm is always on hand to help out other animals and insects, but when he is kidnapped by wicked Wizard Lizard and sidekick The Crow, his friend Butterfly must come to the rescue.
Superworm is directed by Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman, from a script by Max Lang and Suzanne Lang. The producer is Barney Goodland, with executive producers Martin Pope and Michael Rose for Magic Light. The composer is Rene Aubry, while animation services are provided by Blue Zoo Animation Studio.
- 2/5/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Throughout their careers in animation, directors Max Lang and Daniel Snaddon have maintained a strong collaborative relationship with children’s book author Julia Donaldson. After bringing four of her works to the screen—two of which garnered Oscar nominations—they return to the awards conversation this year with The Snail and the Whale, adapting a book written by Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, which Lang had long been eyeing.
Featuring the voices of Sally Hawkins, Rob Byrdon, and the late Dame Diana Rigg, who serves as narrator, Magic Light Pictures’ animated short tells the story of a snail that strikes up an unlikely friendship with a humpback whale, situating herself on his tail and joining him on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
While each Donaldson adaptation has presented its own singular tone and world, and come with its set of challenges, The Snail and the Whale was by far the most...
Featuring the voices of Sally Hawkins, Rob Byrdon, and the late Dame Diana Rigg, who serves as narrator, Magic Light Pictures’ animated short tells the story of a snail that strikes up an unlikely friendship with a humpback whale, situating herself on his tail and joining him on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
While each Donaldson adaptation has presented its own singular tone and world, and come with its set of challenges, The Snail and the Whale was by far the most...
- 1/25/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
For one magical month, Michelle Obama will host an online series in which she reads children’s books out loud every Monday. Mondays With Michelle Obama, in partnership with Penguin Young Readers, Random House Children’s Books and PBS Kids, will kick off on April 20th and conclude on May 11th.
The former First Lady will begin by reading The Gruffalo, a 1999 book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler that tells the story of a mouse walking through the woods.
“As a little kid, I loved to read aloud,...
The former First Lady will begin by reading The Gruffalo, a 1999 book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler that tells the story of a mouse walking through the woods.
“As a little kid, I loved to read aloud,...
- 4/20/2020
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
Ludo Studio’s Bluey has won the International Emmy Kids Award for best preschool program, Ludo’s third Emmy.
“We’re so proud of (creator) Joe Brumm and the whole gang of beautiful artists at Ludo,” said Ludo Studio’s Daley Pearson.
“They’ve created a beautiful show celebrating one of the most important things: imagination and game play. Bluey’s created a special connection to people around the world and it’s a real privilege to be creating the show under one roof in Brisbane with our friends.
“It’s also been a secret dream of ours to create a bit of an industry in Brisbane that competes with the world. We’ve spent the last few years laying the first bricks down with Screen Australia, Screen Queensland, the ABC and BBC Studios and we’re excited to see what’s next together.”
The Queensland-based studio previously won International...
“We’re so proud of (creator) Joe Brumm and the whole gang of beautiful artists at Ludo,” said Ludo Studio’s Daley Pearson.
“They’ve created a beautiful show celebrating one of the most important things: imagination and game play. Bluey’s created a special connection to people around the world and it’s a real privilege to be creating the show under one roof in Brisbane with our friends.
“It’s also been a secret dream of ours to create a bit of an industry in Brisbane that competes with the world. We’ve spent the last few years laying the first bricks down with Screen Australia, Screen Queensland, the ABC and BBC Studios and we’re excited to see what’s next together.”
The Queensland-based studio previously won International...
- 3/31/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
An Oscar nominee and BAFTA winner known for animated shorts including The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, Max Lang joined forces with Daniel Snaddon on his latest short, Zog, based on a children’s book by Julia Donaldson.
Coming to the project, neither director was a stranger to the works of Donaldson. While Lang had adapted the author’s books for the shorts mentioned above, Snaddon had co-directed Stick Man, also based on Donaldson’s work. Meeting the author over a decade ago, Lang initially found her to be “very, very careful,” in terms of the way in which she’d allow her works to be used. “She didn’t want her story to be changed, or adapted to a bigger movie that wouldn’t stay true to the words, the lyrics, the story, the rhyme. It was really crucial for her in the initial stage, with The Gruffalo,...
Coming to the project, neither director was a stranger to the works of Donaldson. While Lang had adapted the author’s books for the shorts mentioned above, Snaddon had co-directed Stick Man, also based on Donaldson’s work. Meeting the author over a decade ago, Lang initially found her to be “very, very careful,” in terms of the way in which she’d allow her works to be used. “She didn’t want her story to be changed, or adapted to a bigger movie that wouldn’t stay true to the words, the lyrics, the story, the rhyme. It was really crucial for her in the initial stage, with The Gruffalo,...
- 11/5/2019
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Sally Hawkins (Paddington), Rob Brydon (Gavin & Stacey) and Diana Rigg (Game of Thrones) are lending their voices to BBC One and Zdf Christmas special The Snail And The Whale.
UK production outfit Magic Light Pictures is behind the well-sold book adaptation about the epic journey of a tiny snail who longs to see the world and manages to hitch a ride on the tail of a huge humpback whale. Hawkins will voice the snail, Brydon the whale and Rigg will be the narrator.
Written in 2003 by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, creators of the hit children’s book and TV adaptation The Gruffalo, the picture book is published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
The half-hour kids’ content was acquired for BBC One by Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, and Tommy Bulfin, Commissioning Editor, BBC. It is directed by acclaimed animation directors Max Lang and Daniel Snaddon who...
