Aardman Animations‘ new feature-length film of Shaun the Sheep made its U.S. debut this past week at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. I had a chance to see the film a few days after its premiere at a festival screening in Salt Lake City and I’m happy to report that it’s a delight from start to finish. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.
Aardman has released a new trailer for their upcoming stop-motion animated feature Shaun the Sheep Movie.
As you know, the character of Shaun the Sheep was first introduced in A Close Shave, the 1995 Wallace and Gromit short film. Since then, Shaun has starred in his own series of television shorts (120 of them have been made so far) which are broadcast in over 170 countries. More episodes are on the way along with this new feature film currently in production.
In this special episode, Stanford and Marc interview visual effects artist Farhan Qureshi. He’s worked on everything from the Harry Potter films, to Batman Begins, and of course Aardman’s The Pirates: Band of Misfits.
Also Discussed: Farhan’s short films Digitopia: Discover Me, NitroDust and his book VFX and CG Survival Guide for Producers and Filmmakers, as well as the Oscar nominations for animation.
(Recorded on 01/19/14)
Peter Lord (@PeteLordAardman) and his team at Aardman Animations want your help! Morph, one of the first clay characters created at Aardman, is a beloved character by many and has a passionate online fan base. The fans are so passionate, in fact, that Peter has decided to create 12 new online episodes starring the little guy. Peter has taken to Kickstarter.com to raise funds for the project.
Get ready to board the Pirate Captain’s ship and head across the pond as our site writer Phil Shenton interviews Mr. Peter Lord, the Co-Owner and Creative Director of Aardman Animations.
Peter Lord has produced many of Aardman’s films and television series, as well as directing The Pirates! Band of Misfits (or The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists) and Chicken Run.
Marc and Matt also discuss Pixar’s first holiday special, new Disney Animation Blu-ray releases, MeridaGate, and much, much more.
Aardman studios have collaborated with brand agency The Frameworks to create a 2D digital animation for Durrell, a Jersey based conservation group committed to saving species from extinction. The charming animation follows the journey of the last Dodo on earth (voiced my Alistair McGowan) while he searches for a mate. The film also features several other endangered animals with which Durrell works including the Hispaniolan Solenodon, Pied Tamarin, Ploughshare Tortoise, Floreana Mockingbird, Pink Pigeon, and the Mountain Chicken Frog, who narrates the story and is voiced by Stephen Fry.
More exiting Aardman news today, the English animation studio has teamed up with French distribution company, Studio Canal, for a Shaun the Sheep feature-length film. The character first appeared in Aardman’s Oscar-winning short film, A Close Shave, and since then has been the main character in a self titled TV show that has aired in over 170 countries.
Unfortunately the next installment of Wallace and Gromit’s ever expanding resume will not be a feature-length film. Aardman’s famous duo, who have traveled as far as the Earth’s moon, will not be going abroad this year. Instead the plasticine partners will be touring the country as part of several adverts made to encourage the British public to book with their local travel agents and sample some home delights instead of vacationing abroad.
Happy New Year! In the first episode of 2013 Marc and Matt are joined by returning guest host, Ralph Apel. Amongst things discussed are “Green Lantern: The Animated Series”, our best of 2012 lists, and what we’re excited for in 2013.
We’re Back! In this episode Marc and Matt are joined by returning guest host Tim Costello to discuss November’s animation releases. From Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph and Paperman, to Dreamworks’ Rise of the Guardians, as well as a whole slew of Blu-ray and DVD reviews. They’re all here in this episode, plus much, much more…
Animation Fascination 