Eli Noyes, the Oscar-nominated animator who revolutionized stop-motion filmmaking with his innovative use of clay and sand, has died. He was 81.
Noyes died Saturday of complications from prostate cancer at his home in San Francisco, Toy Story producer Ralph Guggenheim told The Hollywood Reporter. The two formed Alligator Planet in 2003 to create film, print and media works.
As an undergraduate student at Harvard University, Noyes received his Oscar nomination for his 8-minute animated film Clay or the Origin of Species (1965), which established clay stop animation as a genre and would influence the work of Wallace and Gromit creators Peter Lord and David Sproxton.
For two other short films, he employed sand animation for Sandman (1973) and pixelated stop motion for Peanut Butter and Jelly (1976).
Noyes later shaped the look and spirit of children’s programming in the early days of cable TV, especially for Nickelodeon. The rebranded network’s first show,...
Noyes died Saturday of complications from prostate cancer at his home in San Francisco, Toy Story producer Ralph Guggenheim told The Hollywood Reporter. The two formed Alligator Planet in 2003 to create film, print and media works.
As an undergraduate student at Harvard University, Noyes received his Oscar nomination for his 8-minute animated film Clay or the Origin of Species (1965), which established clay stop animation as a genre and would influence the work of Wallace and Gromit creators Peter Lord and David Sproxton.
For two other short films, he employed sand animation for Sandman (1973) and pixelated stop motion for Peanut Butter and Jelly (1976).
Noyes later shaped the look and spirit of children’s programming in the early days of cable TV, especially for Nickelodeon. The rebranded network’s first show,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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
Following in the footsteps of Aardman Animations legends Peter Lord, David Sproxton and Nick Park, a new wave of creators are driving the company forward. While its celebrated franchises, such as Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Chicken Run are still much loved, and it has four Oscars wins with nine further nominations under its belt, Aardman is also focused on nurturing new talent, such as the creators of Oscar nominated short film “Robin Robin,” and series, such as “Lloyd of the Flies” and “The Very Small Creatures.”
Speaking to Variety from Aardman’s headquarters on Spike Island, Bristol, in the West of England, two of the creative minds behind “Lloyd of the Flies,” Aardman’s first CGI series, explain how the show evolved. In other articles, Variety speaks to Dan Ojari and Mikey Please, the creators of “Robin Robin,” and Lucy Izzard, the creator of “The Very Small Creatures.
Speaking to Variety from Aardman’s headquarters on Spike Island, Bristol, in the West of England, two of the creative minds behind “Lloyd of the Flies,” Aardman’s first CGI series, explain how the show evolved. In other articles, Variety speaks to Dan Ojari and Mikey Please, the creators of “Robin Robin,” and Lucy Izzard, the creator of “The Very Small Creatures.
- 1/22/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Dan Ojari and Mikey Please, the co-writers and co-directors of Aardman Animations’ musical film “Robin Robin,” which premiered on Netflix in November 2021, and was nominated for an Oscar the following year, say that a spinoff is in the cards.
“We are currently working on more stories in the world of ‘Robin, Robin,’” Please tells Variety. “I think that’s all we’re allowed to say. But that would certainly be our hopes and dreams. We feel like there are loads more stories to tell in this world, so we’d love to do more.”
“Robin Robin,” whose voice cast includes Bronte Carmichael, Adeel Akhtar, Gillian Anderson and Richard E. Grant, centers on a robin who is raised by a loving family of burglar mice. As Robin grows up, her differences become more apparent. She sets out to pull off a daring heist in a bid to prove to her family...
“We are currently working on more stories in the world of ‘Robin, Robin,’” Please tells Variety. “I think that’s all we’re allowed to say. But that would certainly be our hopes and dreams. We feel like there are loads more stories to tell in this world, so we’d love to do more.”
“Robin Robin,” whose voice cast includes Bronte Carmichael, Adeel Akhtar, Gillian Anderson and Richard E. Grant, centers on a robin who is raised by a loving family of burglar mice. As Robin grows up, her differences become more apparent. She sets out to pull off a daring heist in a bid to prove to her family...
- 1/21/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Animation fans are truly being treated in 2022. Pixar released one of their best ever films, "Turning Red," while DreamWorks dropped an underrated caper in the form of "The Bad Guys." Richard Linklater turned to rotoscope for "Apollo 10 ½" and "Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero" became an unexpected box office hit in North America. To top it off, we're getting not one but two stop-motion animated features: Guillermo del Toro's take on the classic story of "Pinocchio," and Henry Selick's return to the medium with the horror-comedy "Wendell and Wild."
Selick has long been one of the stalwarts of stop-motion in American animation thanks to iconic spooky season films like "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Coraline," while del Toro turned to the medium for his decade-long passion project and has received some of the best reviews of his starry career for his troubles. It's hard not to be...
Selick has long been one of the stalwarts of stop-motion in American animation thanks to iconic spooky season films like "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Coraline," while del Toro turned to the medium for his decade-long passion project and has received some of the best reviews of his starry career for his troubles. It's hard not to be...
- 10/20/2022
- by Kayleigh Donaldson
- Slash Film
A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon to open in UK on October 18.
British animation powerhouse Aardman has announced that David Sproxton, the co-founder of the Oscar-winning company behind the Wallace & Gromit films and Shaun The Sheep Movie, is stepping down after 43 years and has been replaced by Sean Clarke.
The new MD joined as head of consumer products in 1998, after several years as UK licensing director for Disney Consumer Products. In 2008, he took charge of international rights and marketing, building a team that has grown to 30 people and works across 170 territories.
Clarke also played a key role in the launch...
British animation powerhouse Aardman has announced that David Sproxton, the co-founder of the Oscar-winning company behind the Wallace & Gromit films and Shaun The Sheep Movie, is stepping down after 43 years and has been replaced by Sean Clarke.
The new MD joined as head of consumer products in 1998, after several years as UK licensing director for Disney Consumer Products. In 2008, he took charge of international rights and marketing, building a team that has grown to 30 people and works across 170 territories.
Clarke also played a key role in the launch...
- 9/19/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Aardman, the Oscar-winning animation studio behind “Chicken Run” and “Early Man,” has appointed Sean Clarke as its new managing director, replacing co-founder David Sproxton, who is stepping down after 43 years. Clarke has worked at the British studio for more than 20 years, including heading the international rights and marketing department for over a decade.
Sproxton and fellow co-founder Peter Lord announced last November that they would be transferring ownership of Aardman to its staff to ensure that the studio would retain its independence and to secure its creative and cultural legacy. At that time, Sproxton announced that he would stay on as managing director but would look for a successor and move into a consultancy role. He will sit on the studio’s board of trustees.
Sproxton said Clarke had “cut through very strong competition” to take his place. Clarke “has a deep understanding of the creative culture at Aardman – which...
Sproxton and fellow co-founder Peter Lord announced last November that they would be transferring ownership of Aardman to its staff to ensure that the studio would retain its independence and to secure its creative and cultural legacy. At that time, Sproxton announced that he would stay on as managing director but would look for a successor and move into a consultancy role. He will sit on the studio’s board of trustees.
Sproxton said Clarke had “cut through very strong competition” to take his place. Clarke “has a deep understanding of the creative culture at Aardman – which...
- 9/18/2019
- by Robert Mitchell
- Variety Film + TV
David Sproxton is stepping down as the managing director of Aardman, the Oscar-winning animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep.
Sproxton, who co-founded Aardman in 1976 with Peter Lord, will be replaced by Sean Clarke, a 20-year veteran of the company, who is currently head of rights and brand development.
Sproxton is not severing ties completely with Aardman. He will sit on the studio’s trustee board and will provide expertise on individual projects as a consultant.
Speaking about his replacement Clarke, Sproxton said: “He has a deep understanding of the creative culture at Aardman – which will ensure continuity – in addition to a very strong, clear and exciting strategy to take the company forward, so it will certainly not be resting on its laurels.”
