For more than 40 years, Aardman Animations has been producing classics like “Wallace & Gromit,” “Chicken Run” and “Shaun the Sheep.” Now, following in the footsteps of pioneers such as Peter Lord, David Sproxton and Nick Park, new recruits have come on board at the company’s headquarters on Spike Island in the port city of Bristol, in the West of England, replenishing its creative treasure chest.
Variety steps along the gangplank to meet some of the more recent additions to the crew: Dan Ojari and Mikey Please, the creators of Oscar-nominated “Robin Robin” (see here); kids’ comedy series “Lloyd of the Flies” creator and director Matthew Walker, and co-director and voice director Jane Davies (see here); and Lucy Izzard, the creator, writer and director of “The Very Small Creatures,” a BAFTA nominated preschool series (see below).
“The Very Small Creatures,” commissioned by U.K. pay-tv operator Sky, is a stop-motion series for one to three-year-olds.
Variety steps along the gangplank to meet some of the more recent additions to the crew: Dan Ojari and Mikey Please, the creators of Oscar-nominated “Robin Robin” (see here); kids’ comedy series “Lloyd of the Flies” creator and director Matthew Walker, and co-director and voice director Jane Davies (see here); and Lucy Izzard, the creator, writer and director of “The Very Small Creatures,” a BAFTA nominated preschool series (see below).
“The Very Small Creatures,” commissioned by U.K. pay-tv operator Sky, is a stop-motion series for one to three-year-olds.
- 1/24/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Tubi has acquired Aardman Animations’ series Lloyd of the Flies.
The series, originally for Citv in the UK, will be badged as a Tubi Original in the U.S. and Canada. It will launch exclusive on the free streaming service on August 6.
The 52-episode series follows Lloyd, a young fly who is the middle child of 451, who lives in an apple with his long-suffering parents, cheeky little sister and 224 maggots. Along with his best friend, woodlouse Abacus, his faces endless endless awkward, annoying and occasionally life-threatening situations largely of his own devising, because when you’re only one centimeter high, even tiny problems can lead to massive consequences.
Tom Rosenthal plays Lloyd and Alex Lawther, who we revealed on Friday is among the leads for new FX series Alien plays Abacus. Lauren Patel (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Callum Scott Howells (It’s a Sin), Teresa Gallagher...
The series, originally for Citv in the UK, will be badged as a Tubi Original in the U.S. and Canada. It will launch exclusive on the free streaming service on August 6.
The 52-episode series follows Lloyd, a young fly who is the middle child of 451, who lives in an apple with his long-suffering parents, cheeky little sister and 224 maggots. Along with his best friend, woodlouse Abacus, his faces endless endless awkward, annoying and occasionally life-threatening situations largely of his own devising, because when you’re only one centimeter high, even tiny problems can lead to massive consequences.
Tom Rosenthal plays Lloyd and Alex Lawther, who we revealed on Friday is among the leads for new FX series Alien plays Abacus. Lauren Patel (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Callum Scott Howells (It’s a Sin), Teresa Gallagher...
- 7/25/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Like all good Star Wars stories, it began with a vital transmission. Except, this one wasn’t from Princess Leia, nor was it delivered in the memory unit of an R2 droid.
It was, simply, a phone call to the offices of Aardman Animations – beamed from Skywalker Ranch, home of the legendary Lucasfilm, to the Bristol-based HQ of Britain’s most beloved animation studio, back in March 2021. It was, says Aardman’s Executive Creative Director Sarah Cox, “a mysterious call”. And like Leia’s message, it came with a mission: for the quintessentially British stop-motion studio behind Wallace & Gromit to create its very own short for animated anthology _Star Wars: Visions, with an open remit for what that might entail. The possibilities were vast. But for the studio that once delivered a definitive answer on whether the moon is made of cheese Cox had one big question: “Can we be funny?...
It was, simply, a phone call to the offices of Aardman Animations – beamed from Skywalker Ranch, home of the legendary Lucasfilm, to the Bristol-based HQ of Britain’s most beloved animation studio, back in March 2021. It was, says Aardman’s Executive Creative Director Sarah Cox, “a mysterious call”. And like Leia’s message, it came with a mission: for the quintessentially British stop-motion studio behind Wallace & Gromit to create its very own short for animated anthology _Star Wars: Visions, with an open remit for what that might entail. The possibilities were vast. But for the studio that once delivered a definitive answer on whether the moon is made of cheese Cox had one big question: “Can we be funny?...
