UK Animation makes a big splash at Cartoon Forum
Cartoon Forum! A place where animation dreams take flight and industry giants rub elbows with emerging talent. This year it was held from 18th to 21st September in Toulouse, France, and it was nothing short of spectacular. One of the major highlights from this year was the “Animated UK Meets Europe” event, a 90-minute session that showcased five British creative teams pitching their projects in development to a packed out Blue Room. The event was created by Animation UK in partnership with the BBC, Disney+, Warner Bros Discovery, and Sky who collaborated on this unique opportunity to allow the UK back into Cartoon Forum for the first time post-Brexit.
Duck and Frog
Duck and Frog (Source: BBC)
Duck & Frog kicked off the Animated UK Meets Europe event with a splash, setting a high bar and perfectly capturing the essence of what was to come. The series, a dialogue-free, slapstick comedy, is the brainchild of creator Sam Shaw. From the very beginning, Shaw’s passion for the project was palpable, radiating from his detailed telling about his love for all things ducks! A major highlight about this pitch was how evident it was that Sun & Moon Studios, the producers of the series, recognised Shaw’s talent and nurtured it with the utmost care, ensuring that his vision was brought to life in the most authentic way possible and encouraged him. Sarah Muller from the BBC encapsulated the essence of the show when she said, “Non-dialogue comedy is deceptively hard to do, and it’s the strength of these characters that Sun and Moon have shown.” As the first project showcased at the event, Duck & Frog not only set the tone but also stood out as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and sheer passion for UK animation.
Huggy the Huggasaurus
Huggy the Hugasaurus (Source: Yamination Studios/Three Wise Entertainment)
From the creative minds of West Midlands-based creators Drew Roper and Michael Ford comes Huggy the Huggasaurus, a delightful stop-motion animation series tailored for preschoolers. Spanning 78 episodes, this series introduces audiences to Huggy, the world’s very first “Hugasaurus.” With an innate love for hugging, Huggy navigates her way through a world filled with feelings, fun, and first-time experiences. However, as she embarks on her adventures, Huggy learns a valuable lesson: not all problems can be hugged away. Alongside Huggy are a range of emotional characters, or Emota-saurs, such as Grummble, Wobble, and Flappy, each representing a different emotion. The series aims to help young viewers recognise, understand, and express their feelings in a healthy and constructive manner. Notably, Huggy the Huggasaurus was one of the clear standouts during the “Animated UK Meets Europe” session at Cartoon Forum, distinguishing itself as the only stop-motion project presented. It’s cute, quirky, loveable animation style, combined with its heartwarming message, undoubtedly left a lasting impression on attendees!
The Wolfbjorns
The Wolfbjorns (Source: BBC Studios)
The Wolfbjorns is a captivating 52-episode, 2D animated series tailored for the 7-10 age group. Produced by the renowned BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions, this series offers a delightful twist on Viking tales. It chronicles the misadventures of the Wolfbjorn family, a boisterous clan of Vikings, as they navigate the challenges of integrating their wild Viking lifestyle into a contemporary seaside town named Orderley-On-Sea. Ulf, the young protagonist, is fervently trying to find his place in this new world, while his father, Birger, juggles between his innate Viking prowess and the demands of modern homemaking. The series is peppered with quirky characters like Eric, the ghostly grandad who has a vendetta against local seagulls, and Sue, their pet pig who believes she’s a descendant of Odin. Although the creator, Liam Swann, couldn’t be present at the event, his colleagues took the mantle and presented his brainchild with such enthusiasm and dedication that Liam’s passion and vision for the project shone through brilliantly. The essence of the show, which seamlessly blends historical elements with contemporary humor and breaks the fourth wall to engage the audience is one not to be missed.
Pleasure Beach
Pleasure Beach (Source: Nexus Studios)
The only adult series of this group made a big impact with it’s pitch that had the audience in absolute stitches from start to finish. Set in the nostalgic Branbourne Pier, Pleasure Beach produced by Nexus Studios and supported by Disney+, delves deep into the life of Peter Gregg, the well-intentioned but often misguided pier manager. Under his leadership, the once-thriving Branbourne Pier has seen better days, its grandeur faded and its attractions in disrepair. But Peter, ever the optimist, is determined to restore the pier to its former glory, even if his methods are a tad unconventional. Assisting him in this Herculean task is Jean Grover, a young woman who started working at the pier as a summer job but finds herself stuck there eight years later, and Jazz Rapido, the quirky events coordinator with grand visions but not always the means to realise them. Together, this trio navigates the challenges of reviving a failing business, dealing with eccentric side characters, and managing the unpredictable events that only a place like Branbourne Pier can throw at them. Co-created by director Laurie Rowan and the sharp-witted comedian Sean McLoughlin, Pleasure Beach is a surreal workplace comedy that brilliantly captures the essence of ambition, camaraderie, and the occasional absurdity of life.
Magic Animal Friends
Magic Animal Friends (Source: Coolabi Productions, Paper Owl Films)
Magic Animal Friends is not just another animated series; it’s a heartwarming journey into the enchanted realms of Friendship Forest. Based on the globally acclaimed book series by Daisy Meadows, this 46-episode, 2D animated series, complemented by three special 22-minute episodes, is designed for the young audience aged 4-7. The narrative revolves around the adventures of two eight-year-old best friends, Lily and Jess. As they step into the sparkling world of Friendship Forest, they’re introduced to a myriad of magical creatures, with the flamboyant and fashion-forward cat, Goldie, taking center stage. Goldie, with his big heart and penchant for flattery, becomes their guide in this magical world. Throughout their adventures, the trio frequently finds themselves in whimsical predicaments, but it’s their bond and the friendships they forge along the way that help them navigate through the challenges. The series beautifully encapsulates the essence of friendship, emphasising that even in a world filled with magic, the most potent spell is the bond shared between friends. Not only did the series and pitch come across amazing, but gifting every audience member with a handcrafted friendship bracelet was a lovely touch!
So, there you have it! Animated UK Meets Europe was a dynamic panel of creativity, innovation, and, most importantly, storytelling. Whether you’re an industry veteran or a newbie looking to make your mark, this event was a testament to the ever-evolving world of animation. Until next year, keep those pencils sketching and those imaginations running wild!