UK production outfit Magic Light Pictures is behind the well-sold book adaptation about the epic journey of a tiny snail who longs to see the world and manages to hitch a ride on the tail of a huge humpback whale. Hawkins will voice the snail, Brydon the whale and Rigg will be the narrator.
Written in 2003 by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, creators of the hit children’s book and TV adaptation The Gruffalo, the picture book is published by Macmillan Children’s Books.
The half-hour kids’ content was acquired for BBC One by Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, and Tommy Bulfin, Commissioning Editor, BBC. It is directed by acclaimed animation directors Max Lang and Daniel Snaddon who...
- 9/20/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Annecy — At Annecy to talk audiences through “Zog,” the latest in a line of hugely popular of painstakingly crafted half-hour films for the BBC and Zdf whose lineage stretches back through “Revolting Rhymes” to the “The Gruffalo,” London-based Magic Light Pictures has confirmed a swathe of sales on its upcoming half-hour, “The Snail and the Whale.”
The film will premiere in the U.K. on BBC1 as a highlight of its Christmas schedule in 2019. Alongside core partner Zdf in Germany, further confirmed pre-sales include France Televisions; Svt (Sweden), Dr (Denmark), Rte (Ireland), ABC (Australia), Showmax (Africa), Czech Television, Noga in Israel; Vpro in the Netherlands; and Slovenia’s Rtv.
“The Snail and the Whale” will also be released in cinemas in France next year by Les Films Du Preau.
Described as a delightful tale of adventure and friendship, “The Snail and the Whale” follows the amazing journey of a tiny...
The film will premiere in the U.K. on BBC1 as a highlight of its Christmas schedule in 2019. Alongside core partner Zdf in Germany, further confirmed pre-sales include France Televisions; Svt (Sweden), Dr (Denmark), Rte (Ireland), ABC (Australia), Showmax (Africa), Czech Television, Noga in Israel; Vpro in the Netherlands; and Slovenia’s Rtv.
“The Snail and the Whale” will also be released in cinemas in France next year by Les Films Du Preau.
Described as a delightful tale of adventure and friendship, “The Snail and the Whale” follows the amazing journey of a tiny...
- 6/12/2019
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
The classic children’s tale The Velveteen Rabbit is getting a new TV adaptation that will feature a mix of live-action and animation.
The series is being developed by Tom Bidwell, who recently worked on the series adaptation of Watership Down for BBC and Netflix. He’s also teamed up with Magic Light Pictures, who has worked on animated specials that include adaptations of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes and several of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s books, including The Gruffalo, Stick Man, and Zog.
The Velveteen Rabbit was written by Margery Williams , and the classic 1922 story centers on a boy and his beloved toy rabbit.
At first a brand-new toy, now a threadbare and discarded nursery relic, the velveteen rabbit is saved from peril by a magic fairy who whisks him away to the idyllic world of Rabbitland. There, he becomes "Real," a cherished childhood companion who will be loved for eternity.
The series is being developed by Tom Bidwell, who recently worked on the series adaptation of Watership Down for BBC and Netflix. He’s also teamed up with Magic Light Pictures, who has worked on animated specials that include adaptations of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes and several of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s books, including The Gruffalo, Stick Man, and Zog.
The Velveteen Rabbit was written by Margery Williams , and the classic 1922 story centers on a boy and his beloved toy rabbit.
At first a brand-new toy, now a threadbare and discarded nursery relic, the velveteen rabbit is saved from peril by a magic fairy who whisks him away to the idyllic world of Rabbitland. There, he becomes "Real," a cherished childhood companion who will be loved for eternity.
- 12/14/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
The writer of upcoming BBC and Netflix series “Watership Down” and the producers behind hit animated specials including “The Gruffalo” are adapting the classic children’s tale “The Velveteen Rabbit” for TV. Magic Light Pictures and Tom Bidwell are in development on the project and already talking to broadcasters.
For U.K.-based Magic Light, it will mark a move into a hybrid style of live-action and animation. Its previous animated specials include popular adaptations of Roald Dahl’s “Revolting Rhymes” and several of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s books, including “The Gruffalo,” “Stick Man,” and “Zog,” which will be a highlight of the BBC’s 2018 Christmas schedule in the U.K.
Bidwell is the creator of the BAFTA- and International Emmy-nominated “My Mad Fat Diary” and the Oscar-nominated short “Wish 143.” He comes to “The Velveteen Rabbit” project off the back of a BAFTA win for his work on Cbbc series “Katy.
For U.K.-based Magic Light, it will mark a move into a hybrid style of live-action and animation. Its previous animated specials include popular adaptations of Roald Dahl’s “Revolting Rhymes” and several of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s books, including “The Gruffalo,” “Stick Man,” and “Zog,” which will be a highlight of the BBC’s 2018 Christmas schedule in the U.K.
Bidwell is the creator of the BAFTA- and International Emmy-nominated “My Mad Fat Diary” and the Oscar-nominated short “Wish 143.” He comes to “The Velveteen Rabbit” project off the back of a BAFTA win for his work on Cbbc series “Katy.
- 12/13/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Game of Thrones star Kit Harington is to lend his voice for a forthcoming adaptation of kids’ book Zog from the team behind The Gruffalo.
The British actor will voice the character of Sir Gadabout in the one-off animated special, which will air on BBC One at Christmas. He is joined by Sir Lenny Henry, who narrates, Tracey Ullman, who voices Madame Dragon, W1A’s Hugh Skinner as Zog and Jamestown’s Patsy Ferran as Princess Pearl.