Clarke added that it was an “honour” to take on the role. He has been central to building Aardman’s 30-strong rights team, developing themed...
Sproxton, who co-founded Aardman in 1976 with Peter Lord, will be replaced by Sean Clarke, a 20-year veteran of the company, who is currently head of rights and brand development.
Sproxton is not severing ties completely with Aardman. He will sit on the studio’s trustee board and will provide expertise on individual projects as a consultant.
Speaking about his replacement Clarke, Sproxton said: “He has a deep understanding of the creative culture at Aardman – which will ensure continuity – in addition to a very strong, clear and exciting strategy to take the company forward, so it will certainly not be resting on its laurels.”
Clarke added that it was an “honour” to take on the role. He has been central to building Aardman’s 30-strong rights team, developing themed...
- 9/18/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
British animation powerhouse Aardman — best known for Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep — has named the successor to David Sproxton, who first founded the company together with creative director Peter Lord in 1972 and has served as managing director for 43 years.
Sean Clarke, who has been at Aardman for more than two decades, on Wednesday was announced as managing director.
The move comes less than a year after Sproxton and Lord announced that they were handing over the majority of the Bristol, England-based company into employee ownership, with Sproxton stepping back from his duties. He will ...
Sean Clarke, who has been at Aardman for more than two decades, on Wednesday was announced as managing director.
The move comes less than a year after Sproxton and Lord announced that they were handing over the majority of the Bristol, England-based company into employee ownership, with Sproxton stepping back from his duties. He will ...
- 9/18/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
British animation powerhouse Aardman — best known for Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep — has named the successor to David Sproxton, who first founded the company together with creative director Peter Lord in 1972 and has served as managing director for 43 years.
Sean Clarke, who has been at Aardman for more than two decades, on Wednesday was announced as managing director.
The move comes less than a year after Sproxton and Lord announced that they were handing over the majority of the Bristol, England-based company into employee ownership, with Sproxton stepping back from his duties. He will ...
Sean Clarke, who has been at Aardman for more than two decades, on Wednesday was announced as managing director.
The move comes less than a year after Sproxton and Lord announced that they were handing over the majority of the Bristol, England-based company into employee ownership, with Sproxton stepping back from his duties. He will ...
- 9/18/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Studiocanal has released a new trailer and poster for Aardman Animation’s Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon with an introduction to an alien.
‘Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon’ continues the production partnership with Aardman and Studiocanal following the success of Shaun the Sheep Movie directed by Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, which grossed $106 million worldwide and Nick Park’s prehistoric comedy adventure, ‘Early Man’. Studiocanal is co-financing and will distribute in its own territories, the UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand in Autumn 2019.
Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is Directed by Richard Phelan and Will Becher, Written by Jon Brown and Mark Burton, Produced by Paul Kewley with Executive Producers Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, Peter Lord, Nick Park and David Sproxton.
Also in trailers – Tom Holland makes Will Smith an offer he can’t refuse in new trailer for ‘Spies in Disguise’
The film hits UK cinemas October...
‘Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon’ continues the production partnership with Aardman and Studiocanal following the success of Shaun the Sheep Movie directed by Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, which grossed $106 million worldwide and Nick Park’s prehistoric comedy adventure, ‘Early Man’. Studiocanal is co-financing and will distribute in its own territories, the UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand in Autumn 2019.
Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is Directed by Richard Phelan and Will Becher, Written by Jon Brown and Mark Burton, Produced by Paul Kewley with Executive Producers Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, Peter Lord, Nick Park and David Sproxton.
Also in trailers – Tom Holland makes Will Smith an offer he can’t refuse in new trailer for ‘Spies in Disguise’
The film hits UK cinemas October...
- 7/3/2019
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Studiocanal has launched the first full-length trailer for Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, the Aardman sequel in which a visitor from a far off galaxy arrives in the quiet town of Mossingham.
Pic is directed by Richard Phelan and Will Becher, produced by Paul Kewley and written by Mark Burton and Jon Brown, with executive producers Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, Peter Lord, Nick Park, Carla Shelley and David Sproxton. Voice cast includes Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Kate Harbour.
The 2015 first movie grossed $106M globally, including $19M in the U.S. Backer Studiocanal will distribute in UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand in autumn 2019. Lionsgate has U.S. rights.
In a surprise move, Bert Habets, the CEO of Euro media giant Rtl, has resigned. Thomas Rabe will take the reins while also continuing in his role as CEO of Rtl-owner Bertelsmann. According to Reuters, Habets is leaving for family...
Pic is directed by Richard Phelan and Will Becher, produced by Paul Kewley and written by Mark Burton and Jon Brown, with executive producers Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, Peter Lord, Nick Park, Carla Shelley and David Sproxton. Voice cast includes Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Kate Harbour.
The 2015 first movie grossed $106M globally, including $19M in the U.S. Backer Studiocanal will distribute in UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand in autumn 2019. Lionsgate has U.S. rights.
In a surprise move, Bert Habets, the CEO of Euro media giant Rtl, has resigned. Thomas Rabe will take the reins while also continuing in his role as CEO of Rtl-owner Bertelsmann. According to Reuters, Habets is leaving for family...
- 4/1/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Studiocanal has released a new trailer for Aardman Animation’s Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon with an introduction to an alien.
‘Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon’ continues the production partnership with Aardman and Studiocanal following the success of Shaun the Sheep Movie directed by Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, which grossed $106 million worldwide and Nick Park’s prehistoric comedy adventure, ‘Early Man’. Studiocanal is co-financing and will distribute in its own territories, the UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand in Autumn 2019.
Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is Directed by Richard Phelan and Will Becher, Written by Jon Brown and Mark Burton, Produced by Paul Kewley with Executive Producers Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, Peter Lord, Nick Park and David Sproxton.
Also in trailers – Final trailer for ‘Ugly Dolls’ welcomes you to the Institute of perfection
The film is released in the UK October 18th.
Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon...
‘Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon’ continues the production partnership with Aardman and Studiocanal following the success of Shaun the Sheep Movie directed by Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, which grossed $106 million worldwide and Nick Park’s prehistoric comedy adventure, ‘Early Man’. Studiocanal is co-financing and will distribute in its own territories, the UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand in Autumn 2019.
Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is Directed by Richard Phelan and Will Becher, Written by Jon Brown and Mark Burton, Produced by Paul Kewley with Executive Producers Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, Peter Lord, Nick Park and David Sproxton.
Also in trailers – Final trailer for ‘Ugly Dolls’ welcomes you to the Institute of perfection
The film is released in the UK October 18th.
Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon...
- 4/1/2019
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The adorable stars of Aardman Animations’ delightful smash hit “Shaun the Sheep Movie” and the popular television series of the same name are back on the big screen for another adventure in farm-based jokes, animated wizardry, and the pure joy of watching the world’s best flock engage in all manner of high jinks. And this time around, they’re going to space. No, really.
In “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon,” the fuzzy inhabitants of Mossy Bottom Farm are about to take on more than even they can handle. Per the film’s official synopsis, “Strange lights over the quiet town of Mossingham herald the arrival of a mystery visitor from far across the galaxy… but at nearby Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun has other things on his mind, as his mischievous schemes are continually thwarted by an exasperated Bitzer. When an impish and adorable alien with amazing powers crash-lands near Mossy Bottom Farm,...
In “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon,” the fuzzy inhabitants of Mossy Bottom Farm are about to take on more than even they can handle. Per the film’s official synopsis, “Strange lights over the quiet town of Mossingham herald the arrival of a mystery visitor from far across the galaxy… but at nearby Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun has other things on his mind, as his mischievous schemes are continually thwarted by an exasperated Bitzer. When an impish and adorable alien with amazing powers crash-lands near Mossy Bottom Farm,...
- 12/11/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Studiocanal has released the first look Aardman Animation’s ‘Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon and it’s gone all ‘Close Encounters’ on us.
