Lupus Films Head Out on a Bear Hunt
Channel 4 have commissioned Lupus Films to adapt classic children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury into animated form for Christmas 2016.
Lupus, who recently announced the full voice cast for their upcoming hand drawn feature film based on Raymond Brigg’s tribute to his parents Ethel & Ernest are probably best known as the makers of the seasonal hit The Snowman and the Snowdog which received over 11 million views when the short was aired on Christmas Day 2012. Channel 4 is hoping that they can bring the same magic to another beloved children’s book.
For those unfamiliar with the 25 year old bedtime favourite here is what to expect…
When Stan, Katie, Rosie, Max, the baby and Rufus the dog are left home alone one day before Christmas after their parents go the rescue of Grandma, the children decide it would be fun to go on a bear hunt, spurred on by Katie’s love of grizzly bears. After swishing and swashing through the long grass, splashing and sploshing through rivers and squilching and squelching through mud, Rufus the dog picks up the scent of a bear…
Author of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Michael Rosen says:
“I am absolutely delighted that Channel 4 has commissioned this animation. Lupus have a great record in this field and I am very excited to be part of the project. Helen Oxenbury’s wonderful art work provides a powerful family saga, full of imagined or real trials and these pictures will give a basis for a moving Christmas drama.”
Jay Hunt, Channel 4 Chief Creative Officer, says:
“Going on a Bear Hunt is a magical book that will be brought alive for a whole new audience by Lupus Films. I can’t wait.”
Ruth Fielding, producer, says:
“We’re delighted that Channel 4 have commissioned us to retell this classic story and bring to life its beautiful illustrations with our hand drawn animation style. We hope audiences will enjoy the film for many years to come.”
Illustrator Helen Oxenbury says:
“I’m so looking forward to seeing the book brought to life in this way. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring We’re Going on a Bear Hunt to even more children and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt was commissioned by Jay Hunt, Channel 4 Chief Creative Officer, and Piers Wenger, Channel 4 Head of Drama. Producers are Ruth Fielding and Camilla Deakin while Helen McAleer and Julia Posen are Executive Producers for Walker Productions. Joanna Harrison and Robin Shaw are co-directors.
See author Michael Rosen perform the book here