The special is based on the character written by The Gruffalo creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and will be produced by Magic Light Pictures, which adapted that into a BBC hit.
Zog is a keen but accident-prone dragon who gets himself into mischief whilst learning how to fly, roar, breathe fire and fight knights in his first four years at dragon school. Each year he meets a kindly young girl who...
The British actor will voice the character of Sir Gadabout in the one-off animated special, which will air on BBC One at Christmas. He is joined by Sir Lenny Henry, who narrates, Tracey Ullman, who voices Madame Dragon, W1A’s Hugh Skinner as Zog and Jamestown’s Patsy Ferran as Princess Pearl.
The special is based on the character written by The Gruffalo creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and will be produced by Magic Light Pictures, which adapted that into a BBC hit.
Zog is a keen but accident-prone dragon who gets himself into mischief whilst learning how to fly, roar, breathe fire and fight knights in his first four years at dragon school. Each year he meets a kindly young girl who...
- 10/10/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Annecy, France — The prizes have yet to be awarded, and we aren’t making the case the below-mentioned series are surefire winners. Nor were they chosen in any effort towards ranking. Rather, the five TV films, chosen from 23 competing at Annecy, were selected in an effort to represent the competition as a whole, its diverse pool of submitting countries and the range in audience demographics for the represented entries.
‘B: The Beginning’
Another big bet on anime by Netflix, partnering with animation studio I.G. and co-directed by another Japanese legend, Kazuto Nakazawa, responsible for the animated sequences of “Kill Bill: Vol 1.” Two tales in one, in a noirish psychological thriller, with echoes of “7even,” narcoleptic genius Keith Kazama Flick returns to service at the Royal Investigation Service of Cremona to hunt down a serial killer who murders vicious criminals. Their death, and Keith’s troubled past, has something to do with Koku,...
‘B: The Beginning’
Another big bet on anime by Netflix, partnering with animation studio I.G. and co-directed by another Japanese legend, Kazuto Nakazawa, responsible for the animated sequences of “Kill Bill: Vol 1.” Two tales in one, in a noirish psychological thriller, with echoes of “7even,” narcoleptic genius Keith Kazama Flick returns to service at the Royal Investigation Service of Cremona to hunt down a serial killer who murders vicious criminals. Their death, and Keith’s troubled past, has something to do with Koku,...
- 6/16/2018
- by Jamie Lang and John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Annecy, France — The prizes have yet to be awarded, and we aren’t making the case the below-mentioned series are surefire winners. Nor were they chosen in any effort towards ranking. Rather, the five TV films, chosen from 23 competing at Annecy, were selected in an effort to represent the competition as a whole, its diverse pool of submitting countries and the range in audience demographics for the represented entries.
‘B: The Beginning’
Another big bet on anime by Netflix, partnering with animation studio I.G. and co-directed by another Japanese legend, Kazuto Nakazawa, responsible for the animated sequences of “Kill Bill: Vol 1.” Two tales in one, in a noirish psychological thriller, with echoes of “7even,” narcoleptic genius Keith Kazama Flick returns to service at the Royal Investigation Service of Cremona to hunt down a serial killer who murders vicious criminals. Their death, and Keith’s troubled past, has something to do with Koku,...
‘B: The Beginning’
Another big bet on anime by Netflix, partnering with animation studio I.G. and co-directed by another Japanese legend, Kazuto Nakazawa, responsible for the animated sequences of “Kill Bill: Vol 1.” Two tales in one, in a noirish psychological thriller, with echoes of “7even,” narcoleptic genius Keith Kazama Flick returns to service at the Royal Investigation Service of Cremona to hunt down a serial killer who murders vicious criminals. Their death, and Keith’s troubled past, has something to do with Koku,...
- 6/16/2018
- by Jamie Lang and John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Cinema Management Group concludes raft of pre-sales.
Annecy-bound South African animation house Triggerfish Animation Studios has begun production on the action-comedy Seal Team, which Edward Noeltner’s Cinema Management Group (Cmg) has licensed in a raft of pre-sales.
Triggerfish and Cmg partnered on Adventures In Zambezia (2012) and 2013 Annecy International Animated Film Festival contender Khumba, two of the highest grossing South African productions of all time with combined worldwide box office exceeding $50m.
Cape Town-based Triggerfish has a strong presence at this year’s Annecy (June 11-16), where its short film Belly Flop will receive its world premiere screening at the closing ceremony,...
Annecy-bound South African animation house Triggerfish Animation Studios has begun production on the action-comedy Seal Team, which Edward Noeltner’s Cinema Management Group (Cmg) has licensed in a raft of pre-sales.
Triggerfish and Cmg partnered on Adventures In Zambezia (2012) and 2013 Annecy International Animated Film Festival contender Khumba, two of the highest grossing South African productions of all time with combined worldwide box office exceeding $50m.
Cape Town-based Triggerfish has a strong presence at this year’s Annecy (June 11-16), where its short film Belly Flop will receive its world premiere screening at the closing ceremony,...
- 6/1/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
South Africa’s Triggerfish Animation Studios has begun production on its third animated feature, “Seal Team,” which the toon powerhouse will announce as part of a packed slate at the Annecy Int’l. Animation Film Festival, where it has a TV film in competition and will screen a short, “Belly Flop,” during the fest’s closing ceremony.
Blazing on the red-hot heels of its latest award-winning collaboration with the U.K.’s Magic Light Pictures, the Cape Town-based studio is going back to the successful feature-length formula that turned its first two films, “Adventures in Zambezia” (2012) and “Khumba” (2013), into two of the five top-grossing South African movies of all time.
