For more than 40 years, Aardman Animations has been producing classics like “Wallace & Gromit,” “Chicken Run” and “Shaun the Sheep.” Now, following in the footsteps of pioneers such as Peter Lord, David Sproxton and Nick Park, new recruits have come on board at the company’s headquarters on Spike Island in the port city of Bristol, in the West of England, replenishing its creative treasure chest.
Variety steps along the gangplank to meet some of the more recent additions to the crew: Dan Ojari and Mikey Please, the creators of Oscar-nominated “Robin Robin” (see here); kids’ comedy series “Lloyd of the Flies” creator and director Matthew Walker, and co-director and voice director Jane Davies (see here); and Lucy Izzard, the creator, writer and director of “The Very Small Creatures,” a BAFTA nominated preschool series (see below).
“The Very Small Creatures,” commissioned by U.K. pay-tv operator Sky, is a stop-motion series for one to three-year-olds.
Variety steps along the gangplank to meet some of the more recent additions to the crew: Dan Ojari and Mikey Please, the creators of Oscar-nominated “Robin Robin” (see here); kids’ comedy series “Lloyd of the Flies” creator and director Matthew Walker, and co-director and voice director Jane Davies (see here); and Lucy Izzard, the creator, writer and director of “The Very Small Creatures,” a BAFTA nominated preschool series (see below).
“The Very Small Creatures,” commissioned by U.K. pay-tv operator Sky, is a stop-motion series for one to three-year-olds.
- 1/24/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Perhaps it’s the juxtaposition of a grim, grief-stricken protagonist with the merriest of festive seasons or the aesthetic choice of pitting a dark, shadowy hero against the resplendent beauty of snow and lights—whatever the reason might be, Batman shares a rather unique connection with Christmas Eve. Some of the best Batman media out there, like Batman Returns, Arkham Origins, and a number of animated series episodes, perfectly highlight the connection—and its about time we had a Batman movie solely dedicated to celebrating it as well. WB Animation/MGM Studio’s Merry Little Batman, DC’s latest animated feature, is the perfect Christmas movie Bat-fans have been waiting for and a much-needed call-back to the Cape Crusader’s fun-filled, light-hearted adventures, which are almost on the verge of going extinct due to the obsession with a darker tone.
For the first time in Batman media, Bruce Wayne’s son,...
For the first time in Batman media, Bruce Wayne’s son,...
- 12/10/2023
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
"Merry Little Batman" is the latest Warner Bros. Animation movie, part of the wave of DC animated titles that Warner Bros. Discovery stupidly gave away under David Zaslav's regime.
The film follows Damian Wayne as he is forced to defend his home, and eventually all of Gotham, from supervillains while Batman is away one Christmas Eve. It is part Batman movie, part "Home Alone," part "The Grinch", and full Caped Crusader bliss. "Merry Little Batman" features a distinct and unique visual style that is reminiscent of Tim Burton's animated productions, with director Mike Roth ("Regular Show") giving the film an illustrative look inspired by Ronald Searle.
Arguably, the standout element is, well, Batman. Though the focus is definitely on Damian's story, this is a Batman unlike any we've seen in TV or film. This is a Batman without the growl. Instead, this Batman is a goof.
Granted,...
The film follows Damian Wayne as he is forced to defend his home, and eventually all of Gotham, from supervillains while Batman is away one Christmas Eve. It is part Batman movie, part "Home Alone," part "The Grinch", and full Caped Crusader bliss. "Merry Little Batman" features a distinct and unique visual style that is reminiscent of Tim Burton's animated productions, with director Mike Roth ("Regular Show") giving the film an illustrative look inspired by Ronald Searle.
Arguably, the standout element is, well, Batman. Though the focus is definitely on Damian's story, this is a Batman unlike any we've seen in TV or film. This is a Batman without the growl. Instead, this Batman is a goof.
Granted,...
- 12/8/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
© Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Merry Little Batman and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC. All rights reserved.
Here’s a new streaming flick that’s perfect for the season and answers a question that’s probably on the minds of many youngsters: do my favorite superheroes get to celebrate the holiday? I mean do the ‘super-baddies” give them a day off? Those queries have been explored in many animated TV shows and in the comic book source materials (the rival comics companies would usually publish a “Christmas with the Superheroes” annual special edition). So a feature-length “jolly romp” is well overdue. So, will Christmas Eve lighten up the Dark Knight? Especially if there’s a junior caped crusader in the mix (and we’re not talking about the “boy wonder”). Hey, who’s that swinging over the roofs of Gotham City? It’s none other than a Merry Little Batman.
Here’s a new streaming flick that’s perfect for the season and answers a question that’s probably on the minds of many youngsters: do my favorite superheroes get to celebrate the holiday? I mean do the ‘super-baddies” give them a day off? Those queries have been explored in many animated TV shows and in the comic book source materials (the rival comics companies would usually publish a “Christmas with the Superheroes” annual special edition). So a feature-length “jolly romp” is well overdue. So, will Christmas Eve lighten up the Dark Knight? Especially if there’s a junior caped crusader in the mix (and we’re not talking about the “boy wonder”). Hey, who’s that swinging over the roofs of Gotham City? It’s none other than a Merry Little Batman.
- 12/8/2023
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Fatherhood apparently has a way of slowing you down. Take Batman, for instance. He’s clearly not at his fittest in this new Amazon Prime animated film, in which he looks more like a burly lumberjack than a superhero, wearing dad jeans, a flannel shirt and a heavy beard. Fortunately, he’s not the hero tasked with saving Gotham City yet again in the Yuletide-set Merry Little Batman. That would be Damian, his eight-year-old son, who clearly takes after his old man when it comes to fighting supervillains.
