Sarah Smith partners with Double Negative and Elizabeth Murdoch to create Locksmith Animation
Something for UK CG animators to get excited about – producer Sarah Smith is partnering with Double Negative and Elizabeth Murdoch to create Locksmith Animation, a new CG animation studio dedicated to producing high-end animated feature films.
In recent years when thinking of theatrical, feature-length animation films made in the UK today, the thought is generally of Aardman who, though having produced features in CG, remain best-known for stop-motion, the medium that not only made them household names but also introduced us to their most iconic characters such as Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Rocky The Rooster. With so few companies currently producing theatrical animated features in the UK, there’s certainly room for expansion.
UK-led CG animated features, entertaining though they may have been, have seen disappointing results at the box office. Aardman (when partnered with Dreamworks)’s first CG effort Flushed Away was packed with the studio’s charm, but was ultimately not a theatrical success. When VFX studio Framestore took to the stage with The Tale Of Despereaux, the results again were disappointing despite a marvelous story. UK Film Council & Pathe released a feature film adaptation of The Magic Roundabout in 2005 and still had no luck even with adaptations of well known brands constantly perform well at the box office. Interestingly, though, none of these studios were dedicated to just making CG animation feature films, compared to the likes of Pixar and Dreamworks. So perhaps a CG dedicated studio will bring change to the CG world of the UK? Feature film adaptations of UK created properties Postman Pat (animated in Jordan) and Paddington Bear (mixed with live action) are coming out this year, could they possibly start a trend in box office hits for British animated features?
British CG Animation rarely has much luck
As for those involved, Sarah Smith started at Aardman in 2006 after creating and producing hit TV comedy shows such as Fist of Fun and The League of Gentlemen. Once working at Aardman she had her directorial debut in 2011 with Aardman’s own Arthur Christmas which she also co-wrote. Following on from that she was also a Co-Executive Producer on The Pirates! in an Adventure With Scientists! Arthur Christmas went on to be nominated for BAFTA’s, Golden Globes and Annies.
Sarah Smith directed Aardman CG Feature – Arthur Christmas
Smith states:
With animated films among the most beloved and successful movies in the world but still only a handful of producers out there, the U.K. offers Locksmith a unique opportunity, including a world-class CG visual FX industry, brilliant comedy writers and directors, outstanding children’s literature, the European animation talent pool, and government tax credits. We’re very excited that having attracted a visionary investor with global business skills in the shape of Lis Murdoch, and a globally acclaimed production partner in Double Negative, we have everything to make the most ambitious version of our vision achievable.
Double Negative (DNeg) is a company that needs no introduction. With Godzilla just around the corner, ready to smash cities and box office records, DNeg lent their handiwork for the visual effects of the film. Other films to feature the studio’s brilliant work include 2012, John Carter, Kick Ass, Harry Potter, Iron Man and The Pirates! in an Adventure with Scientists!
Double Negative’s managing director, Alex Hope says:
We’ve harbored ambitions to expand into feature animation for a long time. Working with the Locksmith team provides us with a unique opportunity to build our animation division in tandem with the development of Locksmith’s slate. We are thrilled to be partnering with Sarah and Elisabeth Murdoch in this exciting venture.
Last but certainly not least, Elizabeth Murdoch (daughter of Rupert) is the main shareholder in this new business after making a personal investment. Murdoch currently owns the media company Shine Limited which produces highly popular television shows such as The Biggest Loser, Got To Dance and Merlin, plans to be personally involved with the company and has high hopes for its future:
I am very excited about Locksmith Animation, and to have the opportunity to support Sarah’s vision for a new global animation studio based in the U.K.
Sarah and I share similar values: putting artists, writers and the audience at the heart of all of our endeavors, and telling stories that delight and inspire families worldwide. We also have complete faith in the ambitions and world-class talent of the U.K.’s creative community. I could not be more delighted to work with such a visionary leader, and the outstanding Double Negative.
We look forward to seeing what becomes of the venture and what it means for the future of the UK feature animation industry.
Source: Variety