“We’re delighted to be returning to our own IP after honing our skills on Magic Light Pictures’ BBC Christmas specials, like the Oscar-nominated ‘Revolting Rhymes,’” says Triggerfish’s head of development, Anthony Silverston.
The action-comedy “Seal Team” is the story of an orphan seal,...
Blazing on the red-hot heels of its latest award-winning collaboration with the U.K.’s Magic Light Pictures, the Cape Town-based studio is going back to the successful feature-length formula that turned its first two films, “Adventures in Zambezia” (2012) and “Khumba” (2013), into two of the five top-grossing South African movies of all time.
“We’re delighted to be returning to our own IP after honing our skills on Magic Light Pictures’ BBC Christmas specials, like the Oscar-nominated ‘Revolting Rhymes,’” says Triggerfish’s head of development, Anthony Silverston.
The action-comedy “Seal Team” is the story of an orphan seal,...
- 5/31/2018
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Jennifer Garner's "Books With Birdie" has returned!
The 45-year-old actress took to Instagram on Friday to share another episode of her Instagram series, in which she reads books to her adorable golden retriever.
"There are so many festive Christmas books to put a jingle in your giddy up," Garner captioned the video, in which a Santa hat-wearing Birdie is sweetly more concerned with catching Zzz's than listening to her mom's stories.
The mother of three also shared a message with her fans on her Instagram Story, documenting the emotional moment she received her "favorite Christmas present of the year."
There are so many festive Christmas books to put a jingle in your giddy up.
The 45-year-old actress took to Instagram on Friday to share another episode of her Instagram series, in which she reads books to her adorable golden retriever.
"There are so many festive Christmas books to put a jingle in your giddy up," Garner captioned the video, in which a Santa hat-wearing Birdie is sweetly more concerned with catching Zzz's than listening to her mom's stories.
The mother of three also shared a message with her fans on her Instagram Story, documenting the emotional moment she received her "favorite Christmas present of the year."
There are so many festive Christmas books to put a jingle in your giddy up.
- 12/22/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Louisa Mellor Nov 28, 2017
Here's a pick of the BBC's drama and comedy for this Christmas, including Doctor Who and The League Of Gentlemen...
Get ready to mentally circle a few items in the festive TV planner; the BBC has officially announced its Christmas 2017 line-up.
See related Dark Universe: the undignified death of a cinematic universe
Our priorities first: Peter Capaldi’s outgoing Doctor Who episode in the leading role, Twice Upon A Time. The episode is written by Steven Moffat, directed by Rachel Talalay and stars Capaldi, Pearl Mackie, Mark Gatiss and David Bradley.
According to the official synopsis, Twice Upon A Time will see Twelve and Bill “team up with the first ever Doctor to battle the enchanted glass people before he regenerates into the 13th Doctor”. Expect that to air on December the 25th as usual (we’ll confirm the time as soon as it’s announced).
Next up are three (hooray!
Here's a pick of the BBC's drama and comedy for this Christmas, including Doctor Who and The League Of Gentlemen...
Get ready to mentally circle a few items in the festive TV planner; the BBC has officially announced its Christmas 2017 line-up.
See related Dark Universe: the undignified death of a cinematic universe
Our priorities first: Peter Capaldi’s outgoing Doctor Who episode in the leading role, Twice Upon A Time. The episode is written by Steven Moffat, directed by Rachel Talalay and stars Capaldi, Pearl Mackie, Mark Gatiss and David Bradley.
According to the official synopsis, Twice Upon A Time will see Twelve and Bill “team up with the first ever Doctor to battle the enchanted glass people before he regenerates into the 13th Doctor”. Expect that to air on December the 25th as usual (we’ll confirm the time as soon as it’s announced).
Next up are three (hooray!
- 11/27/2017
- Den of Geek
Martin Freeman will lead an all-star cast in BBC One's Christmas animation Stick Man.
The Fargo actor will join Hugh Bonneville in the adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's 2008 children's book.
Jennifer Saunders, Russell Tovey, Rob Brydon and Sally Hawkins will also lend their voice talents to the programme.
Stick Man follows the father of a family of sticks, who crosses great distances to try and get home in time for Christmas.
Freeman said "What a treat to have voiced the hero in this beautifully animated film. We enjoyed reading Stick Man as a family for a number of years and my children always loved the scale of his epic journey.
"Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's books are simply wonderful and the film adaptations bring their own extra magic. This one is going to be really special though, filled with festive charm and a delight for viewers of all ages!
The Fargo actor will join Hugh Bonneville in the adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's 2008 children's book.
Jennifer Saunders, Russell Tovey, Rob Brydon and Sally Hawkins will also lend their voice talents to the programme.
Stick Man follows the father of a family of sticks, who crosses great distances to try and get home in time for Christmas.
Freeman said "What a treat to have voiced the hero in this beautifully animated film. We enjoyed reading Stick Man as a family for a number of years and my children always loved the scale of his epic journey.
"Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's books are simply wonderful and the film adaptations bring their own extra magic. This one is going to be really special though, filled with festive charm and a delight for viewers of all ages!
- 10/6/2015
- Digital Spy
The BBC has announced its upcoming new drama series for 2015.
Head of Drama Ben Stephenson revealed at an event last night (November 19) that several new dramas will be shown next year, along with the previously announced SS-gb, The Dresser, Undercover, and the return of Top of the Lake and a new Luther miniseries.