Damian (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) displays the typical energy of a pre-adolescent, chasing his cat around the expansive confines of Wayne Manor as if they were in a Tom and Jerry cartoon. His father Bruce (Luke Wilson) is essentially retired, having gotten rid of all crime in Gotham City. But he’s still on call, meaning that when he gets a message...
Damian (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) displays the typical energy of a pre-adolescent, chasing his cat around the expansive confines of Wayne Manor as if they were in a Tom and Jerry cartoon. His father Bruce (Luke Wilson) is essentially retired, having gotten rid of all crime in Gotham City. But he’s still on call, meaning that when he gets a message...
- 12/7/2023
- by Frank Scheck
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Project is directed by German animator Uli Meyer.
Gfm Animation has acquired Molesworth, the debut feature from animator Uli Meyer, for worldwide sales.
The UK-based firm will also provide production financing for the 2D-animated feature, working with production studio Lupus Films and producers Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding.
Molesworth is based on the book series by Geoffrey Willans, illustrated by Ronald Searle. It tells the story of Nigel Molesworth, a self-confident public schoolboy with a mischievous nature and a penchant for daydreams. Matt Lucas will voice the title character.
The film is German animator Meyer’s feature debut as director...
Gfm Animation has acquired Molesworth, the debut feature from animator Uli Meyer, for worldwide sales.
The UK-based firm will also provide production financing for the 2D-animated feature, working with production studio Lupus Films and producers Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding.
Molesworth is based on the book series by Geoffrey Willans, illustrated by Ronald Searle. It tells the story of Nigel Molesworth, a self-confident public schoolboy with a mischievous nature and a penchant for daydreams. Matt Lucas will voice the title character.
The film is German animator Meyer’s feature debut as director...
- 3/7/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
“An Alastair Sim Quartet”
By Raymond Benson
Alastair George Bell Sim, popularly known as Alastair Sim, was one of those great British actors famous for his remarkable facial features, physical presence, and vocal delivery. Primarily a renowned stage performer from the 1930s to the 1970s, Sim also made several films—mostly comedies, because he could do “irony” as well as, say, Alec Guinness. Sim is perhaps best-known for his definitive Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, but his work portraying acerbic and sarcastic characters in other pictures in the late 40s and through the 50s, is outstanding.
The impressive Film Movement label has released this 4-disk package that highlights a quartet of notable Alastair Sim appearances in what are deemed to be among the best post-war “very British” comedies. This was a time when Ealing Studios, for example, was making its mark in the genre.
“An Alastair Sim Quartet”
By Raymond Benson
Alastair George Bell Sim, popularly known as Alastair Sim, was one of those great British actors famous for his remarkable facial features, physical presence, and vocal delivery. Primarily a renowned stage performer from the 1930s to the 1970s, Sim also made several films—mostly comedies, because he could do “irony” as well as, say, Alec Guinness. Sim is perhaps best-known for his definitive Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, but his work portraying acerbic and sarcastic characters in other pictures in the late 40s and through the 50s, is outstanding.
The impressive Film Movement label has released this 4-disk package that highlights a quartet of notable Alastair Sim appearances in what are deemed to be among the best post-war “very British” comedies. This was a time when Ealing Studios, for example, was making its mark in the genre.
- 5/14/2020
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Staring down his prey with sunken eyes and a sinister smile, Alastair Sim was the fiend Charles Addams never got around to drawing. Sim was a quick-change artist who didn’t need makeup to transform from a grasping monster into your favorite uncle – it’s why he remains the greatest interpreter of Ebenezer Scrooge. Whether playing a cold-blooded assassin in The Green Man or a kindly army chaplain in Folly to be Wise he understood as well as anyone why the masks of tragedy and comedy are intertwined.
Sim is one of those figures who’s been consigned to the history books for decades. But by releasing a Blu ray set of the great man’s comedies in 2020, Film Movement Classics, like Scrooge, hasn’t lost their senses – they’ve come to them.
Alastair Sim’s School for Laughter
Blu ray
Film Movement Classics
1954, ’60, ’51, ’47 / 1.67:1, 1.37:1 / 86, 97, 93, 82 min.
Starring Alastair Sim,...
Sim is one of those figures who’s been consigned to the history books for decades. But by releasing a Blu ray set of the great man’s comedies in 2020, Film Movement Classics, like Scrooge, hasn’t lost their senses – they’ve come to them.
Alastair Sim’s School for Laughter
Blu ray
Film Movement Classics
1954, ’60, ’51, ’47 / 1.67:1, 1.37:1 / 86, 97, 93, 82 min.
Starring Alastair Sim,...
- 4/25/2020
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
New projects from Fernando Trueba, ‘Loving Vincent’ filmmakers and a ”Nordic Sex Education”.
Screen has been on the ground at animation pitching event Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux this week, hearing about 66 feature film projects at various stages of concept, development and production.
Here are five which generated particular buzz among attendees:
Calamity, a Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary (Fr-Den)
With Cartoon Movie tracking the attendance of its delegates to each pitch, the most popular – by a decent 10% margin – was this France-Denmark co-production with 316 audience members from the 800 people at the event. The second feature from French director Rémi Chayé, it...
Screen has been on the ground at animation pitching event Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux this week, hearing about 66 feature film projects at various stages of concept, development and production.
Here are five which generated particular buzz among attendees:
Calamity, a Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary (Fr-Den)
With Cartoon Movie tracking the attendance of its delegates to each pitch, the most popular – by a decent 10% margin – was this France-Denmark co-production with 316 audience members from the 800 people at the event. The second feature from French director Rémi Chayé, it...
- 3/6/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
British comedian and actor Matt Lucas will voice the lead role in “Molesworth,” an animated film adaptation of the best-selling series of boarding school books written by Geoffrey Willans and illustrated by Ronald Searle.
