Friday, May 06, 2011

Aardman's Pirates!

For the last three and a half years, I've been working with Aardman Features on a new stop-motion movie about pirates, based on the hilarious series of books (honestly, they're brilliant, buy a copy now!) by Gideon Defoe. This has taken up a big chunk of my life since early 2008, and I've designed a load of characters for the film. It's been the best experience, and I've loved every minute.

But never mind all that soppy stuff, Aardman seem to be releasing lovely pictures for everyone to see! Here's the first official teaser as spotted on 'bleeding cool'...


Here's the Pirate Captain, designed by me and Zebe, with lots of input from Peter Lord (and the doodlers in story, and the sculptors in model-making) and based on some early sketches by Carlos Grangel. In the background you can see little bits of the Pirate with Gout, the Burly Pirate, the Pirate with an Accordion and the Pirate with a Scarf.

And click here to see lot more stuff that Peter Lord has tweeted recently...

Only a year, or so, to go until theatrical release! Oo-Arr! It seemed a long, long way away in January 2008....

5 comments:

Emerson Fialho said...

Muito legal, Jonny!
Sou fã do seu trabalho, amigão!

Natalie Gore said...

Thats amazing! Getting to work with Aardman! I found your Pirate Cruncher book at my local library and have bought multiple copies for friends birthdays. I have recently found out about blogging, its very exciting to be able to see what different people are working on and to post up to date work for crit.

I think your work is great, my friend and I argued about whether you worked traditionally or digitally for quite some time! ... I lost ;)

I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing the stop motion pic when it comes!

Keep up the good work chuck!

Nats x

p.s. my fiancee is in love with your little I.K.Brunel, he is a big Brunel fan...was that inspired by time spent in Bristol, working at Aardman by any chance? :)

Charles Eubanks said...

I am so looking forward to this movie! The Comic-Con Thursday schedule was just posted, and Pirates! will be making an appearance. I'll be there!

jonny duddle said...

Thanks Emerson!

Natalie, the Brunel character wasn't inspired by Aardman, he's been around longer than that. Saying that, I'm sure Aardman could do a terrific interpretation in stop-motion......

Charles, I wish I could see the 'Pirates!' event at Comic-con! I've never been, and will have to try and show there one year!

Ken P Duddle said...

Hi
I need a little advice. I write poetry and short stories and I have written a story that may be suitable for young children called Talpi Toe Wriggling Day. I do not normally write for children so it may need improving with additions and changes, maybe some pictures. Could I be cheeky and ask you to look at it?
Thanks in advance
Ken