‘Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon’ continues the production partnership with Aardman and Studiocanal following the success of Shaun the Sheep Movie directed by Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, which grossed $106 million worldwide and Nick Park’s prehistoric comedy adventure, ‘Early Man’. Studiocanal is co-financing and will distribute in its own territories, the UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand in Autumn 2019.
Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is Directed by Richard Phelan and Will Becher, Written by Jon Brown and Mark Burton, Produced by Paul Kewley with Executive Producers Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, Peter Lord, Nick Park and David Sproxton.
Also in the trailers – “Long Live the King” a new trailer for ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ is unleashed
The film has a UK release of October...
‘Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon’ continues the production partnership with Aardman and Studiocanal following the success of Shaun the Sheep Movie directed by Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, which grossed $106 million worldwide and Nick Park’s prehistoric comedy adventure, ‘Early Man’. Studiocanal is co-financing and will distribute in its own territories, the UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand in Autumn 2019.
Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is Directed by Richard Phelan and Will Becher, Written by Jon Brown and Mark Burton, Produced by Paul Kewley with Executive Producers Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, Peter Lord, Nick Park and David Sproxton.
Also in the trailers – “Long Live the King” a new trailer for ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ is unleashed
The film has a UK release of October...
- 12/11/2018
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Here’s a first teaser trailer for Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, the sequel to Aardman and Studiocanal’s 2015 box office hit which took more than $100M global. In the sequel, strange lights over the quiet town of Mossingham herald the arrival of a mystery visitor from far across the galaxy, while at nearby Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun’s mischievous schemes are continually thwarted by exasperated farmer Bitzer. ‘It’s close encounters of the herd kind’, says the production.
Studiocanal is co-financing and will distribute in its own territories, the UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand in autumn 2019. Directors are Richard Phelan and Will Becher; writers are Jon Brown and Mark Burton; producer is Paul Kewley; executive producers are Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, Peter Lord, Nick Park and David Sproxton.
Studiocanal is co-financing and will distribute in its own territories, the UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand in autumn 2019. Directors are Richard Phelan and Will Becher; writers are Jon Brown and Mark Burton; producer is Paul Kewley; executive producers are Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, Peter Lord, Nick Park and David Sproxton.
- 12/11/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Nov 12, 2018
Xbox One X, Naomi Watts, George R.R. Martin, and more in today's daily Link Tank!
A dead 'Arrow' character will return later this season.
That Lazarus Pit sure is handy. Malcolm Merlyn, the deceased “Dark Archer” and former leader of the League of Assassins, will return later this season on The CW’s Arrow in a capacity yet to be revealed.
Read more at Inverse.
The creators of Wallace & Gromit are giving the company to their employees.
Aardman Animation, the stop-motion studio behind the Oscar-winning Wallace & Gromit shorts and Chicken Run, has brokered a new deal that puts ownership of the studio in the hands of its devoted team of employees. Founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who started the company in 1972, has ordered 75% of shares placed into a trust, where they will be held for Aardman’s workers.
Read more at The Mary Sue.
Xbox One...
Xbox One X, Naomi Watts, George R.R. Martin, and more in today's daily Link Tank!
A dead 'Arrow' character will return later this season.
That Lazarus Pit sure is handy. Malcolm Merlyn, the deceased “Dark Archer” and former leader of the League of Assassins, will return later this season on The CW’s Arrow in a capacity yet to be revealed.
Read more at Inverse.
The creators of Wallace & Gromit are giving the company to their employees.
Aardman Animation, the stop-motion studio behind the Oscar-winning Wallace & Gromit shorts and Chicken Run, has brokered a new deal that puts ownership of the studio in the hands of its devoted team of employees. Founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who started the company in 1972, has ordered 75% of shares placed into a trust, where they will be held for Aardman’s workers.
Read more at The Mary Sue.
Xbox One...
- 11/12/2018
- Den of Geek
Facebook Watch has commissioned Britain’s Channel 4 News, the division responsible for breaking the Cambridge Analytica/Facebook scandal, to make a weekly news show. It will launch Uncovered in the new year, which will go behind the headlines to tackle stories that often go unreported, focusing on one single major international issue each week. It forms part of Facebook’s funded news show scheme. The ten-minute show will be fronted by specialist C4 News correspondents from around the world. Ben de Pear, editor of C4 News, said, “When the credibility of news is being constantly challenged, never has it been more important to increase the visibility and reach of high-quality sources of news across social network platforms. That is why we are excited to work with Facebook Watch, bringing together compelling content on a platform that connects audiences with timely and reliable news videos, produced by serious news organisations and being properly funded.
- 11/12/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The founders of animation studio Aardman are transferring the ownership of their multi-award-winning company to its employees. Peter Lord and David Sproxton said they are transferring ownership to staff to ensure that the company retains its independence. A majority of Aardman shares will be transferred to a trust. Senior management will remain in their positions and form an executive board.
Sproxton will stay on as managing director but look for a replacement and move into a consultancy role. Lord will stay on as creative director, focusing on film, including the upcoming “Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon” and “Chicken Run 2.”
“We’re not quitting yet, but we are preparing for our future,” Lord and Sproxton said in a statement. “This approach, the creation of an employee trust, is the best solution we have found for keeping Aardman doing what it does best, keeping the teams in place and providing continuity for our highly creative culture.
Sproxton will stay on as managing director but look for a replacement and move into a consultancy role. Lord will stay on as creative director, focusing on film, including the upcoming “Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon” and “Chicken Run 2.”
“We’re not quitting yet, but we are preparing for our future,” Lord and Sproxton said in a statement. “This approach, the creation of an employee trust, is the best solution we have found for keeping Aardman doing what it does best, keeping the teams in place and providing continuity for our highly creative culture.
- 11/12/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Founders of the UK’s biggest animation company giving up 75% of Aardman to employees to ‘safeguard independence’
The owners of Aardman, the animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph, are handing over a 75% stake in the business to their 140 employees in a bid to protect the Bristol-based company’s independence.
Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who founded the UK’s biggest animation production company while still at school, are set for a multimillion-pound payout as part of the deal, under which they will together continue to own a quarter of Aardman Holdings, the company’s parent group.
The owners of Aardman, the animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph, are handing over a 75% stake in the business to their 140 employees in a bid to protect the Bristol-based company’s independence.
Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who founded the UK’s biggest animation production company while still at school, are set for a multimillion-pound payout as part of the deal, under which they will together continue to own a quarter of Aardman Holdings, the company’s parent group.
- 11/10/2018
- by Sarah Butler
- The Guardian - Film News
In an era of entertainment industry mergers and acquisitions, the founders of British animation powerhouse Aardman – the much-loved Oscar-winning studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep – have moved to ensure their company’s continued independence by transferring it into employee ownership.
The decision, made by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who first set up Aardman in 1972, will see the majority of company shares transferred into a trust, which will then hold them on behalf of the workforce.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, both Lord and Sproxton explained that the move was about seven years in the making,...
The decision, made by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who first set up Aardman in 1972, will see the majority of company shares transferred into a trust, which will then hold them on behalf of the workforce.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, both Lord and Sproxton explained that the move was about seven years in the making,...
- 11/10/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
In an era of entertainment industry mergers and acquisitions, the founders of British animation powerhouse Aardman — the much-loved Oscar-winning studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep — have moved to ensure their company's continued independence by transferring it into employee ownership.
The decision, made by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who first set up Aardman in 1972, will see the majority of company shares transferred into a trust, which will then hold them on behalf of the workforce.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, both Lord and Sproxton explained that the move was about seven years in the making ...
The decision, made by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who first set up Aardman in 1972, will see the majority of company shares transferred into a trust, which will then hold them on behalf of the workforce.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, both Lord and Sproxton explained that the move was about seven years in the making ...
- 11/10/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Simon Brew Feb 21, 2018
The production of Chicken Run brought together two companies with very different styles...