Lupus Films and Melusine Productions, the producers behind the acclaimed animated feature “Ethel & Ernest,” will team up with Uli Meyer Studios to produce the 2D, hand-drawn feature, based on “The Compleet Molesworth” series. The film will be pitched next month at Cartoon Movie, Europe’s leading animated movie co-production forum, which takes place in Bordeaux, France.
Lucas will voice the role of Nigel Molesworth, a self-confident, tousle-haired public school boy with a mischievous nature and a penchant for power. The character was first drawn by Ronald Searle for his Punch magazine comic strip and later developed into a series of books, first published in 1953.
Commenting on his role as the less than scholarly school boy,...
Lupus Films and Melusine Productions, the producers behind the acclaimed animated feature “Ethel & Ernest,” will team up with Uli Meyer Studios to produce the 2D, hand-drawn feature, based on “The Compleet Molesworth” series. The film will be pitched next month at Cartoon Movie, Europe’s leading animated movie co-production forum, which takes place in Bordeaux, France.
Lucas will voice the role of Nigel Molesworth, a self-confident, tousle-haired public school boy with a mischievous nature and a penchant for power. The character was first drawn by Ronald Searle for his Punch magazine comic strip and later developed into a series of books, first published in 1953.
Commenting on his role as the less than scholarly school boy,...
- 2/4/2020
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
The London-born producer and director is working on his third feature, penned by his son Preston. Filming has just begun on Barnaby Thompson’s new project, a comedic thriller entitled Pixie. This is the director’s third feature, following St Trinian’s (2007) and St Trinian’s II: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold (2009), two independent films revolving around a group of troublesome schoolgirls and based on the works of cartoonist Ronald Searle. Barnaby Thompson started his filmmaking career directing documentaries back in the late 1980s, such as the award-winning Kiss the Sky (1989). The script, penned in its entirety by Preston Thompson, follows the story of Pixie (Olivia Cooke), who seeks to avenge her mother’s death by masterminding a heist. However, her plans go awry and she finds herself on the run with two young men (Ben Hardy and Daryl McCormack), who are way out of their depth being chased across the wild.
Academic institutions are often said to be the making of us. Whether it is the rough and tumble of Grange Hill, the magic of Hogwarts, the threat of Oates Military Academy in Bill & Ted or to ponder on the Theory of everything with the promise of an Oxford Summer School, school life is ripe for the dramatic narrative. Many writers and directors have plundered the chaos and camaraderie of their school days for inspiration and, as most of us have our own early years’ education to compare, they will remain a popular choice for filmmakers.
To register our interest in this subject we aim to take a tour of some of the finest cinematic campuses. Though we’ll be holding our fists airward in solidarity with the American high schools of Ferris Bueller, The Breakfast Club, Ridgemont High and so on, we aim to take a look at those closer to home.
To register our interest in this subject we aim to take a tour of some of the finest cinematic campuses. Though we’ll be holding our fists airward in solidarity with the American high schools of Ferris Bueller, The Breakfast Club, Ridgemont High and so on, we aim to take a look at those closer to home.
- 12/11/2018
- by Michael Walsh
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
★★★★☆Some films could only have been made in England, during a certain era and with a particular cast. The Belles of St. Trinian's (1954) - newly released by StudioCanal to mark its sixtieth anniversary - is one such film. Though its popularity led to a string of sequels throughout the 1950s and 60s - as well as an unfortunate revival in 2007 - it is the original film, directed by Frank Launder and starring Alistair Sim, George Cole and Joyce Grenfell, which remains the archetypal celluloid visualisation of artist Ronald Searle's comic creation. It's the new term at St. Trinian's - the girl's public school in the heart of England's home-counties, where anyone, other than the pupils themselves, fears to go.
- 4/29/2014
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Animator who captured Orwell's Farmer Jones in Britain's first animated feature film, Animal Farm, in 1954
Harold Whitaker, who has died aged 93, drew some of the most memorable scenes in British animation history. He successfully captured the pathetic, drunken brutishness of George Orwell's Farmer Jones in Britain's first animated feature film, Animal Farm (1954), but was most at home in the comedic realm. Figures such as the naive inventor of the self-reproducing car in the allegorical Automania 2000 (1963) were full of boisterous energy, earning that film an Oscar nomination for best animated short – another British first.
A quiet, reserved figure, with a healthy resentment of any camera pointed his way, Harold had no desire to run his own company and preferred to work under the direction of others. Despite this, he became a key player in an industry from which he kept a discreet distance.
He was born in Cottingham, east Yorkshire,...
Harold Whitaker, who has died aged 93, drew some of the most memorable scenes in British animation history. He successfully captured the pathetic, drunken brutishness of George Orwell's Farmer Jones in Britain's first animated feature film, Animal Farm (1954), but was most at home in the comedic realm. Figures such as the naive inventor of the self-reproducing car in the allegorical Automania 2000 (1963) were full of boisterous energy, earning that film an Oscar nomination for best animated short – another British first.
A quiet, reserved figure, with a healthy resentment of any camera pointed his way, Harold had no desire to run his own company and preferred to work under the direction of others. Despite this, he became a key player in an industry from which he kept a discreet distance.
He was born in Cottingham, east Yorkshire,...
- 1/14/2014
- by Jez Stewart
- The Guardian - Film News
Paramount Pictures ‘Rango‘ took top honors as the Best Animated Feature at the 39th Annual Annie Awards, Saturday, February 4, at UCLA’s Royce Hall. With the expanded list of categories from 25 to 28, and the addition of two new categories – Editing and Best Animated Special Production - this year’s show honored more nominees than in the past. Also new to the ceremony was the live streaming of the event at www.annieawards.org/watch-it-live. The complete list of winners can be viewed at www.annieawards.org. The newly created ‘Member’s Favorite’ award voted on by the entire Asifa-Hollywood community also went to ‘Rango.’
