Thursday, December 30, 2010

The Snowman

I had quite a few Illustration majors enrolled in my classes last semester, and several of them seemed almost apologetic for wanting to focus their careers on children's picture books and not animation. I assured them that the two often influence one another and have a great deal in common, including character design, storytelling, staging, and (at times) backgrounds. There are dozens of examples of picture books having been adapted into everything from simple animated shorts, like this early rendition of "Where the Wild Things Are" by Weston Woods , to feature length CGI films like the 2008 adaptation of Dr. Seuss' "Horton Hears a Who!". But few adaptations retain the look and spirit of the original like the 1982 BBC Channel 4's 26 minute animated version of author Illustrator Raymond Briggs' picture book "The Snowman".



Aside from the introduction (two versions exist, one featuring a very blond David Bowie) and the now classic song (shown above), which was sung by a young Peter Auty, the film is wordless, as is the picture book it was based upon. The animation retains the look of Briggs' sensitive colored pencil illustrations because it is hand animated in colored pencil on frosted cel vinyl, which is truly a monumental achievement and an almost unimaginable undertaking by today's standards. The film was brought about by independent Producer John Coates, who in 1981 seized upon Channel 4's call for new independent projects and teamed up with late Director and animator Dianne Jackson.  Jackson animated the snowmen's Christmas party sequence herself. The sequence where the boy his brought by the Snowman to meet Father Christmas was also added by Jackson. Author Briggs was not pleased by the addition, though critics agreed that the added sequence felt like a natural extension of the original tale.

                                                      The Snowman, left, and author/ illustrator Briggs, right

Though Coates had to mortgage his home and hit up The Snowman's original publisher, Hamish Hamilton, to supplement Channel 4's original investment and enable the film to be completed, the gamble paid off. The film was broadcast to great acclaim during Channel 4's first Christmas. It has been a holiday classic for British audiences ever since, and has continued on to success in other Countries through DVD and soundtrack sales. I personally saw it for the first time when we had a screening of it in 1989 at Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida. At that time we were told that it was one of veteran Disney animator Glen Keane's favorite animated shorts, and it's easy to see why.

View Part1, Part 2, and Part 3 The quality of the uploads on YouTube is quite poor in comparison to the DVD quality.

Official website: http://www.thesnowman.co.uk/home.htm

 

56 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Aw man, no christmas for me without hearing this song.
    I live in Scandinavia, and even here "the Snowman" was shown in the hollidays, but I'm not sure if it's taken off the program these days.
    Finally read throug the whole blog, and I found a lot of interesting and inspirering stuff, so thank you for a great blog, hope you will get to update it again some time :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks Sandra! The blog will have plenty of updates again soon as the Spring semester gets under way!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I grew up with this movie and it's always been special to me- I even played the Dance of the Snowmen song on piano for a family member's walk down the aisle. Is it my imagination, or was there a sort of sequel with a girl and a polar bear? I distinctly remember a scene animated in a very similar fashion where the polar bear had an "accident" on the girl's stairs.

    ReplyDelete
  5. There is 7 version of walking in the air theme.
    - Nightwish
    - Aled Jones
    - Bernard Cribbins & Peter Auty
    - George Winston
    - Hayley Westenra
    - Peter Auty
    -St Phillip Boys Choir

    ReplyDelete
  6. There is 7 version of walking in the air theme.
    - Nightwish
    - Aled Jones
    - Bernard Cribbins & Peter Auty
    - George Winston
    - Hayley Westenra
    - Peter Auty
    -St Phillip Boys Choir

    ReplyDelete
  7. There is 7 version of walking in the air theme.
    - Nightwish
    - Aled Jones
    - Bernard Cribbins & Peter Auty
    - George Winston
    - Hayley Westenra
    - Peter Auty
    -St Phillip Boys Choir

    ReplyDelete

  8. xender download
    xender apps
    xender web
    xender software

    I'm not so confortable with organizing big scenes: large decor with characters.

    ReplyDelete





  9. Excellent Blog! I would like to thank for the efforts you have made in writing this post. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. I wanted to thank you for this websites! Thanks for sharing. Great websites!

    https://apkfasak.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. gamekiller
    gamekiller app
    gamekiller apk
    gamekiller download
    I wanted to thank you for this websites! Thanks for sharing. Great websites!

    ReplyDelete
  11. https://approvedcrack.com/sony-vegas-crack-torrent/
    Sony VEGAS Pro Crack is a video composing software that mostly use in video editing and composing the audio.

    ReplyDelete
  12. https://beautycare.id/ The writing is very beautiful to read. Hopefully we can continue to work and provide benefits to readers https://buatanbandung.com/ The explanation is very easy to follow the solution. http://englishforit.net/ Hopefully the information will continue to grow and continue to be useful for everyone. And don't forget to be healthy and happy https://garut.tv/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Islamabad Escorts make it simple to get Escorts in Islamabad. Model subtleties like stature, age and some other data are referenced in the model profiles. The sexual administrations of Islamabad accompanies range from butt-centric and profound sensual caresses to BDSM. They have all you require to make your visit remarkable. Select the young lady and call us. In the wake of tolerating the terms, you can check a brilliant for the young lady to go to your lodging in Islamabad. Rates are debatable and rely upon the young ladies and the ideal assistance.

    ReplyDelete
  14. As her name Jeny Roy is delicate, sweet and very hot Delhi Escorts young lady. This little sweet young lady is only 21 years of age, however she is unquestionably not one to neglect. Jeny Roy has a smoking hot physical make-up and her dark hair and shocking face make her your beauty queen.
    Karachi Escorts
    Islamabad Escorts
    Lahore Call Girls

    ReplyDelete
  15. 온라인카지노 I am very happy to discover your post as it will become on top in my collection of favorite blogs to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  16. 바카라사이트 This magnificent perform I love this website

    ReplyDelete
  17. 토토사이트 You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers.