It had been quite a journey from just off the M5 in Bristol, to Los Angeles and the Academy Awards. But for British animation company Aardman, it was a journey that was taken reasonably regularly. Nick Park, for his Creature Comforts and Wallace & Gromit short films, was collecting regular statuettes, and at the of writing, he has four on his mantelpiece.
The frequent awards attentions required equally frequent journeys to the States. And on one such visit, Park – along with Aardman co-founder Peter Lord, amongst others – found themselves in the company of both Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg.
It was the right coincidence at the right time. At this stage, Spielberg and Katzenberg had just set up their hugely ambitious new studio, DreamWorks Skg (along with David Geffen). Katzenberg was to head up the animation division,...
The production of Chicken Run brought together two companies with very different styles...
It had been quite a journey from just off the M5 in Bristol, to Los Angeles and the Academy Awards. But for British animation company Aardman, it was a journey that was taken reasonably regularly. Nick Park, for his Creature Comforts and Wallace & Gromit short films, was collecting regular statuettes, and at the of writing, he has four on his mantelpiece.
The frequent awards attentions required equally frequent journeys to the States. And on one such visit, Park – along with Aardman co-founder Peter Lord, amongst others – found themselves in the company of both Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg.
It was the right coincidence at the right time. At this stage, Spielberg and Katzenberg had just set up their hugely ambitious new studio, DreamWorks Skg (along with David Geffen). Katzenberg was to head up the animation division,...
- 2/19/2018
- Den of Geek
Since the early days of home video Ray Harryhausen’s films have been a lightning rod for companies eager to one-up the competition with bigger and brighter releases of the beloved animator’s work. Located in the UK, Powerhouse/Indicator is the latest to jump on the bandwagon with lavishly appointed blu ray sets each featuring three of his films. Though all these movies have been previously released through other companies, Powerhouse has upped the ante with fresh transfers and a broad slate of new extras.
The Wonderful Worlds of Ray Harryhausen, Vol. One: 1955-1960
Blu-ray – All Region
Powerhouse/Indicator
2001 / 1:85 / Street Date September 25, 2017
Starring Kenneth Tobey, William Hopper, Kerwin Matthews
Cinematography: Henry Freulich, Irving Lippman, Carlo Ventimiglia, Wilkie Cooper
Film Editor: Jerome Thoms, Edwin H. Bryant, Raymond Poulton
Produced by Sam Katzman, Charles H. Schneer
Music: Mischa Bakaleinikoff, Bernard Herrmann
Directed by Robert Gordon, Nathan Juran, Jack Sher
It Came from Beneath the Sea...
The Wonderful Worlds of Ray Harryhausen, Vol. One: 1955-1960
Blu-ray – All Region
Powerhouse/Indicator
2001 / 1:85 / Street Date September 25, 2017
Starring Kenneth Tobey, William Hopper, Kerwin Matthews
Cinematography: Henry Freulich, Irving Lippman, Carlo Ventimiglia, Wilkie Cooper
Film Editor: Jerome Thoms, Edwin H. Bryant, Raymond Poulton
Produced by Sam Katzman, Charles H. Schneer
Music: Mischa Bakaleinikoff, Bernard Herrmann
Directed by Robert Gordon, Nathan Juran, Jack Sher
It Came from Beneath the Sea...
- 9/30/2017
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Co-founders of Aardman Animations Peter Lord and David Sproxton share some of the secrets behind their beloved films and television series Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Chicken Run. A major exhibition, Wallace Gromit and Friends: The Magic of Aardman, has opened at the Australian Centre for Moving Image in Melbourne
Continue reading...
Continue reading...
- 6/29/2017
- by Guardian Staff
- The Guardian - Film News
Aardman co-founder Peter Lord grabbed a ball of clay before his conversation last week at the Fmx International Conference on Animation, Effects, Vr, Games and Transmedia in Stuttgart, Germany, and slowly molded a puppet of Morph, Aardman’s first creation, while discussing 40 years of stop-motion glory at its animation studio in Bristol, England.
From “Wallace & Gromit” to “Creature Comforts” to “Shaun the Sheep,” Aardman will be firmly dedicated to the hand-crafted technique of stop-motion as long as audiences continue to embrace it. For Lord, who co-founded Aardman with school chum David Sproxton before adding animator-director Nick Park to the creative team, it’s all about the comedy of manners and empathy.
Here are Lord’s five rules for stop-motion animation:
1. Never forget the importance of Ray Harryhausen.
When Lord was ten years old, he saw “Jason and the Argonauts” and was so amazed at the brilliance of stop-motion animator Ray Harryhausen...
From “Wallace & Gromit” to “Creature Comforts” to “Shaun the Sheep,” Aardman will be firmly dedicated to the hand-crafted technique of stop-motion as long as audiences continue to embrace it. For Lord, who co-founded Aardman with school chum David Sproxton before adding animator-director Nick Park to the creative team, it’s all about the comedy of manners and empathy.
Here are Lord’s five rules for stop-motion animation:
1. Never forget the importance of Ray Harryhausen.
When Lord was ten years old, he saw “Jason and the Argonauts” and was so amazed at the brilliance of stop-motion animator Ray Harryhausen...
- 5/10/2017
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Three teams selected for Lab from more than 100 applicants.
The BFI has partnered with Aardman Animations on a £1million Development Lab to help create new British animated feature films.
Two filmmaker duos and one individual filmmaker have been selected for the Lottery-funded Lab from more than 100 applicants, and are receiving funding and support over two years to develop their feature projects.
The teams have been working with Aardman’s story artists, producers, marketers and directors, including Nick Park – who is currently working on new Aardman feature Early Man – since June 2015.
David Sproxton, co-founder of Aardman, explained to Screen how the filmmakers will work with the studio: “They’ll develop [their projects] for two years, through outline, to treatment, to first draft script. Alongside that they’ll ramp up the visual elements, working on character design, setting design and the story reeling process.
“At the end, their pitch package will consist of some fantastic artwork, a sizzle...
The BFI has partnered with Aardman Animations on a £1million Development Lab to help create new British animated feature films.
Two filmmaker duos and one individual filmmaker have been selected for the Lottery-funded Lab from more than 100 applicants, and are receiving funding and support over two years to develop their feature projects.
The teams have been working with Aardman’s story artists, producers, marketers and directors, including Nick Park – who is currently working on new Aardman feature Early Man – since June 2015.
David Sproxton, co-founder of Aardman, explained to Screen how the filmmakers will work with the studio: “They’ll develop [their projects] for two years, through outline, to treatment, to first draft script. Alongside that they’ll ramp up the visual elements, working on character design, setting design and the story reeling process.
“At the end, their pitch package will consist of some fantastic artwork, a sizzle...
- 12/6/2016
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Three teams selected for Lab from more than 100 applicants.
The BFI has partnered with Aardman Animations on a £1million Development Lab to help create new British animated feature films.
Two filmmaker duos and one individual filmmaker have been selected for the Lottery-funded Lab from more than 100 applicants, and are receiving funding and support over two years to develop their feature projects.
The teams have been working with Aardman’s story artists, producers, marketers and directors, including Nick Park – who is currently working on new Aardman feature Early Man – since June 2015.
David Sproxton, co-founder of Aardman, explained to Screen how the filmmakers will work with the studio: “They’ll develop [their projects] for two years, through outline, to treatment, to first draft script. Alongside that they’ll ramp up the visual elements, working on character design, setting design and the story reeling process.
“At the end, their pitch package will consist of some fantastic artwork, a sizzle...
The BFI has partnered with Aardman Animations on a £1million Development Lab to help create new British animated feature films.
Two filmmaker duos and one individual filmmaker have been selected for the Lottery-funded Lab from more than 100 applicants, and are receiving funding and support over two years to develop their feature projects.
The teams have been working with Aardman’s story artists, producers, marketers and directors, including Nick Park – who is currently working on new Aardman feature Early Man – since June 2015.