Newcomer Minkyu Lee’s ‘Adam and Dog’ won for Best Short Subject while Psyop’s Twinings ‘Sea’ was selected Best Television Commercial. ‘The Simpsons’ took Best Animated TV Production and Shadow Planet Production’s ‘Insanely Twisted’ was selected as Best Video Game.
‘This was a great evening,...
Newcomer Minkyu Lee’s ‘Adam and Dog’ won for Best Short Subject while Psyop’s Twinings ‘Sea’ was selected Best Television Commercial. ‘The Simpsons’ took Best Animated TV Production and Shadow Planet Production’s ‘Insanely Twisted’ was selected as Best Video Game.
‘This was a great evening,...
- 2/6/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Jennifer Yuh Nelson's "Kung Fu Panda 2" dominated the Annie Awards nominations, but the International Animated Film Society decided to give its highest honor -- the Best Animated Feature award -- to Gore Verbinski's "Rango." Both films are from DreamWorks Animation and they still have to duke it out at the upcoming Oscars in the Best Animated Feature Film category.
Besides the Best Animated trophy, "Rango" also collected awards for Best Editing and Writing. But Nelson, the first woman to direct a feature film animation from a major Hollywood production company, won the Directing in a Feature Production award! Yay! (Check out my interview with Jennifer Yuh Nelson for "Kung Fu Panda 2" right here)
The Annie Awards winners were announced yesterday at the UCLA Royce Hall in Los Angeles.
Here's the complete list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the 39th Annual Annie Awards (to see winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies,...
Besides the Best Animated trophy, "Rango" also collected awards for Best Editing and Writing. But Nelson, the first woman to direct a feature film animation from a major Hollywood production company, won the Directing in a Feature Production award! Yay! (Check out my interview with Jennifer Yuh Nelson for "Kung Fu Panda 2" right here)
The Annie Awards winners were announced yesterday at the UCLA Royce Hall in Los Angeles.
Here's the complete list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the 39th Annual Annie Awards (to see winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies,...
- 2/5/2012
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Gore Verbinski's Rango, voiced by Johnny Depp Production Categories Best Animated Feature A Cat in Paris Arrugas (Wrinkles) Arthur Christmas Cars 2 Chico & Rita Kung Fu Panda 2 Puss in Boots * Rango Rio The Adventures of Tintin Best Animated Special Production Adventure Time: Thank You Batman: Year One Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas * Kung Fu Panda: Secret of the Masters Prey 2 Star Tours Best Animated Short Subject * Adam and Dog I Tawt I Taw A Puddy Tat La Luna (Notes on) Biology Paths of Hate Sunday The Ballad of Nessie The Girl and the Fox Wild Life and Studio Gds Individual Achievement Categories Animated Effects in an Animated Production Can Yuksel, Puss In Boots Chase Cooper, Rango Dan Lund, Winnie The Pooh Dave Tidgewell, Kung Fu Panda 2 Eric Froemling, Cars 2 Jason Mayer, Kung Fu Panda 2 Joel Aron, Star Wars: The Clone Wars Jon Reisch,...
- 2/5/2012
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
HollywoodNews.com:Paramount Pictures ‘Rango’ took top honors as the Best Animated Feature at the 39th Annual Annie Awards, Saturday, February 4 at UCLA’s Royce Hall. With the expanded list of categories from 25 to 28, and the addition of two new categories – Editing and Best Animated Special Production – this year’s show honored more nominees than in the past. Also new to the ceremony was the live streaming of the event at www.annieawards.org/watch-it-live. The complete list of winners can be viewed at www.annieawards.org. The newly created ‘Member’s Favorite’ award voted on by the entire Asifa-Hollywood community also went to ‘Rango.’
Newcomer Minkyu Lee’s ‘Adam and Dog’ won for Best Short Subject while Psyop’s Twinings ‘Sea’ was selected Best Television Commercial. ‘The Simpsons’ took Best Animated TV Production and Shadow Planet Production’s ‘Insanely Twisted’ was selected as Best Video Game.
“This was a great evening,...
Newcomer Minkyu Lee’s ‘Adam and Dog’ won for Best Short Subject while Psyop’s Twinings ‘Sea’ was selected Best Television Commercial. ‘The Simpsons’ took Best Animated TV Production and Shadow Planet Production’s ‘Insanely Twisted’ was selected as Best Video Game.
“This was a great evening,...
- 2/5/2012
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
"British cartoonist Ronald Searle, best known for his spiky drawings of the tearaway pupils of the fictional girls school St Trinian's, has died in southern France aged 91," reports Tim Castle for Reuters. Searle passed away on Friday, but the family waited a few days to make their announcement. "His spindly schoolgirl creations, which first appeared in 1941, hit the big screen in 1954 as The Belles of St Trinian's, with Alastair Sim starring in drag as headmistress Millicent Fritton. The film franchise was revived in 2007, with Rupert Everett taking over the headmistress role, with a follow-up, St Trinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold, appearing in 2009…. His work was recognized internationally, and he won a number of awards from America's National Cartoonists Society. In France, where he lived since 1961, he was awarded the country's prestigious Legion d'Honneur."
In March 2010, Guardian cartoonist Steve Bell wrote about organizing an exhibition "focusing on his reportage...
In March 2010, Guardian cartoonist Steve Bell wrote about organizing an exhibition "focusing on his reportage...
- 1/5/2012
- MUBI
Artist and cartoonist best known for St Trinian's and Molesworth
The artist Ronald Searle, who has died aged 91, will always be associated with St Trinian's, the anarchic girls' boarding school he created in pen and ink in the 1940s, which inspired a long-running series of films. Searle and St Trinian's go together like Petruchio and Kate; except that Searle created his own shrews and lived with their reputation for the rest of his life.