One of Us will be a modern thriller set in the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh, and is written by The Missing's Harry and Jack Williams.
The four-part series revolves around a double murder which shatters two families living next to each other, and focuses on the relatives as they grieve their losses and deal with the consequences.
The writers said: "We're excited to be telling a modern-day parable that explores big themes and ideas through the lens of a very personal, character-driven story".
Cuffs will be an eight-part cop drama from Julie Gearey (Prisoners' Wives), airing on BBC One.
Head of Drama Ben Stephenson revealed at an event last night (November 19) that several new dramas will be shown next year, along with the previously announced SS-gb, The Dresser, Undercover, and the return of Top of the Lake and a new Luther miniseries.
One of Us will be a modern thriller set in the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh, and is written by The Missing's Harry and Jack Williams.
The four-part series revolves around a double murder which shatters two families living next to each other, and focuses on the relatives as they grieve their losses and deal with the consequences.
The writers said: "We're excited to be telling a modern-day parable that explores big themes and ideas through the lens of a very personal, character-driven story".
Cuffs will be an eight-part cop drama from Julie Gearey (Prisoners' Wives), airing on BBC One.
- 11/20/2014
- Digital Spy
Room on the Broom earned an animated short Oscar nomination by combining clever characters and an inventive look with a story based on the popular children's book of the same name, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. It also brought together a voice cast including Gillian Anderson, Rob Brydon, Martin Clunes, Simon Pegg, Timothy Spall, David Walliams and Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (Blue Jasmine). Photos: 2014 Oscar Nominees Directed by Max Lang (who previously earned an Oscar nomination for 2009 animated short The Gruffalo) and Jan Lachauer, the film has already been honored with a Cristal award
read more...
read more...
- 1/22/2014
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A scene from Room on the BroomPhoto: Magic Light Pictures Ltd. Today the Academy announced the shortlist of ten animated short films that will be competing for nominations at the 2014 Oscars and I have gone ahead and found trailers/previews for seven of them, the complete short film for one of them and pictures for the two that didn't seem to have any video preview online as of yet. The Academy's Short Films and Feature Animation Branch Reviewing Committee viewed all 56 eligible entries for the preliminary round of voting at screenings held in New York and Los Angeles and now the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch members will select three to five nominees from among the 10 titles previewed below. The 86th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Thursday, January 16, 2014, at 5:30 a.m. Pt. Check out the titles contending for this year's race over the next couple of pages.
- 11/7/2013
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Infinity Blade III, Toca Cars, Hamlet: Explore Shakespeare, Grand Theft Auto V: iFruit, Angry Birds Star Wars II, Google Wallet, Axel Scheffler's Flip Flap Farm and more
It's time for our weekly roundup of brand new and notable apps for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices.
It covers apps and games, with the prices referring to the initial download: so (Free) may mean (Freemium) in some cases. There's a separate roundup for Android apps, which was published earlier in the day.
For now, read on for this week's iOS selection (and when you've finished, check out previous Best iPhone and iPad apps posts).
Infinity Blade III (£4.99)
ChAIR Entertainment's epic trilogy reaches its conclusion, with more eye-popping scenery, more characters (two) and many more enormous monsters to stick a sword through. There's the usual levelling up, "massively social" clashmob challenges to co-operate with players around the world, and even a...
It's time for our weekly roundup of brand new and notable apps for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices.
It covers apps and games, with the prices referring to the initial download: so (Free) may mean (Freemium) in some cases. There's a separate roundup for Android apps, which was published earlier in the day.
For now, read on for this week's iOS selection (and when you've finished, check out previous Best iPhone and iPad apps posts).
Infinity Blade III (£4.99)
ChAIR Entertainment's epic trilogy reaches its conclusion, with more eye-popping scenery, more characters (two) and many more enormous monsters to stick a sword through. There's the usual levelling up, "massively social" clashmob challenges to co-operate with players around the world, and even a...
- 9/20/2013
- by Stuart Dredge
- The Guardian - Film News
Marks the first time a Latin American film has taken the top prize at the animation festival, which has also set the dates for its next edition.Scroll down for full list of winners
Brazilian director Luiz Bolognesi’s Rio 2096: A Story of Love and Fury has won the top Crystal prize for best feature-length animation at the 37th Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
The film, produced by Buriti Filmes and Gullane, captures four distinct periods in Brazilian history through a central protagonist who lives for 600 years.
Rio 2096 is the first Latin American film to win the top prize at the lakeside festival at the foot of the French Alps.
Also in the feature-length category, French Marc Boréal and Thibaut Chatel’s My Mommy is in America and She Met Buffalo Bill was granted a special mention.
Spanish Fernando Cortizo Rodriguez’s stop motion film The Apostle won the Audience Award.
Shorts
The Crystal...
Brazilian director Luiz Bolognesi’s Rio 2096: A Story of Love and Fury has won the top Crystal prize for best feature-length animation at the 37th Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
The film, produced by Buriti Filmes and Gullane, captures four distinct periods in Brazilian history through a central protagonist who lives for 600 years.
Rio 2096 is the first Latin American film to win the top prize at the lakeside festival at the foot of the French Alps.
Also in the feature-length category, French Marc Boréal and Thibaut Chatel’s My Mommy is in America and She Met Buffalo Bill was granted a special mention.
Spanish Fernando Cortizo Rodriguez’s stop motion film The Apostle won the Audience Award.
Shorts
The Crystal...
- 6/16/2013
- ScreenDaily
Room on the Broom is destined to become a children’s classic. The magical feature you and your kids return to time and again. The one they remember when they are grown and enjoy sharing with children of their own.