David Sproxton, co-founder of Aardman, explained to Screen how the filmmakers will work with the studio: “They’ll develop [their projects] for two years, through outline, to treatment, to first draft script. Alongside that they’ll ramp up the visual elements, working on character design, setting design and the story reeling process.
“At the end, their pitch package will consist of some fantastic artwork, a sizzle...
- 12/6/2016
- ScreenDaily
Titles on its debut slate include Wojciech Kasperski’s award-winning Icon [pictured].
Poland’s Krakow Film Foundation has launched a new sales and promotional outfit dedicated to Polish documentaries, called Kff Sales & Promotion (Kff S&P).
The Kff S&P team — consisting of Barbara Orlicz-Szczypula, Katarzyna Wilk and Magda Ludwig — makes its first outing at this week’s Dok Leipzig International Festival for Documentary and Animated Film (Oct 31 - Nov 6) where it is representing more than a dozen titles.
Its first line-up includes Przemyslaw Kaminski’s directorial debut The Gift about a miracle worker who can walk barefoot on hot embers, hypnotise people and help heavy smokers cough up tar. It premiered at the Krakow Film Festival (Kff) last May.
Other titles include Wojciech Kasperski’s Icon, capturing the lives of patients in a remote Siberian psychiatric hospital and featuring cinematography by Lukas Zal (Life Of A Butterfly).
The work clinched five awards at Kff, including the Fipresci...
Poland’s Krakow Film Foundation has launched a new sales and promotional outfit dedicated to Polish documentaries, called Kff Sales & Promotion (Kff S&P).
The Kff S&P team — consisting of Barbara Orlicz-Szczypula, Katarzyna Wilk and Magda Ludwig — makes its first outing at this week’s Dok Leipzig International Festival for Documentary and Animated Film (Oct 31 - Nov 6) where it is representing more than a dozen titles.
Its first line-up includes Przemyslaw Kaminski’s directorial debut The Gift about a miracle worker who can walk barefoot on hot embers, hypnotise people and help heavy smokers cough up tar. It premiered at the Krakow Film Festival (Kff) last May.
Other titles include Wojciech Kasperski’s Icon, capturing the lives of patients in a remote Siberian psychiatric hospital and featuring cinematography by Lukas Zal (Life Of A Butterfly).
The work clinched five awards at Kff, including the Fipresci...
- 10/31/2016
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Shaun the Sheep became a breakout star in Nick Park’s 1995 short film “Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave.” The stop-motion character was then featured in “Wallace and Gromit’s Cracking Contraptions” and had his own TV series “Shaun the Sheep.”
Shaun’s big hit came in 2015 when he starred in his own feature film “Shaun the Sheep Movie.” Now, after box office success and an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Film, Aardman Animations and StudioCanal announced that a sequel is in the works.
Read More: ‘This Modern World by Tom Tomorrow’ To Be Adapted as An Animated Series
Pre-production for “Shaun the Sheep Movie 2” will begin in January 2017, with Richard Starzak back on board as director (he co-directed the first with Mark Burton) and Paul Kewley producing.
“Shaun’s move to the big screen proved such a success with audiences around the world that he and the flock are very...
Shaun’s big hit came in 2015 when he starred in his own feature film “Shaun the Sheep Movie.” Now, after box office success and an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Film, Aardman Animations and StudioCanal announced that a sequel is in the works.
Read More: ‘This Modern World by Tom Tomorrow’ To Be Adapted as An Animated Series
Pre-production for “Shaun the Sheep Movie 2” will begin in January 2017, with Richard Starzak back on board as director (he co-directed the first with Mark Burton) and Paul Kewley producing.
“Shaun’s move to the big screen proved such a success with audiences around the world that he and the flock are very...
- 10/25/2016
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
Bristol-based animation studio Aardman is primed to round up the flock for a sequel to last year’s sleeper hit, Shaun the Sheep.
Reteaming with Studiocanal, pre-production on the stop-motion feature will get going early next year, when Richard Starzak will return at the helm. He’ll be directing on his lonesome this time around, however, after it was confirmed that Mark Burton, who co-directed the first film, will not return. Paul Kewley is on board to produce.
Pitched as “another epic and hilarious journey, in what will be their biggest and most exciting adventure yet,” Shaun the Sheep 2 will herald the return of the title character first introduced in Nick Park’s Oscar-winning short, A Close Shave. Little is known about the sequel’s story at this time, though David Sproxton, co-founder and executive chairman of Aardman (Wallace and Gromit), stated, “the flock are very excited to be embarking...
Reteaming with Studiocanal, pre-production on the stop-motion feature will get going early next year, when Richard Starzak will return at the helm. He’ll be directing on his lonesome this time around, however, after it was confirmed that Mark Burton, who co-directed the first film, will not return. Paul Kewley is on board to produce.
Pitched as “another epic and hilarious journey, in what will be their biggest and most exciting adventure yet,” Shaun the Sheep 2 will herald the return of the title character first introduced in Nick Park’s Oscar-winning short, A Close Shave. Little is known about the sequel’s story at this time, though David Sproxton, co-founder and executive chairman of Aardman (Wallace and Gromit), stated, “the flock are very excited to be embarking...
- 10/25/2016
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Aardman Animations and StudioCanal announced a sequel to the 2015 animated family film Shaun the Sheep yesterday. As we said previously there are a number of Aardman Animations fans here in the ScreenAnarchy family so any news is good news. When it is news about a beloved character Shaun the Sheep? Well then. Consider us tickled pink. "Shaun’s move to the big screen proved such a success with audiences around the world that he and the flock are very excited to be embarking on another big screen adventure," said David Sproxton, Aardman co-founder and exec chairman. "Aardman is partnering with StudioCanal once again to produce another rip-roaring comedy, featuring Shaun and the rest of the gang in a story that takes them to even...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 10/25/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Aardman Animations have just recently begun production on their 2018-bound feature Early Man, which features the return of director Nick Park. With the voices of Eddie Redmayne and the newly added Tom Hiddleston, the prehistoric-set comedy will take well over a year to be animated, but in the meantime, the company has already announced their next feature.
They’ve revealed they will be making a sequel to one of the best animations of the century thus far, Shaun the Sheep Movie. Yes, your favorite quadrupedal, ruminant mammals will be back in Shaun the Sheep Movie 2, coming from director Richard Starzak. No story details are known at the moment, but pre-production is planned to begin this January.
“Shaun’s move to the big screen proved such a success with audiences around the world that he and the flock are very excited to be embarking on another big screen adventure,” David Sproxton,...
They’ve revealed they will be making a sequel to one of the best animations of the century thus far, Shaun the Sheep Movie. Yes, your favorite quadrupedal, ruminant mammals will be back in Shaun the Sheep Movie 2, coming from director Richard Starzak. No story details are known at the moment, but pre-production is planned to begin this January.
“Shaun’s move to the big screen proved such a success with audiences around the world that he and the flock are very excited to be embarking on another big screen adventure,” David Sproxton,...
- 10/25/2016
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Pre-production will begin in January 2017 on the animated sequel, again directed by Richard Starzak.
Aardman and StudioCanal are re-teaming on Shaun The Sheep Movie 2, the sequel to their 2015 animated feature hit, which earned $106m at the global box office.
StudioCanal is co-financing and will distribute in its own territories, the UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, selling other international territories at the forthcoming Afm.
The first film’s creative team of director Richard Starzak and producer Paul Kewley will reunite for the sequel.
Pre-production will begin in January 2017.
David Sproxton, co-founder and executive chairman at Aardman, said: “Shaun’s move to the big screen proved such a success with audiences around the world that he and the flock are very excited to be embarking on another big screen adventure. Aardman is partnering with StudioCanal once again to produce another rip-roaring comedy, featuring Shaun and the rest of the gang in a story that takes them to...
Aardman and StudioCanal are re-teaming on Shaun The Sheep Movie 2, the sequel to their 2015 animated feature hit, which earned $106m at the global box office.
