Know Your Europeans: The United Kingdom – Released Online
With the recent Brexit decision worrying creatives have been questioning their alliance with Europe and their identity as a nation. One film that surmised the British in full comedic clarity is the 1994 film Know Your Europeans: The United Kingdom.
The film was directed by Bob Godfrey and produced by Halas and Batchelor (with financial assistance from the EU) and was the final film produced by the company before the death of John Halas in 1995.
The short was part of a proposed series that would have demonstrated the foibles of different european nations through various directors. The first is a cheery look at the British nation introduced and led by Prince Charles himself featuring the biting wit of Bob Godfrey’s expressive, comic animation.
The short has been released online today. Look out for a familiar looking boxer/Henry 8th, and listen out for the voice talents of Red Dwarf’s Chris Barrie alongside the director.
Direction: Bob Godfrey
Script: Colin Pearson
Design: Bob Godfrey
Animation: Kevin Baldwin, Jeff Goldner, Neil Salmon, Oliver Brown
Editor: Tony Fish
Music: Sir Arthur Sullivan adapted and arranged by Rowlen Lee
The short is also available as part of the DVD accompanying the book Halas and Batchelor Cartoons: An animated history by Vivien Halas and Paul Wells.
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