The beloved book, by author and Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and her longtime collaborator illustrator Axel Scheffler, has sold over two and a half million copies since 2001 and has already spawned a stage show and shelves of toys, puzzles and activity books. A favourite in households up and down the land, anticipation for the animation’s debut was high when it aired on the BBC this Christmas. It did not disappoint.
Simon Pegg narrates the witty tale of a generous Witch and her antisocial suspicious cat, accumulating passengers and misplacing possessions as they whoosh through stormy skies and blue. Clever interpretation of the original drawings breathes back-story and charming...
The beloved book, by author and Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and her longtime collaborator illustrator Axel Scheffler, has sold over two and a half million copies since 2001 and has already spawned a stage show and shelves of toys, puzzles and activity books. A favourite in households up and down the land, anticipation for the animation’s debut was high when it aired on the BBC this Christmas. It did not disappoint.
Simon Pegg narrates the witty tale of a generous Witch and her antisocial suspicious cat, accumulating passengers and misplacing possessions as they whoosh through stormy skies and blue. Clever interpretation of the original drawings breathes back-story and charming...
- 3/18/2013
- by Emily Breen
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
From the creators of The Gruffalo, the charming and magical tale of Room On The Broom whooshes onto DVD and digital download on 18 March 2013 from Entertainment One – just in time for Easter!
Based on the bestselling book from author and Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, this timeless story about friendship and family is narrated by Simon Pegg (Ice Age: Continental Drift). The all-star voice cast features Gillian Anderson (Johnny English Reborn) as the kind-hearted Witch and Rob Brydon (The Gruffalo) as her loyal companion Cat. Cat is joined by Bird (Sally Hawkins; Great Expectations), along with the very enthusiastic Dog (Martin Clunes; Doc Martin) and Frog (David Walliams (Little Britain) to help scare away a large, hungry Dragon (Timothy Spall; Harry Potter).
Bring home Les MISÉRABLES, the unmissable film adaptation of the beloved global musical sensation, when it comes to DVD, Blu-ray on 13th May. Pre-order your copy now: http://j.
Based on the bestselling book from author and Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, this timeless story about friendship and family is narrated by Simon Pegg (Ice Age: Continental Drift). The all-star voice cast features Gillian Anderson (Johnny English Reborn) as the kind-hearted Witch and Rob Brydon (The Gruffalo) as her loyal companion Cat. Cat is joined by Bird (Sally Hawkins; Great Expectations), along with the very enthusiastic Dog (Martin Clunes; Doc Martin) and Frog (David Walliams (Little Britain) to help scare away a large, hungry Dragon (Timothy Spall; Harry Potter).
Bring home Les MISÉRABLES, the unmissable film adaptation of the beloved global musical sensation, when it comes to DVD, Blu-ray on 13th May. Pre-order your copy now: http://j.
- 3/8/2013
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The BBC One Christmas animation is quickly becoming something of a festive tradition, and the works of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are rich pickings for Magic Light Pictures who have delivered us the well known children’s stories The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.
This December the 25th we welcome another of their tales into our home with the story of a Witch, and her cat, and her very tall hat and the various creatures she meets who seek a handy seat on her broomstick. It’s charming, more than a little silly and with the voices of Gillian Anderson, Rob Brydon, Sally Hawkins, Timothy Spall and David Walliams joining Simon Pegg as the narrator we’re in for a treat.
We have a handful of exclusive images from the animation below and don’t forget that Room On The Broom is on BBC1 at 4.35Pm, Christmas Day.
This December the 25th we welcome another of their tales into our home with the story of a Witch, and her cat, and her very tall hat and the various creatures she meets who seek a handy seat on her broomstick. It’s charming, more than a little silly and with the voices of Gillian Anderson, Rob Brydon, Sally Hawkins, Timothy Spall and David Walliams joining Simon Pegg as the narrator we’re in for a treat.
We have a handful of exclusive images from the animation below and don’t forget that Room On The Broom is on BBC1 at 4.35Pm, Christmas Day.
- 12/21/2012
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Children's laureate Julia Donaldson happy with BBC version of her book, which largely eschews tricks that have made Peter Jackson's Hobbit film controversial
When your leading characters are a witch, a broomstick and a jealous cat, it might seem odd to be worried about "keeping it real", but children's laureate Julia Donaldson and the creators of Room on the Broom, the BBC's specially commissioned Christmas Day film, were determined to do just that.
The half-hour animation of Donaldson's beloved picture book has now earned her the coveted after-lunch slot on BBC1 for the third time, making The Gruffalo author a seasonal institution. But whatever the age of her intended audience, or the improbability of the plot, the need to conjure up a convincing fantasy world was paramount, she said, in an age when Hobbit-style technical innovation can overwhelm the viewer.
"What is so lovely about the film is the...
When your leading characters are a witch, a broomstick and a jealous cat, it might seem odd to be worried about "keeping it real", but children's laureate Julia Donaldson and the creators of Room on the Broom, the BBC's specially commissioned Christmas Day film, were determined to do just that.
The half-hour animation of Donaldson's beloved picture book has now earned her the coveted after-lunch slot on BBC1 for the third time, making The Gruffalo author a seasonal institution. But whatever the age of her intended audience, or the improbability of the plot, the need to conjure up a convincing fantasy world was paramount, she said, in an age when Hobbit-style technical innovation can overwhelm the viewer.
"What is so lovely about the film is the...