StudioCanal is co-financing and will distribute in its own territories, the UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, selling other international territories at the forthcoming Afm.
The first film’s creative team of director Richard Starzak and producer Paul Kewley will reunite for the sequel.
Pre-production will begin in January 2017.
David Sproxton, co-founder and executive chairman at Aardman, said: “Shaun’s move to the big screen proved such a success with audiences around the world that he and the flock are very excited to be embarking on another big screen adventure. Aardman is partnering with StudioCanal once again to produce another rip-roaring comedy, featuring Shaun and the rest of the gang in a story that takes them to...
- 10/25/2016
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Rob Leane Oct 25, 2016
Aardman, StudioCanal and director Richard Starzak will re-team for Shaun The Sheep Movie 2...
Here's a slice of news we've been waiting for: Shaun The Sheep Movie is getting a sequel. The 2015 film earned critical plaudits, adoration from families and an Oscar nomination, making it something of a surprise that a sequel announcement didn't come months ago.
See related Listening to BBC Radio 4’s The Stone Tape in the dark Rosemary's Baby review: Night 1 & Night 2 Stephen King: a reading guide to the King universe 70 genuinely creepy horror movies
It was beginning to look like a bit of a "wool they, won't they?" situation. Arf.
But yes, it's a thrill to report that Aardman Animation and StudioCanal have teamed up once again with director Richard Starzak and producer Paul Kewley (who both worked on the original film) for an imaginatively-titled follow-up, Shaun The Sheep Movie 2.
Pre-production on the...
Aardman, StudioCanal and director Richard Starzak will re-team for Shaun The Sheep Movie 2...
Here's a slice of news we've been waiting for: Shaun The Sheep Movie is getting a sequel. The 2015 film earned critical plaudits, adoration from families and an Oscar nomination, making it something of a surprise that a sequel announcement didn't come months ago.
See related Listening to BBC Radio 4’s The Stone Tape in the dark Rosemary's Baby review: Night 1 & Night 2 Stephen King: a reading guide to the King universe 70 genuinely creepy horror movies
It was beginning to look like a bit of a "wool they, won't they?" situation. Arf.
But yes, it's a thrill to report that Aardman Animation and StudioCanal have teamed up once again with director Richard Starzak and producer Paul Kewley (who both worked on the original film) for an imaginatively-titled follow-up, Shaun The Sheep Movie 2.
Pre-production on the...
- 10/25/2016
- Den of Geek
Plus: Travis Reid named RealD COO; BAFTA sets Vr advisory group
Open Road Films will expand awards hopeful Bleed For This wide on November 18 after it opens in limited release on November 4.
Miles Teller stars as Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Pazienza, a boxer from the East Coast who overcame a near-fatal car crash to return to the ring for a world title bout.
Aaron Eckhart also stars in a performance that has drawn strong notices. Ben Younger wrote and directed, while Martin Scorsese served as one of the executive producers.
The Solution Entertainment Group handles international sales.
BAFTA has appointed members to its virtual reality advisory group to debate and determine the short and long-term impact of the format on the film, TV and games industries. Members are: Dan Ayoub, Frank Azor, Joel Breton, Bradley Crooks, Nonny de la Penna, Clive Downie, Chris Edwards, Garry Edwards, Dan Gregoire, Matt Jeffrey, Simon Jones, [link...
Open Road Films will expand awards hopeful Bleed For This wide on November 18 after it opens in limited release on November 4.
Miles Teller stars as Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Pazienza, a boxer from the East Coast who overcame a near-fatal car crash to return to the ring for a world title bout.
Aaron Eckhart also stars in a performance that has drawn strong notices. Ben Younger wrote and directed, while Martin Scorsese served as one of the executive producers.
The Solution Entertainment Group handles international sales.
BAFTA has appointed members to its virtual reality advisory group to debate and determine the short and long-term impact of the format on the film, TV and games industries. Members are: Dan Ayoub, Frank Azor, Joel Breton, Bradley Crooks, Nonny de la Penna, Clive Downie, Chris Edwards, Garry Edwards, Dan Gregoire, Matt Jeffrey, Simon Jones, [link...
- 10/5/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Aardman talked to Screen in Annecy about future projects - including the Eddie Redmayne-voiced Early Man - BFI support and learning curves.
Aardman Animations is the most successful animation company in British film history; its films have generated worldwide box office revenue of close to $1 billion and it is a cherished international brand.
Despite its global success, however, Aardman still considers itself to be a niche player in the ultra competitive Us animation market.
The contrast was acknowledged by Aardman founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton in an interview with Screen at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival last week.
Sproxton and Lord were in Annecy to give a keynote address, Aardman At 40, and to collect a “personality of the year award” from the festival.
Us giants
The company, which has worked closely with DreamWorks and Sony in the past, now finances its films in Europe, often on smaller budgets than those commanded by the Us...
Aardman Animations is the most successful animation company in British film history; its films have generated worldwide box office revenue of close to $1 billion and it is a cherished international brand.
Despite its global success, however, Aardman still considers itself to be a niche player in the ultra competitive Us animation market.
The contrast was acknowledged by Aardman founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton in an interview with Screen at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival last week.
Sproxton and Lord were in Annecy to give a keynote address, Aardman At 40, and to collect a “personality of the year award” from the festival.
Us giants
The company, which has worked closely with DreamWorks and Sony in the past, now finances its films in Europe, often on smaller budgets than those commanded by the Us...
- 6/23/2016
- by geoffrey@macnab.demon.co.uk (Geoffrey Macnab)
- ScreenDaily
Festival to open with Michaël Dudok de Wit’s The Red Turtle [pictured]; Guillermo del Toro and Aardman to give masterclasses.
Annecy International Animation Film Festival, running June 13-18 this year, has unveiled its line-up.
New Zealand director Leanne Pooley’s documentary 25 April, about the Battle of Gallipoli; Canadian film-makers Jean-François Pouliot and François Brisson’s 3D hit Snowtime! (La Guerre des Tuques 3D); Claude Barras’s Cannes-screener My Life As A Courgette, and Sundance discovery Nuts! are among the titles in the feature-length competition.
The festival will open with Michaël Dudok de Wit’s The Red Turtle, which will premiere first in Official Selection at Cannes.
Other highlights include a preview screening of Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney’s The Secret Life Of Pets, in the presence of the directors. Andrew Stanton will also attend the festival, accompanying Finding Dory.
First images of Ron Clements and John Musker’s upcoming film Moana and Michael Thurmeier’s [link...
Annecy International Animation Film Festival, running June 13-18 this year, has unveiled its line-up.
New Zealand director Leanne Pooley’s documentary 25 April, about the Battle of Gallipoli; Canadian film-makers Jean-François Pouliot and François Brisson’s 3D hit Snowtime! (La Guerre des Tuques 3D); Claude Barras’s Cannes-screener My Life As A Courgette, and Sundance discovery Nuts! are among the titles in the feature-length competition.
The festival will open with Michaël Dudok de Wit’s The Red Turtle, which will premiere first in Official Selection at Cannes.
Other highlights include a preview screening of Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney’s The Secret Life Of Pets, in the presence of the directors. Andrew Stanton will also attend the festival, accompanying Finding Dory.
First images of Ron Clements and John Musker’s upcoming film Moana and Michael Thurmeier’s [link...
- 4/28/2016
- ScreenDaily
Quintessentially British animation studio Aardman has merged with New York's Nathan Love and rebranded as Aardman Nathan Love.
The Bristol-based Aardman will acquire a majority stake in Nathan Love, marking its first permanent production facility outside the UK.
"This venture is not about sending work back to the UK," said Aardman's co-founder and executive chairman David Sproxton.
"It's about building a new business in New York for American agencies and we feel we can do this more effectively by being there.
"Aardman's vision is to be the most inspirational animation company in the world, in the eyes of its talent, partners and audiences, for generations to come. Aardman Nathan Love will allow us to expand this vision in the Us."
