Chicken Run 2 UK Premiere!
In the world of animation, there are certain moments that leave an indelible mark on our creative journey, infusing it with both inspiration and a dash of nostalgia. The UK premiere of Chicken Run 2, a monumental event hosted at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall in London, was undoubtedly one such moment.
The original Chicken Run, which graced the silver screen in the year 2000, holds a special place in the hearts of both my co-director, Gary Carse, and myself. This cinematic gem served as the catalyst for our shared passion for animation, setting the course for our respective careers. The experience of attending the premiere of its sequel was deeply contemplative and emotional, emphasizing the incredible influence that childhood fascinations can have on one's life journey.
The green carpet leading to the Royal Festival Hall was teeming with excitement. Cameras flashed, fans chatted animatedly, and industry professionals mingled. It was a moment of reflection for Gary and me as we contemplated our journey from being kids who first watched the original film 23 years ago to standing together at an industry milestone we could only dream of as children.
The film itself was a delightful adventure, a quintessential Aardman creation tailored for the whole family. While both Gary and I noted that the sequel seemed to miss the edgy excitement of the original, it undeniably provided an enjoyable viewing experience. We eagerly await its release on Netflix in December, knowing that soon everyone can partake in the sequel's undeniable charm.
The zenith of the evening was the unveiling of the character maquettes. These meticulously crafted models evoked a wave of nostalgia as they brought to life the iconic characters - Ginger, Rocky, Babs, and more. The artistry on display by the talented team at Aardman Animation and the maquette specialists, Mckinnon and Saunders, was nothing short of breathtaking.
This moment served as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of storytelling. In this instance, it was a tale of poultry plotting their escape from a farm, yet it played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of both Gary and me. It is a testament to the profound influence that childhood passions can have, which is a thought that resonates deeply with our work with young people today.
We often hear concerns from parents about their children spending excessive time playing video games or watching television. In our case, these very interests laid the foundation for our careers. We evolved from being enthusiasts who enjoyed watching animation to becoming creators of animation. Our hope is that, in the years to come, young individuals in Stoke and beyond will find themselves in contemplative moments, reminiscing about their own journeys and how they, too, pursued their dreams whilst looking at work created at Carse & Waterman.
For those interested in learning more about our community engagement efforts, please feel free to reach out to us at info@carseandwaterman.com.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Daniel