- 12/16/2012
- by Vanessa Thorpe
- The Guardian - Film News
X Files star Gillian Anderson is to play a witch as she leads the cast in a BBC adaptation of hit children's book Room On The Broom to be screened at Christmas.
The actress - who won acclaim for her portrayal of Miss Havisham in a TV version of Great Expectations - will voice the character in the animated version of Julia Donaldson's book.
Also in the cast are Rob Brydon playing a cat, while David Walliams is to appear as a frog in the half-hour film, to be screened on BBC1.
It is being made by the team behind The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, also written by Children's Laureate Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler.
Room On The Broom is to be narrated by comic actor Simon Pegg and features Martin Clunes as a dog and Sally Hawkins as a bird.
In the story, a kind witch invites...
The actress - who won acclaim for her portrayal of Miss Havisham in a TV version of Great Expectations - will voice the character in the animated version of Julia Donaldson's book.
Also in the cast are Rob Brydon playing a cat, while David Walliams is to appear as a frog in the half-hour film, to be screened on BBC1.
It is being made by the team behind The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, also written by Children's Laureate Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler.
Room On The Broom is to be narrated by comic actor Simon Pegg and features Martin Clunes as a dog and Sally Hawkins as a bird.
In the story, a kind witch invites...
- 10/24/2012
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
The Gruffalo's Child
B Van Heusen
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Julia Donaldson’s popular book The Gruffalo’s Child comes to life on Christmas day on BBC One. The half-hour animated story will air at 6.30 p.m. and is the sequel to The Gruffalo which aired in 2009. Helena Bonham-Carter, Rob Brydon, Robbie Coltrane, James Corden and Tom Wilkinson are among the star names whose voices will add a new dimension to Axel Scheffler’s distinctive drawings.
Fans of children’s fiction will be in for another treat on Boxing day as Christopher Eccleston and Victoria Wood star in a new adaptation of The Borrowers. The one-off special airs at 7.30 p.m. and the BBC will be hoping it gets a similarly good reaction to ITV’s recent adaptation of Michelle Magorian’s children’s story Just Henry.
B Van Heusen
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter.
Julia Donaldson’s popular book The Gruffalo’s Child comes to life on Christmas day on BBC One. The half-hour animated story will air at 6.30 p.m. and is the sequel to The Gruffalo which aired in 2009. Helena Bonham-Carter, Rob Brydon, Robbie Coltrane, James Corden and Tom Wilkinson are among the star names whose voices will add a new dimension to Axel Scheffler’s distinctive drawings.
Fans of children’s fiction will be in for another treat on Boxing day as Christopher Eccleston and Victoria Wood star in a new adaptation of The Borrowers. The one-off special airs at 7.30 p.m. and the BBC will be hoping it gets a similarly good reaction to ITV’s recent adaptation of Michelle Magorian’s children’s story Just Henry.
- 12/23/2011
- by admin
Based on the book written by Julia Donaldson, this Pixar-style animation is atmospheric and gorgeous to look at
Two Christmases ago, my toddler son Charlie and I sat down together to watch The Gruffalo. Being a soppy fool unfamiliar with the concept of age-appropriate viewing, I'd hoped this would be a magical moment of festive father-son bonding. It didn't go entirely according to plan. A few minutes in, he got a bit spooked by the snake, exclaimed "Don't like it!" and wandered off to ignore his new toys in favour of the boxes they came in.
In the intervening two years, however. Charlie's grown twice the size and Gruffalo mad. He's got the well-thumbed books, well-worn pyjamas, even the ride-along wheeled suitcase in the shape of our terribly-tusked, terribly-clawed friend. So come Christmas Day, we'll be snuggling up on the sofa again to watch the new sequel, The Gruffalo's Child.
Two Christmases ago, my toddler son Charlie and I sat down together to watch The Gruffalo. Being a soppy fool unfamiliar with the concept of age-appropriate viewing, I'd hoped this would be a magical moment of festive father-son bonding. It didn't go entirely according to plan. A few minutes in, he got a bit spooked by the snake, exclaimed "Don't like it!" and wandered off to ignore his new toys in favour of the boxes they came in.
In the intervening two years, however. Charlie's grown twice the size and Gruffalo mad. He's got the well-thumbed books, well-worn pyjamas, even the ride-along wheeled suitcase in the shape of our terribly-tusked, terribly-clawed friend. So come Christmas Day, we'll be snuggling up on the sofa again to watch the new sequel, The Gruffalo's Child.
- 12/15/2011
- by Michael Hogan
- The Guardian - Film News
Chicago – It doesn’t take a child psychologist to figure out why British author Julia Donaldson’s 1999 book “The Gruffalo” has become a hit with families around the globe. It gives parents ample opportunities to portray various animal voices, while kids can take part in reciting the multiple catchy refrains. Best of all, Donaldson centers her tale on a tiny hero who uses his brains to outwit hulking predators.
Clocking in at a slim 25 minutes, Max Lang and Jakob Schuh’s Oscar-nominated animated adaptation has been hailed in some quarters as a family classic. I don’t think the film is nearly substantial enough to deserve such acclaim, though that’s not because of its limited running time. Several short films left an enduring mark on my childhood. I’ll always cherish the artistic exuberance of Stephan Martinière’s “Madeline,” the Broadway-worthy songs of Michael Sporn’s “Lyle Lyle the Crocodile,...