Founder of Nathan Love Joe Burrascano said: "The partnership feels very natural, our values and philosophy are closely aligned, and the potential for what we can do together is incredibly inspiring.
The Bristol-based Aardman will acquire a majority stake in Nathan Love, marking its first permanent production facility outside the UK.
"This venture is not about sending work back to the UK," said Aardman's co-founder and executive chairman David Sproxton.
"It's about building a new business in New York for American agencies and we feel we can do this more effectively by being there.
"Aardman's vision is to be the most inspirational animation company in the world, in the eyes of its talent, partners and audiences, for generations to come. Aardman Nathan Love will allow us to expand this vision in the Us."
Founder of Nathan Love Joe Burrascano said: "The partnership feels very natural, our values and philosophy are closely aligned, and the potential for what we can do together is incredibly inspiring.
- 9/23/2015
- Digital Spy
Marks the first permanent production facility outside the UK for the Wallace and Gromit studio.
UK animation studio Aardman is to acquire a majority share in New York-based animation company Nathan Love.
The new company, to be re-branded Aardman Nathan Love, marks the first permanent production facility outside the UK for the studio behind the Wallace and Gromit franchise and strengths Aardman’s foothold in the advertising business.
Speaking of the decision to create a New York-based company, David Sproxton, co-founder and executive chairman of Aardman said: “Teaming up with an existing company gives us the opportunity to hit the ground running and a solid base from which to grow.
“This venture is not about sending work back to the UK. It’s about building a new business in New York for American agencies and we feel we can do this more effectively by being there.”
Nathan Love, founded by Joe Burrascano in 2007, produces advertising for clients...
UK animation studio Aardman is to acquire a majority share in New York-based animation company Nathan Love.
The new company, to be re-branded Aardman Nathan Love, marks the first permanent production facility outside the UK for the studio behind the Wallace and Gromit franchise and strengths Aardman’s foothold in the advertising business.
Speaking of the decision to create a New York-based company, David Sproxton, co-founder and executive chairman of Aardman said: “Teaming up with an existing company gives us the opportunity to hit the ground running and a solid base from which to grow.
“This venture is not about sending work back to the UK. It’s about building a new business in New York for American agencies and we feel we can do this more effectively by being there.”
Nathan Love, founded by Joe Burrascano in 2007, produces advertising for clients...
- 9/23/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
A look at the past three decades of Aardman Animations’ inventive stop-motion animation -- which includes the iconic Wallace & Gromit films as well as Shaun the Sheep Movie -- dazzled more than 1,000 fans at the annual Siggraph high-tech CG conference, which started Sunday at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The studio's co-founder David Sproxton and cinematographer Dave Alex Riddett received enthusiastic cheers as they started the session, with Sproxton emphasizing how they were inspired to specialize in the century old art form of stop motion by its pioneer, the late Ray Harryhausen. With them were clay puppets of Wallace, Gromit and
read more...
read more...
- 8/9/2015
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences celebrates the work of Aardman Animations with three programs featuring the studio’s Oscar-winning and nominated Wallace And Gromit shorts on Friday, August 7, and Sunday, August 9.
Aardman’s latest film, Shaun The Sheep Movie, will be released in U.S. theaters on August 7.
Wallace and Gromit Restored – The Marc Davis Celebration of Animation
Friday, August 7, 7:30 p.m. │Samuel Goldwyn Theater, Beverly Hills
As part of the Academy’s Marc Davis Celebration of Animation series, Aardman Animations co-founder David Sproxton and Wallace and Gromit cinematographer Dave Alex Riddett will discuss the making of the studio’s Oscar-winning shorts “The Wrong Trousers” and “A Close Shave,” and the Oscar-nominated shorts “A Grand Day Out” and “A Matter of Loaf and Death.”
The program also will include the world premiere screening of the restorations of all four films, the result of a collaborative effort...
Aardman’s latest film, Shaun The Sheep Movie, will be released in U.S. theaters on August 7.
Wallace and Gromit Restored – The Marc Davis Celebration of Animation
Friday, August 7, 7:30 p.m. │Samuel Goldwyn Theater, Beverly Hills
As part of the Academy’s Marc Davis Celebration of Animation series, Aardman Animations co-founder David Sproxton and Wallace and Gromit cinematographer Dave Alex Riddett will discuss the making of the studio’s Oscar-winning shorts “The Wrong Trousers” and “A Close Shave,” and the Oscar-nominated shorts “A Grand Day Out” and “A Matter of Loaf and Death.”
The program also will include the world premiere screening of the restorations of all four films, the result of a collaborative effort...
- 7/13/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Plans for the 20th edition of the Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival, the first edition under the leadership of festival director Debbi Lander, have been announced.
The festival’s theme, 20/20: Looking back to look forward, aims to celebrate the past two decades of the Bristol-based event while looking ahead at new venues to connect film, technology, media and visual arts.
The festival will run from Sept 16-21. Throughout the week, Encounters will show a retrospective of 20 films, representing the diversity and impact short film can have.
The retrospective will be accompanied by special events including the UK premier eof the film version of Vinyl Requiem - a music and film event conceived by sound artist Philip Jeck and visual artist Lol Sargent in 1992 to mark the beginning of the era that saw the change from analogue to digital.
Along with the celebration, 250 new short and animated films from around the world will compete in the...
The festival’s theme, 20/20: Looking back to look forward, aims to celebrate the past two decades of the Bristol-based event while looking ahead at new venues to connect film, technology, media and visual arts.
The festival will run from Sept 16-21. Throughout the week, Encounters will show a retrospective of 20 films, representing the diversity and impact short film can have.
The retrospective will be accompanied by special events including the UK premier eof the film version of Vinyl Requiem - a music and film event conceived by sound artist Philip Jeck and visual artist Lol Sargent in 1992 to mark the beginning of the era that saw the change from analogue to digital.
Along with the celebration, 250 new short and animated films from around the world will compete in the...
- 6/18/2014
- ScreenDaily
Plans for the 20th edition of the Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival, the first edition under the leadership of festival director Debbi Lander, have been announced.
The festival’s theme, 20/20: Looking back to look forward, aims to celebrate the past two decades of the Bristol-based event while looking ahead at new venues to connect film, technology, media and visual arts.
The festival will run from Sept 16-21. Throughout the week, Encounters will show a retrospective of 20 films, representing the diversity and impact short film can have.
The retrospective will be accompanied by special events including the UK premier eof the film version of Vinyl Requiem - a music and film event conceived by sound artist Philip Jeck and visual artist Lol Sargent in 1992 to mark the beginning of the era that saw the change from analogue to digital.
Along with the celebration, 250 new short and animated films from around the world will compete in the...
The festival’s theme, 20/20: Looking back to look forward, aims to celebrate the past two decades of the Bristol-based event while looking ahead at new venues to connect film, technology, media and visual arts.
The festival will run from Sept 16-21. Throughout the week, Encounters will show a retrospective of 20 films, representing the diversity and impact short film can have.
The retrospective will be accompanied by special events including the UK premier eof the film version of Vinyl Requiem - a music and film event conceived by sound artist Philip Jeck and visual artist Lol Sargent in 1992 to mark the beginning of the era that saw the change from analogue to digital.
Along with the celebration, 250 new short and animated films from around the world will compete in the...
- 6/18/2014
- ScreenDaily
Three graduates from Nfts certificate in character animation join animation studio.
Aardman Animations has hired three graduates from the National Film and Television School’s (Nfts) certificate in character animation course.
Run in partnership with Aardman, the intensive 12-week course was launched last June and has recently been confirmed for 2014 to run Sept 15-Dec 5 at Aardman’s Bristol studios.
David Sproxton, Aardman co-founder and producer, commented: “This first Aardman/Nfts animation course proved beyond doubt the effectiveness of linking a strong training institution with a first class industry player when it comes to high-level skills training.”
The training gives 12 selected students the core practical skills needed to become professional animators, with applications for the 2014 course open now.