- 5/5/2023
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Netflix’s “Robin Robin” uses stop-motion animation and felt figures to tell its charming, musical story of a bird who doesn’t quite belong in a family of stealthy mice and discovers her real place in the world. It’s a Christmas tale that’s also made the Oscar shortlist for animated shorts. Directors-writers Dan Ojari and Mikey Please had been working with each other off and on for about 10 years and formed Parabella Studios, where they began developing “Robin Robin.” A serendipitous meeting with Aardman’s Sarah Cox led them to that legendary studio, which they found to be a perfect match for their own sensibilities. It’s Aardman’s first musical. Film’s voice stars include Bronte Carmichael, Richard E. Grant, Adeel Akhtar and Gillian Anderson.
Why a musical?
Mikey Please: We loved musicals and I think the idea [was] because of carols and the tradition of singing. So...
Why a musical?
Mikey Please: We loved musicals and I think the idea [was] because of carols and the tradition of singing. So...
- 1/25/2022
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
In Aardman’s half-hour stop-motion comedy film “Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas,” Timmy the lamb finds himself whisked off on an adventure to the local town, hidden in a large parcel, and thence onward to the house of Ben the farmer, his wife Jin and their daughter Ella. Shaun and the flock must mount a daring rescue. The making of the animated show was also an adventure, producer Richard Beek and director Steve Cox tell Variety.
The film – which airs on TV networks in 17 territories, including the BBC in the U.K., ABC in Australia, France TV and Germany’s Wdr, and streams on Netflix in the rest of the world, including the U.S. – had to be produced during the pandemic to a tight schedule and with a limited budget. Executive producers were Mark Burton, Sarah Cox and Carla Shelley.
The endeavor began in 2018 when Burton and...
The film – which airs on TV networks in 17 territories, including the BBC in the U.K., ABC in Australia, France TV and Germany’s Wdr, and streams on Netflix in the rest of the world, including the U.S. – had to be produced during the pandemic to a tight schedule and with a limited budget. Executive producers were Mark Burton, Sarah Cox and Carla Shelley.
The endeavor began in 2018 when Burton and...
- 12/24/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix and Aardman Animations, the U.K.’s best-known stop-motion studio, have released a new image and teaser from their upcoming musical holiday special “Robin Robin” during a panel at Annecy Animation Festival.
The charming half-hour short, which features the voices of Gillian Anderson and Richard E. Grant, tells the story of a baby robin (called Robin) who is adopted by a family of thieving mice. Although she thinks of herself as a mouse, as Robin grows she begins to notice that she can’t sneak around quite as effectively as her adopted siblings, which leads her on a journey of self-discovery.
“It’s a story of her figuring out her difference,” Dan Ojari, who co-directs the special alongside Mikey Please, said during the session. “The story is based around her kind of realising that actually her abilities are different to the mice.”
“Robin Robin” marks a departure from Aardman’s traditional fare.
The charming half-hour short, which features the voices of Gillian Anderson and Richard E. Grant, tells the story of a baby robin (called Robin) who is adopted by a family of thieving mice. Although she thinks of herself as a mouse, as Robin grows she begins to notice that she can’t sneak around quite as effectively as her adopted siblings, which leads her on a journey of self-discovery.
“It’s a story of her figuring out her difference,” Dan Ojari, who co-directs the special alongside Mikey Please, said during the session. “The story is based around her kind of realising that actually her abilities are different to the mice.”
“Robin Robin” marks a departure from Aardman’s traditional fare.
- 6/17/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Legendary U.K. animation studio Aardman Animations has greenlit a new preschool series, “The Very Small Creatures,” commissioned by Sky Kids and utilizing characters from the iconic Aardman “Morph” universe. The commission marks the first time in more than a decade that Aardman has created a series for the age group – since 2009’s popular “Timmy Time.”
Set to launch on Sky Kids and Sky’s Now streaming platform in November of this year, “The Very Small Creatures” will be delivered in 20, three-minute mini-episodes and feature Aardman’s signature stop-motion claymation stylings, supplemented by what the studio describes as an “occasional graphic flourish.”
“The Very Small Creatures” follows five, genderless clay creatures who pass their time exploring children’s play areas when no people are present. With a childlike sense of adventure, Pink, Blue, Orange, Yellow and Green learn how the world around them works through collaborative play.
As is typical for Aardman productions,...