Before he left for second world war service, during which he would be held captive in Changi jail, Singapore, Searle posted off several cartoons to Kaye Webb, the assistant editor of Lilliput magazine. One of them showed a group of schoolgirls clutching hockey sticks gathered around a noticeboard; the caption read: "Owing to the international situation, the match with St Trinian's has been postponed." This is only obliquely about St Trinian's, but is always known as...
The artist Ronald Searle, who has died aged 91, will always be associated with St Trinian's, the anarchic girls' boarding school he created in pen and ink in the 1940s, which inspired a long-running series of films. Searle and St Trinian's go together like Petruchio and Kate; except that Searle created his own shrews and lived with their reputation for the rest of his life.
Before he left for second world war service, during which he would be held captive in Changi jail, Singapore, Searle posted off several cartoons to Kaye Webb, the assistant editor of Lilliput magazine. One of them showed a group of schoolgirls clutching hockey sticks gathered around a noticeboard; the caption read: "Owing to the international situation, the match with St Trinian's has been postponed." This is only obliquely about St Trinian's, but is always known as...
- 1/4/2012
- by Michael McNay
- The Guardian - Film News
Cartoonist Ronald Searle died in France on December 30 at age 91. The death was announced by his daughter Kare Searle, who said in a statement that he "passed away peacefully in his sleep with his children, Kate and John, and his grandson, Daniel, beside him." Photos: Hollywood's Notable Deaths Searle is best known for creating St. Trinian's and co-authoring the Molesworth books with Geoffrey Willans. His antic line drawings profoundly influenced illustrators from Ralph Steadman to Matt Groening. He also contributed cartoons to the New Yorker. Searle was born in Cambridge, England on March 3, 1920. He
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- 1/3/2012
- by Andy Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cartoonist Ronald Searle has died at the age of 91. The artist, who created the St Trinian's characters, died "peacefully in his sleep" in France, his daughter Kate confirmed. Searle passed away in hospital near his home in Draguignan, in France's south-eastern Var region. Martin Salisbury of Anglia Ruskin University told Cambridge News: "He was our greatest alumnus and he has been an inspiration to generation after generation of graphic artists at Cambridge School of Art which spread to Anglia Ruskin University." He added of Searle's passing: "It was not unexpected because his beloved wife died a few weeks ago." Searle first drew the famous (more)...
- 1/3/2012
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
The cartoonist Ronald Searle has died at the age of 91, his family confirmed to the BBC earlier today.
Best known for creating the schoolgirl horrors of St Trinian’s, whose doors re-opened in 2007 with two new films to complement those of the 50s and 60s, his distinctive artwork has served as an inspiration for many artists and has appeared in numerous magazines, though he did also collaborate with filmmakers over the years.
Two weeks ago I re-watched the 1970s musical telling of Scrooge with Albert Finney and Alec Guinness and, as it does each year, it evoked the festive spirit in a way that only a Box of Delights and Gonzo in a top hat can match.
The title sequence for the film is brilliantly dark, arch and beautiful in its own right. This was perhaps my first knowledge of Ronald Searle’s work and while St Trinian’s Belles...
Best known for creating the schoolgirl horrors of St Trinian’s, whose doors re-opened in 2007 with two new films to complement those of the 50s and 60s, his distinctive artwork has served as an inspiration for many artists and has appeared in numerous magazines, though he did also collaborate with filmmakers over the years.
Two weeks ago I re-watched the 1970s musical telling of Scrooge with Albert Finney and Alec Guinness and, as it does each year, it evoked the festive spirit in a way that only a Box of Delights and Gonzo in a top hat can match.
The title sequence for the film is brilliantly dark, arch and beautiful in its own right. This was perhaps my first knowledge of Ronald Searle’s work and while St Trinian’s Belles...
- 1/3/2012
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The man behind the original St. Trinian's cartoons has died aged 91.
British cartoonist Ronald Searle passed away in his sleep in a French hospital on 30 December.
He is most famous for creating the naughty schoolgirls, who appeared in their first comic strip in 1941.
Searle's chaotic all-girls school idea was adapted for the big screen, with the first St. Trinian's movie released in 1954.
A further four films were released before the series was rebooted in 2007, starring Colin Firth, Gemma Arterton, and Rupert Everett in drag as the headmistress. A sequel was released in 2009.
British cartoonist Ronald Searle passed away in his sleep in a French hospital on 30 December.
He is most famous for creating the naughty schoolgirls, who appeared in their first comic strip in 1941.
Searle's chaotic all-girls school idea was adapted for the big screen, with the first St. Trinian's movie released in 1954.
A further four films were released before the series was rebooted in 2007, starring Colin Firth, Gemma Arterton, and Rupert Everett in drag as the headmistress. A sequel was released in 2009.
- 1/3/2012
- WENN
Milou aka Snowy in Steven Spielberg's The Adventures of Tintin Annie Award 2011 Nominations Pt.1: Rango, Rio, The Adventures Of Tintin Directing in a Feature Production Carlos Saldanha “Rio” – Blue Sky Studios Chris Miller “Puss In Boots” – DreamWorks Animation Don Hall & Stephen Anderson “Winnie The Pooh” – Walt Disney Animation Studios Gore Verbinski “Rango” – Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies present a Blind Wink/Gk Films Productions Jennifer Yuh Nelson “Kung Fu Panda 2” – DreamWorks Animation Kelly Asbury “Gnomeo & Juliet” – Touchstone Pictures Music in a Feature Production Henry Jackman “Puss In Boots” – DreamWorks Animation John Williams “The Adventures of Tintin” – Amblin Entertainment, Wingnut Films and Kennedy/Marshall Mikael Mutti, Siedah Garrett, Carlinhos Brown, Sergio Mendes, John Powell, “Rio” – Blue Sky Studios Zooey Deschannel, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Henry Jackman, Robert Lopez “Winnie The Pooh” – Walt Disney Animation Studios Production Design in a Feature Production Harley Jessup “Cars 2” – Pixar Animation Studios Paul Felix...