“The success of this Nfts course and the contracts offered by Aardman goes to show how valuable it is for film schools to partner with leading companies to train talented people for the UK’s growing film, television and games...
Aardman Animations has hired three graduates from the National Film and Television School’s (Nfts) certificate in character animation course.
Run in partnership with Aardman, the intensive 12-week course was launched last June and has recently been confirmed for 2014 to run Sept 15-Dec 5 at Aardman’s Bristol studios.
David Sproxton, Aardman co-founder and producer, commented: “This first Aardman/Nfts animation course proved beyond doubt the effectiveness of linking a strong training institution with a first class industry player when it comes to high-level skills training.”
The training gives 12 selected students the core practical skills needed to become professional animators, with applications for the 2014 course open now.
“The success of this Nfts course and the contracts offered by Aardman goes to show how valuable it is for film schools to partner with leading companies to train talented people for the UK’s growing film, television and games...
- 5/2/2014
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
Partners in new BCre8ive site include Wallace and Gromit creators Aardman Animations.
Development guru Phil Parker is using this weekend’s London Screenwriters’ Festival (Oct 25-27) to launch an ambitious new website, BCre8ive.
“It could be a game changer, shaping the creative industries from a digital content point of view,” Parker said of the new site, co-founded with Hilary Beecroft.
BCre8ive is an online development resource that can help nurture new work from filmmakers, writers, game designers and illustrators. The site is aimed at everybody from “individual creatives to production companies.”
“We have massive creative overload on the web. There is no quality control,” Parker said.
He also pointed out that in the UK, most creative companies “are less than 10 people” and that they don’t have any resources to invest in development. This is the “structural problem” that the new website aims to address.
“We have a lot of creative talent, a lot of...
Development guru Phil Parker is using this weekend’s London Screenwriters’ Festival (Oct 25-27) to launch an ambitious new website, BCre8ive.
“It could be a game changer, shaping the creative industries from a digital content point of view,” Parker said of the new site, co-founded with Hilary Beecroft.
BCre8ive is an online development resource that can help nurture new work from filmmakers, writers, game designers and illustrators. The site is aimed at everybody from “individual creatives to production companies.”
“We have massive creative overload on the web. There is no quality control,” Parker said.
He also pointed out that in the UK, most creative companies “are less than 10 people” and that they don’t have any resources to invest in development. This is the “structural problem” that the new website aims to address.
“We have a lot of creative talent, a lot of...
- 10/25/2013
- by geoffrey@macnab.demon.co.uk (Geoffrey Macnab)
- ScreenDaily
Shaun the Sheep is finally starring in his very own movie.
First seen in the Oscar winning short film A Close Shave, the world’s most famous sheep and his flock have been enthralling TV audiences in over 170 countries and has proved to be one of the studios most popular and endearing characters.
Aardman Animations will produce the movie debut of one of their most popular animated characters, while Studiocanal is financing and will distribute the film in UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand and handle international sales.
The film will be shot in Aardman’s trademark style of stop motion animation and is written and directed by Richard Starzak (aka Golly) and Mark Burton.
Synopsis: When Shaun’s mischief inadvertently leads to the Farmer being taken away from the farm, Shaun, Bitzer and the flock have to go into the big city to rescue him, setting the stage for an epic adventure.
First seen in the Oscar winning short film A Close Shave, the world’s most famous sheep and his flock have been enthralling TV audiences in over 170 countries and has proved to be one of the studios most popular and endearing characters.
Aardman Animations will produce the movie debut of one of their most popular animated characters, while Studiocanal is financing and will distribute the film in UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand and handle international sales.
The film will be shot in Aardman’s trademark style of stop motion animation and is written and directed by Richard Starzak (aka Golly) and Mark Burton.
Synopsis: When Shaun’s mischief inadvertently leads to the Farmer being taken away from the farm, Shaun, Bitzer and the flock have to go into the big city to rescue him, setting the stage for an epic adventure.
- 4/29/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Aardman Animations teams ups with French broadcasting giant StudioCanal to give Nick Park's creation his own movie
Shaun the Sheep, the animated character created by Wallace and Gromit's Nick Park, is to get his own movie, it was announced today.
Shaun first appeared in A Close Shave, the third Wallace and Gromit film from 1995 that went on to win the Oscar for best animated short. He then became the central character in a Cbbc TV series that was first broadcast in 2007. The film's plot is described as an "epic adventure" in which "Shaun, Bitzer and the flock have to go to the big city to rescue [the Farmer]".
The UK's Aardman Animations, which has created all the Wallace and Gromit films as well as more recent work such as Arthur Christmas and The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, is teaming up with the French-owned powerhouse StudioCanal to make the film.
Shaun the Sheep, the animated character created by Wallace and Gromit's Nick Park, is to get his own movie, it was announced today.
Shaun first appeared in A Close Shave, the third Wallace and Gromit film from 1995 that went on to win the Oscar for best animated short. He then became the central character in a Cbbc TV series that was first broadcast in 2007. The film's plot is described as an "epic adventure" in which "Shaun, Bitzer and the flock have to go to the big city to rescue [the Farmer]".
The UK's Aardman Animations, which has created all the Wallace and Gromit films as well as more recent work such as Arthur Christmas and The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, is teaming up with the French-owned powerhouse StudioCanal to make the film.
- 4/26/2013
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Shaun the Sheep will star in a solo movie in 2015.
Aardman Animations will team up with StudioCanal on the Wallace & Gromit spinoff.
Richard Starzak and Madagascar writer Mark Burton will pen and direct the movie.
"Shaun and his friends have a massive global following," said David Sproxton, executive chairman and co-founder of Aardman.
"We are very excited about being able to put them into a bigger adventure for the big screen."
Shaun the Sheep originally appeared in 1995's Wallace & Gromit in a Close Shave.
Aardman's previous claymation features include Chicken Run, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit and The Pirates! in an Adventure with Scientists.
Watch a trailer for The Pirates! in an Adventure with Scientists below:...
Aardman Animations will team up with StudioCanal on the Wallace & Gromit spinoff.
Richard Starzak and Madagascar writer Mark Burton will pen and direct the movie.
"Shaun and his friends have a massive global following," said David Sproxton, executive chairman and co-founder of Aardman.
"We are very excited about being able to put them into a bigger adventure for the big screen."
Shaun the Sheep originally appeared in 1995's Wallace & Gromit in a Close Shave.
Aardman's previous claymation features include Chicken Run, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit and The Pirates! in an Adventure with Scientists.
Watch a trailer for The Pirates! in an Adventure with Scientists below:...
- 4/25/2013
- Digital Spy
Shaun the Sheep will star in a solo movie in 2015.
Aardman Animations will team up with StudioCanal on the Wallace & Gromit spinoff.
Richard Starzak and Madagascar writer Mark Burton will pen and direct the movie.
"Shaun and his friends have a massive global following," said David Sproxton, executive chairman and co-founder of Aardman.
"We are very excited about being able to put them into a bigger adventure for the big screen."
Shaun the Sheep originally appeared in 1995's Wallace & Gromit in a Close Shave.
Aardman's previous claymation features include Chicken Run, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit and The Pirates! in an Adventure with Scientists.
Watch a trailer for The Pirates! in an Adventure with Scientists below:...
Aardman Animations will team up with StudioCanal on the Wallace & Gromit spinoff.
Richard Starzak and Madagascar writer Mark Burton will pen and direct the movie.
"Shaun and his friends have a massive global following," said David Sproxton, executive chairman and co-founder of Aardman.
"We are very excited about being able to put them into a bigger adventure for the big screen."
Shaun the Sheep originally appeared in 1995's Wallace & Gromit in a Close Shave.
Aardman's previous claymation features include Chicken Run, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit and The Pirates! in an Adventure with Scientists.
Watch a trailer for The Pirates! in an Adventure with Scientists below:...
- 4/25/2013
- Digital Spy
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