Clocking in at a slim 25 minutes, Max Lang and Jakob Schuh’s Oscar-nominated animated adaptation has been hailed in some quarters as a family classic. I don’t think the film is nearly substantial enough to deserve such acclaim, though that’s not because of its limited running time. Several short films left an enduring mark on my childhood. I’ll always cherish the artistic exuberance of Stephan Martinière’s “Madeline,” the Broadway-worthy songs of Michael Sporn’s “Lyle Lyle the Crocodile,...
- 8/19/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Reviewed by Annlee Ellingson
(February 2011)
One of the delights of Oscar season is the opportunity to see the short films nominated for Academy Awards both in theaters and on iTunes. This is particularly true of the animated shorts, a uniformly strong bunch tackling sophisticated social and political themes in a range of stunning styles.
“Day & Night”
Directed/Written by: Teddy Newton
Probably most widely seen among the Academy Award-nominated animated shorts is Pixar’s “Day & Night,” which played in theaters with “Toy Story 3.” Ingeniously designed, it features two characters, Day and Night, whose bodies contain their respective times of day. Wordlessly, their actions — yawning, peeing, taking a deep breath — correspond with activity within their milieus — a cow’s moo, a waterfall, a breeze — in a perfect marriage of image and sound. The pair is competitive at first in tacit one-upmanship, not unlike “Spy vs. Spy,” but ultimately comes to appreciate...
(February 2011)
One of the delights of Oscar season is the opportunity to see the short films nominated for Academy Awards both in theaters and on iTunes. This is particularly true of the animated shorts, a uniformly strong bunch tackling sophisticated social and political themes in a range of stunning styles.
“Day & Night”
Directed/Written by: Teddy Newton
Probably most widely seen among the Academy Award-nominated animated shorts is Pixar’s “Day & Night,” which played in theaters with “Toy Story 3.” Ingeniously designed, it features two characters, Day and Night, whose bodies contain their respective times of day. Wordlessly, their actions — yawning, peeing, taking a deep breath — correspond with activity within their milieus — a cow’s moo, a waterfall, a breeze — in a perfect marriage of image and sound. The pair is competitive at first in tacit one-upmanship, not unlike “Spy vs. Spy,” but ultimately comes to appreciate...
- 2/24/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Reviewed by Annlee Ellingson
(February 2011)
One of the delights of Oscar season is the opportunity to see the short films nominated for Academy Awards both in theaters and on iTunes. This is particularly true of the animated shorts, a uniformly strong bunch tackling sophisticated social and political themes in a range of stunning styles.
“Day & Night”
Directed/Written by: Teddy Newton
Probably most widely seen among the Academy Award-nominated animated shorts is Pixar’s “Day & Night,” which played in theaters with “Toy Story 3.” Ingeniously designed, it features two characters, Day and Night, whose bodies contain their respective times of day. Wordlessly, their actions — yawning, peeing, taking a deep breath — correspond with activity within their milieus — a cow’s moo, a waterfall, a breeze — in a perfect marriage of image and sound. The pair is competitive at first in tacit one-upmanship, not unlike “Spy vs. Spy,” but ultimately comes to appreciate...
(February 2011)
One of the delights of Oscar season is the opportunity to see the short films nominated for Academy Awards both in theaters and on iTunes. This is particularly true of the animated shorts, a uniformly strong bunch tackling sophisticated social and political themes in a range of stunning styles.
“Day & Night”
Directed/Written by: Teddy Newton
Probably most widely seen among the Academy Award-nominated animated shorts is Pixar’s “Day & Night,” which played in theaters with “Toy Story 3.” Ingeniously designed, it features two characters, Day and Night, whose bodies contain their respective times of day. Wordlessly, their actions — yawning, peeing, taking a deep breath — correspond with activity within their milieus — a cow’s moo, a waterfall, a breeze — in a perfect marriage of image and sound. The pair is competitive at first in tacit one-upmanship, not unlike “Spy vs. Spy,” but ultimately comes to appreciate...
- 2/24/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
A ridiculously starry cast – including Helena Bonham Carter, John Hurt, Tom Wilkinson, James Corden and Robbie Coltrane – voice this witty adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's children's tale of a shrewd little mouse who outwits a ravenous snake, owl and a fox with the threat of a gruffalo, a creature with terrible claws, orange eyes and purple prickles all over its back. In the old days, one voice – Bernard Cribbins, say – would have voiced the whole lot, no trouble, but this was the centrepiece of the BBC's Christmas schedule so they threw the kitchen sink at it.
- 3/19/2010
- The Independent - Film
When Christmas time rolls around, you can enjoy visits from Santa Claus, St. Nick, the Ghost of Christmas Past and, if you're watching the BBC, the Gruffalo.
The popular children's book is now an animated special for the BBC (soon to visit the U.S.) and is now the centerpiece of the network's holiday season.
Written by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and published in 1999, The Gruffalo is a 700-word story that's been translated into multiple languages and adapted into a stage play. It tells the story of a mouse outwitting several deadly animals as he walks through the forest until he meets the title beast.
Continue reading Gruffalo stars as centerpiece of BBC's Christmas
Filed under: Animation, Children, Reality-Free, British TV
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The popular children's book is now an animated special for the BBC (soon to visit the U.S.) and is now the centerpiece of the network's holiday season.
Written by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and published in 1999, The Gruffalo is a 700-word story that's been translated into multiple languages and adapted into a stage play. It tells the story of a mouse outwitting several deadly animals as he walks through the forest until he meets the title beast.
Continue reading Gruffalo stars as centerpiece of BBC's Christmas
Filed under: Animation, Children, Reality-Free, British TV
Permalink | Email this | | Comments...
- 12/9/2009
- by John Scott Lewinski
- Aol TV.
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