Mid Seventies Child

This is a somewhat inevitable post, so let’s just get it out the way. As a toddler of the seventies there are a number of animations (and puppet programmes) that I remember fondly, or more accurately remember feeling fondly about: Mr Benn, Bagpuss, Ivor the Engine, Bod, Why Don’t You, Words and Pictures (with Wordy), You and Me… etc.

I don’t really remember what happened in Bod, but I remember the simple design and catchy songs. Years later when revisiting the series for nostalgic purposes I was interested to discover the voiceover was done by the deadpan John Le Mesurier of Dad’s Army fame. What a wonderful voice: not patronising and not over emphasising words (God I hate that when kid’s presenters O-ver-pro-now-nence-ev-er-ee-thin-g).

I think Bagpuss is an amazing piece of work. Made be the highly inspirational combination of Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin. The characters are very distinct visually as well as in personality. There is a geniune charm to the films that I think stems from the handmade feel (and I mean handmade as in tailored, not as in cobbled together). Also I suspect this reflects a lack of interference from committees and ‘executives’. Most of all I like the folksy nature of the piece as a whole. It feels geniunely like a British creation. Something that stems from the creative roots of the UK and times past. It’s wistful without being sad. It’s timeless.

Mr Benn was a distinct favourite for me as a young lad. I think perhaps that his ability to just wander up the road and become someone else in a different time was incredibly appealing to a shy young whipper snapper like myself. Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised I became a writer – that is your job in a sense – imagine you’re someone else somewhere else!

It would be interesting to hear from other people – what they watched and liked as a kid – especially from other countries where I might not be aware of a classic toon.

Note Book Babies

Anthony is a teacher… and an animator… and he’s created some sweet and simple animations for his primary school classes. His project is called Note Book Babies and he’s recently started posting his toons on YouTube, (he joined on the 1st Jan 08 which is very neat and tidy of him). The style is like naive art, presumably to help his audience identify with his gawky, lovable creatures. They remind me a little of those Ugly Dolls of which my nephew is so fond!

Find out more about Note Book Babies here:

http://www.notebookbabies.com/index.htm

http://uk.youtube.com/user/notebookbabies

Frankenstein’s Cat

From the imagination of Curtis Jobling and realised by Mackinnon and Saudners comes Frankenstein’s Cat. Nine is the eponymous frankenpet hero hilariously voiced by Joe Pasquale. His opposite number is Lottie, the only girl in the rather backward village of Oddsburg. The show should appeal to boys and girls with the two strong leads.

Interestingly enough this isn’t the first Frankenstein’s Cat. Mighty Mouse met up with a similarly named feline way back in 1942.

Welcome from the Kids Animation Weblog!

Welcome to the kids animation weblog. While doing some research for kids animation and tv blogs recently I really struggled to find anything that coherent or interesting. So I thought I’d just go right ahead and start my own blog.

There are a few sites that were useful, though not necessarily directly focussed on kids animation. I’ve popped those sites into my blogroll, so do visit them!