The Smeds and The Smoos is a 2022 British animated short film directed by Samantha Cutler and Daniel Snaddon. The film is the screen adaptation produced by Magic Light Pictures of the homonymous children's book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.[1] The story follows two warring clans of aliens on their journey from prejudice and intolerance to kindness and friendship.[2][3]
| The Smeds and the Smoos | |
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| Based on | The Smeds and the Smoos by Julia Donaldson |
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| Starring | |
| Edited by | Robin Sales |
| Music by | René Aubry |
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Running time | 26 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
Plot
editBill and Janet, two aliens from warring clans, have been taught to despise their neighbours. When they fall in love and run away together, their families are forced to come together and set their differences aside in order to find them and bring them home. Along their journey across the galaxy searching of Bill and Janet, the Smeds and the Smoos will unexpectedly become friends.[1][4]
Cast
edit- Sally Hawkins as the Narrator
- Ashna Rabheru as Janet
- Daniel Ezra as Bill
- Adjoa Andoh as Grandmother Smoo
- Bill Bailey as Grandfather Smed
- Rob Brydon as Uncle Smoo
- Meera Syal as Aunt Smed
Production
editThe Smeds and The Smoos was produced by the studio Magic Light Pictures. According to producer Barney Goodland, the production began in early 2021 and involved 140 people over the course of two years.[5]
The film was animated with the 3D animation program Autodesk Maya and rendered using the Redishift rendering software.[5] The characters in the film, as well as the backgrounds and the overall design of the world are inspired by the original book illustrations by Alex Scheffler.[5]
Release
editThe film was first released on 25 December 2022 on BBC1 as a Christmas special.[6]
Reception
editAccolades
editThe film received several official selections in film festivals around the world, including:
| Year | Festivals | Award/Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Shanghai International TV Festival | Magnolia Award for Best Animation[7] | Nominated |
| Magnolia Award for Best Storytelling (Animation)[7] | Nominated | ||
| 2023 | NYC International Children's Film Festival | Audience Award (Ages 3–6)[8] | Won |
| Cleveland International Film Festival | Best Animation[9] | Nominated |
References
edit- ^ a b Yossman, K. J. (13 December 2022). "Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler on the BBC, Magic Light Adaptation of 'The Smeds and the Smoos'". Variety. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ Yossman, K. J. (28 September 2022). "First Look Image: Bill Bailey, 'Bridgerton's' Adjoa Andoh in Julia Donaldson's 'The Smeds and The Smoos'". Variety. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ Giltrow, Sam (3 October 2022). "Magic Light offers first look at animation The Smeds and the Smoos". Licensing.biz. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ Skwigly (2 December 2022). "Trailer released for Magic Light's 'The Smeds and the Smoos'". Skwigly Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ a b c "Magic Light's 'The Smeds and the Smoos' Animates a Star-Crossed Alien Tale (NEW TRAILER)". www.animationmagazine.net. Archived from the original on 15 January 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ Nicholas Cannon (23 December 2022). "The Smeds and the Smoos — air date, voice cast, plot, trailer, interviews, furst looks and all about the Christmas animation". whattowatch.com. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ a b "Overview of the Magnolia Awards Nominations: Mysteries and Romance in the World of Animation". www.stvf.com. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "The Smeds and the Smoos". New York Int'l Children's Film Festival. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ^ The Smeds and the Smoos (2022) | MUBI, archived from the original on 15 January 2024, retrieved 17 November 2023