- 12/5/2011
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
I'm a huge fan of animation, animated films are getting better and better. Not only is the look and animation getting ridiculously awesome, but I find that many of these animated films actually have incredibly good stories. Not all of them are good though, for example, Cars 2 and Rio sucked. It will be interesting to see who ends up taking home the awards this year. Out of the movies on the list that I've seen and liked we have Puss in Boots, Rango and Kung Fu Panda 2. I guess it's no surprises that Kung Fu Panda 2 is leading the nominations with 9. Check out the list and let us know what your favorite animated movies of the year are!
Production Categories
Best Animated Feature
A Cat in Paris – Folimage Arrugas (Wrinkles) - Perro Verde Films, S.L. Arthur Christmas – Sony Pictures Animation, Aardman Animations Cars 2 – Pixar Animation...
Production Categories
Best Animated Feature
A Cat in Paris – Folimage Arrugas (Wrinkles) - Perro Verde Films, S.L. Arthur Christmas – Sony Pictures Animation, Aardman Animations Cars 2 – Pixar Animation...
- 12/5/2011
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
"Kung Fu Panda 2" dominated the nominations for the 39th Annual Annie Awards. Given by the International Animated Film Society, the DreamWorks Animation sequel received 12 nods including Best Animated Feature. "Puss in Boots" and "Rango" each took nine noms. Pixar's "Cars 2" received seven nominations, while Disney's "Winnie the Pooh" took eight nods but was oddly missing in the Best Animated Feature category.
Winners of the 2011 Annie Awards will be announced on Saturday, Feb. 4.
Here's the complete list of nominees of the 39th Annual Annie Awards:
Production Categories
Best Animated Feature
A Cat in Paris . Folimage
Arrugas (Wrinkles) - Perro Verde Films, S.L.
Arthur Christmas . Sony Pictures Animation, Aardman Animations
Cars 2 . Pixar Animation Studios
Chico & Rita . Chico & Rita Distribution Limited
Kung Fu Panda 2 . DreamWorks Animation
Puss In Boots . DreamWorks Animation
Rango . Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies present A Blind Wink/Gk Films Production
Rio . Blue Sky Studios
Tintin . Amblin Entertainment,...
Winners of the 2011 Annie Awards will be announced on Saturday, Feb. 4.
Here's the complete list of nominees of the 39th Annual Annie Awards:
Production Categories
Best Animated Feature
A Cat in Paris . Folimage
Arrugas (Wrinkles) - Perro Verde Films, S.L.
Arthur Christmas . Sony Pictures Animation, Aardman Animations
Cars 2 . Pixar Animation Studios
Chico & Rita . Chico & Rita Distribution Limited
Kung Fu Panda 2 . DreamWorks Animation
Puss In Boots . DreamWorks Animation
Rango . Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies present A Blind Wink/Gk Films Production
Rio . Blue Sky Studios
Tintin . Amblin Entertainment,...
- 12/5/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The Museum of Modern Art's show of the Alice in Wonderland film-maker's art overflows with his distinctive creations, but the organisers have wasted an opportunity to take him out of his rabbit hole
Gallery: Tim Burton at Moma
"That's the big deer from Edward Scissorhands," a woman in the sculpture garden of New York's Museum of Modern Art tells her friend, pointing at an outsized topiary stag based on the one in Tim Burton's 1990 film. "And I recognise this one from Beetlejuice, when the furniture tries to eat [the characters]," she adds, gesturing at a large, pointy, painted sheet-metal piece that bears a passing resemblance to something from Burton's 1988 movie but is in fact Alexander Calder's 1959 sculpture Black Widow.
The attribution might have been wide of the mark but at least a connection was made between Burton and a larger artworld. The peculiar thing about Moma's Tim Burton show, which...
Gallery: Tim Burton at Moma
"That's the big deer from Edward Scissorhands," a woman in the sculpture garden of New York's Museum of Modern Art tells her friend, pointing at an outsized topiary stag based on the one in Tim Burton's 1990 film. "And I recognise this one from Beetlejuice, when the furniture tries to eat [the characters]," she adds, gesturing at a large, pointy, painted sheet-metal piece that bears a passing resemblance to something from Burton's 1988 movie but is in fact Alexander Calder's 1959 sculpture Black Widow.
The attribution might have been wide of the mark but at least a connection was made between Burton and a larger artworld. The peculiar thing about Moma's Tim Burton show, which...
- 3/11/2010
- by Ben Walters
- The Guardian - Film News
Dancer who became a choreographer, actor and director for stage and screen
As a dancer, Wendy Toye, who has died aged 92, was a child prodigy. Born in Hackney, east London, the daughter of a bristle merchant, she had made her first public appearance at the Royal Albert Hall by the age of four. Aged nine, she choreographed a ballet at the London Palladium and also won the women's prize, dancing the Charleston, at a ball organised by the theatrical manager Cb Cochran and judged by Fred Astaire and Florenz Ziegfeld among others. The men's prize was won by Lew Grade.
She was always grateful for the advice she received from her tutors, including Ruby Ginner, Ninette de Valois and Anton Dolin, and regretted that when she reached the next stage of her career – choreography and direction – there were no teachers. She had to learn as she went along.
During the 1930s,...
As a dancer, Wendy Toye, who has died aged 92, was a child prodigy. Born in Hackney, east London, the daughter of a bristle merchant, she had made her first public appearance at the Royal Albert Hall by the age of four. Aged nine, she choreographed a ballet at the London Palladium and also won the women's prize, dancing the Charleston, at a ball organised by the theatrical manager Cb Cochran and judged by Fred Astaire and Florenz Ziegfeld among others. The men's prize was won by Lew Grade.
