So, due to several delays in updates thanks to my Major film
taking up all of my time, I’m hoping to make it up to you all by delivering the
final 3 of my “Gator looks” series, as well as my small tribute to animation
individuals and more "There be Monsters" work, once a day.
So let’s return to the United Kingdom to take a look at
another company close to home and my heart.
Cosgrove Hall Films/Cosgrove Hall Entertainment
This studio began as the former title, founded by Brian
Cosgrove and Mark Hall (former co-workers at Granada Television) in 1976.
Setting up home in Manchester, as a subsidiary animation studio to Thames
Television (and later Anglia Television and finally ITV), they produced some of
their most famous series; including “Danger Mouse” and “Count Duckula.” The
studio even produced a feature-length animated adaptation of “The BFG;” one of
the few Dahl adaptations that the original creator approved of. Now that wasn’t
an easy feat!
Of course, they weren’t all 2D productions; there were also CG
productions such as “Guess with Jess” and the multi award winning “Jakers! The
Adventures of Piggly-Winks.”
And don’t forget the numerous stop-motion series such as “Oakie-Doke,”
“Enjie Benjy,” and “The Wind in the Willows,” which also became a short film. Though
on this front, I best remember them for “The Sandman,” a stop-motion short film
which is best remembered for its beautifully stylized characters and the fact
that it’s nerve-shreddingly terrifying.
...I for one am not sleeping tonight.
Now this studio is without a doubt the one that’s dearest to
my heart. Cosgrove Hall produced many shows which were the backbone of my
childhood entertainment. “Oakie-Doke,” “Danger Mouse” and “Wind in the Willows”
were some of the first animated shows I ever watched; and the BFG is one of my favorite
films to date. It’s one of the main films that motivated me to become an
animator in the first place.
But
nostalgia aside, let me explain why this studio really was so great.
First of all, there’s its diversity. The studio explored all
three of the major animation styles and mastered them to create incredibly
entertaining content. But what amazes me is that their style is so distinct
that it can easily transfer across these mediums. I can look at Danger Mouse
and see Wind in the Willows, or I could look at the BFG and see a resemblance
to…that nightmare fuel
GAH! GET OUT OF HERE!
Anyway, as I was saying, their style and characters are
instantly recognizable whether they are drawings, puppets or computer graphics.
While the characters themselves are wildly diverse in personality and
appearance, you could imagine them existing in the same world, the Cosgrove
Hall world, and that takes an incredible amount of talent.
I’ve also loved how their animation feels rather real and
grounded. Even in Danger Mouse and Duckula, shows which thrived on being
ridiculous (you can’t make a vegetarian vampire duck serious; trust me you’re
not going to be seeing “The Duck Knight Rises” any time soon).
All the
characters were animated with a genuine weight to them. The BFG felt genuinely
large and lumbering, the animals of the Wind in the Willows felt small but
grand in their mannerisms. It gave these vast, fantastical worlds a real sense
of believability, and it made them much more convincing when I watched them as
a child, even a little now when I know the mechanics. That shows you’re doing
your job right.
I guess that’s why Sandman still comes across as creepy to
this day, because he leaps around with a very realistic presence, you could
imagine that large blue vulture leaping around a child’s room. Take a look and
judge for yourself. You’re welcome for introducing you to an incredible piece
of work, but apologies in advance for the night terrors.
However, sadly, all good things must come to an end, and in
2008 the majority of the studios staff were made redundant, Cosgrove Hall
finally closing its doors in 2009. All that was left was the legacy of
fantastic animation and timeless characters they had left behind…
…UNTIL 2011!
Yes I wasn’t going to end on a sad note was I? In 2011
Cosgrove Hall Entertainment rose up from the ashes like a glorious animated
phoenix. The studio is currently working on two brand new productions titled “Pip!”
and “HeroGliffix,” and once again Brian Cosgrove is at the helm, this time
with Simon Hall (Mark’s son) at his side after Mark Halls passing. Here’s to a
bright future for the newly revived studio which brought us so much wonderful
animation!
Next time, we’ll be traveling across the pond once again
(this is like country table tennis) to see a studio that was also a huge part
of my childhood.
…now all I have to do is try and get some rest without
thinking about that Sand…
...oh dear
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