    ReplyDelete
  18. If you are interested in blogging, this is a very informative and interesting article. This article was awesome! Check out this article about CPS Test Online. Clicking faster is the key. This will allow you to click faster.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Im obliged for the blog post. Really Cool. 토토

    ReplyDelete
  20. If you wish for to grow your familiarity simply keep visiting this web page and be updated with the latest news posted here.파친코사이트

    ReplyDelete
  21. 스포츠중계 I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one these days.|

    ReplyDelete
  22. 스포츠토토 wow... what a great blog, this writter who wrote this article it's realy a great blogger, this article so inspiring me to be a better person

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi there, 바카라사이트 this weekend is pleasant in favor οf me,
    since this moment i am reading this grеat educational article һere
    аt my hοme.

    ReplyDelete
  24. 스포츠토토티비 What’s up, yes this paragraph is really good and I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging.

    thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Your way of explaining everything in this paragraph is actually nice,
    all can simply know it, Thanks a lot.


    https://www.safecasinosite.net

    ReplyDelete
  26. Soundpad Serial Key Free is a professional and easy-to-read player. It is the most effective and most comprehensive tool for managing media players. It assists users in organizing their media player’s files and folders and then adapting them to their requirements. This produces and controls voice and sound via microphones and speakers. Adjusts the volume of the audio. It is possible to utilize the SoundPad to remove ringtones and ringtones that are triggered during a conversation. You can also track as well as manage the files on your device through analyzing as well as testing the performance of your gadget.
    Dropbox Offline Installer
    ABL3 VST Crack Mac Free Download

    GraphPad Prism Full Cracked
    Avast Premium Security Torrent

    ReplyDelete
  27. Character And Creature Design Notes: The Snowman >>>>> Download Now

    >>>>> Download Full

    Character And Creature Design Notes: The Snowman >>>>> Download LINK

    >>>>> Download Now

    Character And Creature Design Notes: The Snowman >>>>> Download Full

    >>>>> Download LINK M1

    ReplyDelete
  28. The great writer is one that knows the best about the things that surrounds us. Your writings have proved to me that you are really a knowledgeable person. Your words have glued me to the articles you have produced. New best Hindi and English Sex Stories for free, sex stories hindi, Indian sexy stories daily, hot girls, bhabhi and aunties. फ्री सेक्स कहानी ka मजा लें.
    sex stories in hindi

    ReplyDelete
  29. New best Hindi and English Sex Stories for free, sex stories hindi, Indian sexy stories daily, hot girls, bhabhi and aunties. फ्री सेक्स कहानी ka मजा लें.
    hindi fuck stories

    ReplyDelete
  30. I enjoy your post. Your post is helpful to me. Thank you for sharing. Butterfly Clicking is a faster technique to test mouse left and right button clicking speed with the index and middle finger. Check out the blog butterfly cps test and test your mouse clicking speed.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thankyou for sharing this post with us.

    Hariyali Teej 2022: The momentous day is almost approaching. Women in North India, particularly in the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, celebrate Hartalika Teej. which is observed with great fanfare and opulence, commemorates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Hariyali Teej, also known as Shravani Teej, Choti Teej, and Madhusarva Teej, is regarded as a significant event for married ladies, similar to the Karwa Chauth. In Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, where the event is known as Gawri Habba, ladies also celebrate Hariyali Teej.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Very heart touching story of this snowman. It looks very cute in snow days. Now it's time to avail Hi Viz Vest for more information.

    ReplyDelete
  33. hanging packaging needs to be the right size as well. You should not choose a box that is really large as it does not look good. Consumers get the wrong impression of the product within. You will also need to pay more money for the packaging material. If you get the correct size box, it can securely package the product within. It will even be less expensive.
    To make your packaging look unique, you can choose a different shape box. The shape can then stand out.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Traditional plastic dissolve are designed to be used once and then thrown away. Compostable and eco-friendly bags, on the other hand, can be reused multiple times before they need to be composted.

    ReplyDelete
  35. very helpfull information for me thnks.
    Everyluxury cottages in Bhurban are built to meet all modern facilities of a family, enhancing the beauty of Natural Scene in Bhurban meadows.

    ReplyDelete
  36. This is a very informative and interesting blog. Thank you for sharing. ehallpass

    ReplyDelete
  37. Its an amazing infomative blog. Thanks a lot for sharing Demon Slayer Pajama

    ReplyDelete
  38. Experience the profound impact of R&M Healing Buddha's energy healing regardless of your location. With a global reach, they offer remote sessions that are as effective as in-person ones, ensuring healing knows no bounds.

    pranic healing

    ReplyDelete
  39. "One of the best things about thekat movie is its compatibility with various devices, ensuring seamless streaming experiences across platforms."

    ReplyDelete
  40. "The adaptability of login Ehall is impressive. It caters not only to educational institutions or workplaces but also to various events and venues, making it a versatile and invaluable tool for managing access and ensuring safety wherever it's implemented."

    ReplyDelete
  41. "Cracking the code with style! 💡🔐 try hard puzzle is the ultimate challenge for word enthusiasts."

    ReplyDelete
  42. Raiderlinksttu login Portal Enhancing the student experience with smart design and functionality."

    ReplyDelete
  43. ehallpass offers a seamless solution for schools, streamlining the process of managing hall passes and ensuring better supervision of students moving around campus."

    ReplyDelete
  44. download milestone credit card app are like tiny snapshots of joy, capturing those precious moments that pass by too quickly. They're not just cards; they're memory keepers!"

    ReplyDelete
  45. Enjoy premium features of MOD-editor downloads without needing in-app purchases, giving you a taste of exclusivity

    ReplyDelete