She was always grateful for the advice she received from her tutors, including Ruby Ginner, Ninette de Valois and Anton Dolin, and regretted that when she reached the next stage of her career – choreography and direction – there were no teachers. She had to learn as she went along.
During the 1930s,...
- 2/28/2010
- The Guardian - Film News
Based on Ronald Searle's cartoons about gangsters in gymslips at a louche girls' public school, this second romp (or is that rump?) from the revived and updated comic franchise is rather better than the first one. Or perhaps it was due to my low expectations that I found it endurable. The tone is broad, vulgar and exuberant and its hunt for lost treasure ends up inventively at the Globe Theatre. Schoolgirls and those who like ogling schoolgirls will enjoy it.
ComedyPhilip French
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds...
ComedyPhilip French
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds...
- 12/20/2009
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
It might look rather old school today, but St Trinian's was once a subversive force in British cinema
I blame Harry Potter. I blame him for a lot of stuff: for the resurrection of those weedy Cs Lewis novels, for inducting a generation of new readers through the door marked "Fantasy", and I even blame him for the new generation of St Trinian's movies, which should have remained where they belonged and made most sense: in sexually repressed, austerity-ridden 1950s England.
Remove the hussies and hoydens of St Trinian's – referred to in the last St film as "Hogwarts for pikeys" – from that context and they deteriorate into anachronism, like National Service comedies or Carry On films made after 1969. They belong to a period when public schools, which educated only a minuscule percentage of Britons, seemed so much part of the national psyche that the entire country was familiar with their strange,...
I blame Harry Potter. I blame him for a lot of stuff: for the resurrection of those weedy Cs Lewis novels, for inducting a generation of new readers through the door marked "Fantasy", and I even blame him for the new generation of St Trinian's movies, which should have remained where they belonged and made most sense: in sexually repressed, austerity-ridden 1950s England.
Remove the hussies and hoydens of St Trinian's – referred to in the last St film as "Hogwarts for pikeys" – from that context and they deteriorate into anachronism, like National Service comedies or Carry On films made after 1969. They belong to a period when public schools, which educated only a minuscule percentage of Britons, seemed so much part of the national psyche that the entire country was familiar with their strange,...
- 12/12/2009
- by John Patterson
- The Guardian - Film News
The most anticipated trade show in the animation epicenter of the world, Burbank Calif, is now only 6 weeks away. The Creative Talent Network Animation Expo (Ctn-x).
For the first time world class professional talent in the animation industry will converge for 3-days during “Animation Week” in Burbank, Ca. Get connected and more during an intense weekend full of educational programs, demonstrations, technology showcases, recruiting events, parties and after-hour networking.
“If you don’t like what’s happening at the event now, just wait 30 minutes because something else really great will be happening” says founder and 30 year animation veteran Tina Price. Everyone will walk away from this event with more than the walked in with whether an idea, a job opportunity or a career mentor. Ctn-x is 3-days of talent 2 talent privileged access from Friday November 20th – Sunday November 22nd. We are proud to announce the following signature events:
· The most influential cartoonist of this century,...
For the first time world class professional talent in the animation industry will converge for 3-days during “Animation Week” in Burbank, Ca. Get connected and more during an intense weekend full of educational programs, demonstrations, technology showcases, recruiting events, parties and after-hour networking.
“If you don’t like what’s happening at the event now, just wait 30 minutes because something else really great will be happening” says founder and 30 year animation veteran Tina Price. Everyone will walk away from this event with more than the walked in with whether an idea, a job opportunity or a career mentor. Ctn-x is 3-days of talent 2 talent privileged access from Friday November 20th – Sunday November 22nd. We are proud to announce the following signature events:
· The most influential cartoonist of this century,...
- 10/23/2009
- by Barrett
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Ack! Where has this movie been all my life? St. Trinian's is the tall tale of a bevy of badass school girls who plot to steal the famous Vermeer painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring" so they can save their bankrupt school. Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, played by Colin Firth, is determined to make St. Trinian's over into a real school for young ladies. His former paramour is the headmistress Miss Fritton, played by Rupert Everett in drag. (Everett also exec produces.) And Russell Brand is, of course, a mad fellow in a bowler hat named Flash who enables the girls' shenanigans, like boozing and gambling. I'm digging the mischievous twins and the overall take no prisoners 'tude, but not so much the sexy high schoolers in stockings bit with model Lily Cole. Bond Girl Gemma Arterton stars as the lead gal Kelly, and Talulah Riley from The Boat That Rocked...
- 7/1/2009
- by Jenni Miller
- Cinematical
- Neo Classics - the new distribution arm that will be offering their first two titles (a Slamdance drama and Berlin Film Festival winner) later this fall, have picked up the U.S rights to St. Trinian's. Deemed as a Harry Potter counter-programming type of pic, the Brit comedy, which also happens to be a remake, has taken in 20 plus million in box office receipts and is now making strides towards a franchise with a sequel now in the works called, St. Trinians 2: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold. Variety reports that rights for Spain and Canada have also been picked up. A paycheck role for thesps Colin Firth and Rupert Everett, the two have both been working with the director and producer team of Oliver Parker and Ealing Studios' Barnaby Thompson on films such as The Importance of Being Earnest and the upcoming Dorian Gray, now in production.
- 8/26/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
LONDON -- Remaking eccentric English comedies is seldom a good idea, especially the ones from Ealing Studios with all those wonderful character actors. But against all odds, the new version of St. Trinian's almost pulls it off.
Based on characters created by cartoonist Ronald Searle as a distraction during World War II, the original films from the 1950s and '60s starred the incomparable Alastair Sim as headmistress of a girls' school whose pupils turn to anarchy. It was all stocking tops and hockey sticks with the likes of Terry-Thomas, George Cole and Lionel Jeffries ogling the wild young beauties while Joyce Grenfell, Beryl Reid and Hermione Baddeley tried to maintain order.
