Skwigly Animation Podcast – 100th Episode!
Today on Skwigly we’re enormously proud to present our landmark 100th episode of the Skwigly Animation Podcast!
In this episode we welcome back Tomm Moore and meet Ross Stewart of Cartoon Saloon, directors of the stunning new feature film Wolfwalkers that is released in cinemas from October 26th and will be available on Apple TV+ from December 11th. Starring Honor Kneafsey, Eva Whittaker and Sean Bean with music by Bruno Coulais and Kíla, the film is Tomm Moore’s third feature-length outing following his hugely acclaimed previous films The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea.
In a time of superstition and magic, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe, journeys to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack. While exploring the forbidden lands outside the city walls, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. As they search for Mebh’s missing mother, Robyn uncovers a secret that draws her further into the enchanted world of the Wolfwalkers and risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy.
We also welcome back previous podcast guest Glen Keane to discuss his new CG feature Over the Moon. Released today on Netflix, the film boasts a cast led by newcomer Cathy Ang alongside Phillipa Soo, Robert G. Chiu, Ken Jeong, John Cho, Ruthie Ann Miles, Emmy nominee Margaret Cho , three time SAG winner Kimiko Glenn, Artt Butler and two time Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh. A legendary Disney vet, Glen Keane has since made the films Duet with Google Spotlight Stories as well as Dear Basketball with co-director Kobe Bryant, which won Best Animated Short at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018.
Fueled with determination and a passion for science, a bright young girl builds a rocket ship to the moon to prove the existence of a legendary Moon Goddess. There she ends up on an unexpected quest, and discovers a whimsical land of fantastical creatures. Directed by animation legend Glen Keane, and produced by Gennie Rim and Peilin Chou, Over the Moon is an exhilarating musical adventure about moving forward, embracing the unexpected, and the power of imagination.
Also joining us for this episode is Vanessa Harryhausen, daughter of the legendary Ray Harryhausen and author of the new book Ray Harryhausen: Titan of Cinema .that will be on sale from October 26th from all good book sellers, with 200 limited edition signed copies available from National Galleries Scotland.
The book accompanies an exhibition of the same name, described as “the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of Ray’s work to date, featuring previously unseen materials and newly restored models from his most beloved films” that takes place at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern 2 building) from October 24th through to September 2021.
Also discussed in this episode: The evolution of digital film festivals from our various perspectives as programmers, attendees and filmmakers, upcoming highlights from Manchester Animation Festival and Cardiff Animation Festival, the arbitrary furore of Disney’s updated content warnings and the site-breaking popularity of Vivziepop – plus we read out messages from the Skwigly audience.
Direct download here or stream the episode below:
Presented by Ben Mitchell, Steve Henderson, Laura-Beth Cowley and Aaron Wood.
Interviews conducted by Ben Mitchell and Steve Henderson
Edited and produced by Ben Mitchell
Music by Ben Mitchell