Dec 15, 2012

New traditional "Snowman" for Channel 4

At 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Channel 4 in the UK will air the sequel to the classic animated feature The Snowman. Based on the classic story by Raymond Briggs and directed by Jimmy Murakami and Diane Jackson, this original animated special has been a favorite of viewers around the world since it first aired in 1982.

Now, exactly 30 years later, "Snowman and Snowdog" will air as part of a commemorative program celebrating the original. Written and directed by Hilary Audus, storyboard artist for the original show and a key animator on Briggs' animated adaptation. The late John Coates (the original producer) apparently approved the production before his death.

Whether or not the new show has the charm of the original, the production is clearly old school, and this excellent behind-the-scenes promo (below) shows the staff's sincere attempt to maintain traditional standards.