Directors Oliver Parker and Barnaby Thompson, who have tried their hands at Oscar Wilde, bring the St. Trinian's girls up to date with Rupert Everett, who apparently had the idea, taking the Sim role as Miss Fritton. It's like water off a duck's back even though no one could match the original actor's extraordinary comic gifts.
Everett's pretty good, though, playing off himself as the schoolmarm's conniving brother Carnaby and flirting outrageously with Colin Firth as Geoffrey Thwaites, the minister of education who is trying to close the joint down. The headmistress greets him carrying a small dog named Mr. Darcy.
Firth is in good form too, once again displaying his talent for physical comedy, as he becomes the victim of some aggressively silly pranks by the formidably inventive young ladies.
The semblance of plot follows Carnaby's daughter Annabelle (Talulah Riley) as she moves to St. Trinian's as part of her father's scheme to sell the school for the real estate. She quickly learns the outrageous rules and learns that the enterprising young women also manufacture specialty goods such as killer liquor and designer tampons for a local criminal named Flash Harry, played with assurance by hot British comedian Russell Brand.
When the education minister's plan to close the school meshes with Carnaby's desire to profit from its sale, Miss Fritton sets on a scheme to make enough money to carry on misbehaving in the school's tradition.
When a popular television quiz for schools is to be held at the National Gallery, they plot to enter the contest so they can steal a famous painting. Mischa Barton (The O.C.) and Stephen Fry have small cameos as the film turns into a reasonably entertaining caper film featuring lots of very appealing young women, which makes a pleasant change from the usual sweating heavies.
ST. TRINIAN'S
Entertainment Film Distributors (U.K.)
Ealing Studios, Fragile Films
Credits:
Directors: Oliver Parker, Barnaby Thompson
Writers: Piers Ashworth, Nick Moorcroft, based on the Ronald Searle cartoons
Producers: Oliver Parker, Barnaby Thompson
Executive producers: Rupert Everett, Nigel Green, James Spring
Director of photography: Gavin Finney
Production designer: Amanda McArthur
Music: Charlie Mole
Costume designers: Rebecca Hale, Penny Rose
Co-producer: Mark Hubbard
Editor: Alex Mackie
Cast:
Miss Fritton: Rupert Everett
Geoffrey Thwaites: Colin Firth
Beverly: Jodie Whittaker
Miss Dickinson: Lena Headey
Flash Harry: Russell Brand
Annabelle: Talulah Riley
Matron: Celia Imrie
Kelly: Gemma Arterton
Bursar: Toby Jones
JJ French: Mischa Barton
Quiz host: Stephen Fry
Running time -- 101 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Based on characters created by cartoonist Ronald Searle as a distraction during World War II, the original films from the 1950s and '60s starred the incomparable Alastair Sim as headmistress of a girls' school whose pupils turn to anarchy. It was all stocking tops and hockey sticks with the likes of Terry-Thomas, George Cole and Lionel Jeffries ogling the wild young beauties while Joyce Grenfell, Beryl Reid and Hermione Baddeley tried to maintain order.
Directors Oliver Parker and Barnaby Thompson, who have tried their hands at Oscar Wilde, bring the St. Trinian's girls up to date with Rupert Everett, who apparently had the idea, taking the Sim role as Miss Fritton. It's like water off a duck's back even though no one could match the original actor's extraordinary comic gifts.
Everett's pretty good, though, playing off himself as the schoolmarm's conniving brother Carnaby and flirting outrageously with Colin Firth as Geoffrey Thwaites, the minister of education who is trying to close the joint down. The headmistress greets him carrying a small dog named Mr. Darcy.
Firth is in good form too, once again displaying his talent for physical comedy, as he becomes the victim of some aggressively silly pranks by the formidably inventive young ladies.
The semblance of plot follows Carnaby's daughter Annabelle (Talulah Riley) as she moves to St. Trinian's as part of her father's scheme to sell the school for the real estate. She quickly learns the outrageous rules and learns that the enterprising young women also manufacture specialty goods such as killer liquor and designer tampons for a local criminal named Flash Harry, played with assurance by hot British comedian Russell Brand.
When the education minister's plan to close the school meshes with Carnaby's desire to profit from its sale, Miss Fritton sets on a scheme to make enough money to carry on misbehaving in the school's tradition.
When a popular television quiz for schools is to be held at the National Gallery, they plot to enter the contest so they can steal a famous painting. Mischa Barton (The O.C.) and Stephen Fry have small cameos as the film turns into a reasonably entertaining caper film featuring lots of very appealing young women, which makes a pleasant change from the usual sweating heavies.
ST. TRINIAN'S
Entertainment Film Distributors (U.K.)
Ealing Studios, Fragile Films
Credits:
Directors: Oliver Parker, Barnaby Thompson
Writers: Piers Ashworth, Nick Moorcroft, based on the Ronald Searle cartoons
Producers: Oliver Parker, Barnaby Thompson
Executive producers: Rupert Everett, Nigel Green, James Spring
Director of photography: Gavin Finney
Production designer: Amanda McArthur
Music: Charlie Mole
Costume designers: Rebecca Hale, Penny Rose
Co-producer: Mark Hubbard
Editor: Alex Mackie
Cast:
Miss Fritton: Rupert Everett
Geoffrey Thwaites: Colin Firth
Beverly: Jodie Whittaker
Miss Dickinson: Lena Headey
Flash Harry: Russell Brand
Annabelle: Talulah Riley
Matron: Celia Imrie
Kelly: Gemma Arterton
Bursar: Toby Jones
JJ French: Mischa Barton
Quiz host: Stephen Fry
Running time -- 101 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 12/21/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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