S Poddar
The co-creator of Wallace and Gromit is hopeful there will be a further film starring the characters, citing that they are just so much fun to bring to life.
The duo’s latest adventure, Vengeance Most Fowl, caused waves at the BAFTAs on Sunday when it collected two gongs. It won the Best Animated Film award and the newly established Best Children’s and Family Film award.
Peter Lord, co-founder of Bristol-based Aardman Studios, was overwhelmed with pride at the film’s success and popularity. He attributed the universal popularity of Wallace and Gromit to creator Nick Park’s sheer enthusiasm and artistic vision.
Looking back on how the film has been received, Lord expressed his enthusiasm, explaining, “I think we’ve all been so thrilled with the success of this movie that we think, ‘Yes, we want to do that again.’ Not because it’s good business—although it is—but because it’s so fun to bring those characters into the world.”
He said that Aardman does not produce Wallace and Gromit to sell them to children or families but follows what they enjoy as producers. “That’s the only honest thing we can do,” he stated. “If you’re lucky, and if you’ve somehow got the magic touch as Nick obviously has, it ends up appealing to everyone.”
The return of Feathers McGraw, the infamous supervillain, in Vengeance Most Fowl was a special treat for fans. The combination of humor, adventure, and charm in the film has cemented its status as another fan favorite in the Wallace and Gromit franchise.
Lord was deeply thankful for the overwhelming support from the audience, stating, “Believe me, we really appreciate it. We love the way everyone loves it. It’s great.”
Inspiriting young animators, he talked about how easy stop-motion is with the latest technology. “It’s actually very easy. Just use some toy cars or a piece of plasticine and bring them to life using a smartphone. Do it for pleasure because it’s a wonderful thing, and then just keep on doing it. Like any other form of art, it needs patience, but it’s not hard.”
Lord wishes that Aardman’s movies will get young creatives thinking about professional careers in animation. He underscored the range of jobs involved in the profession, stating, “There are so many different jobs—music, painting, making, electricians, riggers, lighting. When we began, we had no notion of how many individuals it would take to make these films, but now, in Bristol, we have an entire range of fantastic talents on our payroll.”
With the ongoing popularity of Wallace and Gromit and the inspiration fueling Aardman Studios, it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest to see the classic couple involved in yet another unrememberable adventure anytime soon.