Set to launch on Sky Kids and Sky’s Now streaming platform in November of this year, “The Very Small Creatures” will be delivered in 20, three-minute mini-episodes and feature Aardman’s signature stop-motion claymation stylings, supplemented by what the studio describes as an “occasional graphic flourish.”
“The Very Small Creatures” follows five, genderless clay creatures who pass their time exploring children’s play areas when no people are present. With a childlike sense of adventure, Pink, Blue, Orange, Yellow and Green learn how the world around them works through collaborative play.
As is typical for Aardman productions,...
- 6/1/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with Netflix details: Aardman Animations is cooking up a Christmas caper for Shaun the Sheep, which is set to premiere on BBC One in 2021. Netflix has also picked up the animation title in the U.S., Latin America, Spain, Cis and Greece.
A Winter’s Tale From Shaun the Sheep (working title) will follow Shaun as his seasonal excitement turns sour when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings for the flock leads to baby lamb Timmy going missing.
The 30-minute episode will go into production in late 2020 and is created by Giles Pilbrow and Mark Burton, with the script written by Pilbrow. Steve Cox is the director, while Richard Beek produces. The executive producers are Mark Burton, Sarah Cox and Carla Shelley.
Sue Deeks, the BBC’s head of program acquisition, said: “Aardman lovingly produce stories with warmth, personality and humor, so we are truly delighted that, following...
A Winter’s Tale From Shaun the Sheep (working title) will follow Shaun as his seasonal excitement turns sour when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings for the flock leads to baby lamb Timmy going missing.
The 30-minute episode will go into production in late 2020 and is created by Giles Pilbrow and Mark Burton, with the script written by Pilbrow. Steve Cox is the director, while Richard Beek produces. The executive producers are Mark Burton, Sarah Cox and Carla Shelley.
Sue Deeks, the BBC’s head of program acquisition, said: “Aardman lovingly produce stories with warmth, personality and humor, so we are truly delighted that, following...
- 2/6/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The Oscar-winning animation studio Aardman has joined the Netflix fold. The two companies announced today they will team up for “A Winter’s Tale From Shaun the Sheep,” a half-hour special to air during the 2021 holiday season.
The news arrives just before the Valentine’s Day Netflix release of “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon.” The sci-fi comedy is the sequel to Aardman’s Oscar-nominated “Shaun the Sheep Movie” (2015), which grossed $106 million at the international box office. Though the holiday special is clearly courting comparisons to William Shakespeare with its sheepish title, the official synopsis doesn’t bear a whole lot of resemblance to the bard’s late-career comedy.
The official synopsis for “A Winter’s Tale From Shaun the Sheep” reads:
“The world’s favorite sheep stars in his very own winter’s tale. Shaun’s seasonal excitement turns to dismay when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings...
The news arrives just before the Valentine’s Day Netflix release of “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon.” The sci-fi comedy is the sequel to Aardman’s Oscar-nominated “Shaun the Sheep Movie” (2015), which grossed $106 million at the international box office. Though the holiday special is clearly courting comparisons to William Shakespeare with its sheepish title, the official synopsis doesn’t bear a whole lot of resemblance to the bard’s late-career comedy.
The official synopsis for “A Winter’s Tale From Shaun the Sheep” reads:
“The world’s favorite sheep stars in his very own winter’s tale. Shaun’s seasonal excitement turns to dismay when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings...
- 2/6/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
BBC One has signed up for a half-hour Christmas special of “Shaun the Sheep” from stop-motion animation specialists Aardman.
“A Winter’s Tale from Shaun the Sheep” (w/t) sees Shaun’s seasonal excitement turn to dismay when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings for the Flock inadvertently leads to the disappearance of his cousin Timmy.
Originally a spin off from Aardman’s hit “Wallace and Gromit” franchise, the “Shaun the Sheep” series has aired on the BBC since 2007, spawning two movies and a previous Christmas special, “Shaun the Sheep: The Farmer’s Llamas,” which aired in 2015.
The half-hour special will start shooting in late 2020, and will air at Christmas 2021.
The story of “A Winter’s Tale from Shaun the Sheep” comes from Giles Pilbrow and Mark Burton, with the script also written by Pilbrow. It is directed by Steve Cox, produced by Richard Beek and executive produced by Mark Burton,...
“A Winter’s Tale from Shaun the Sheep” (w/t) sees Shaun’s seasonal excitement turn to dismay when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings for the Flock inadvertently leads to the disappearance of his cousin Timmy.
Originally a spin off from Aardman’s hit “Wallace and Gromit” franchise, the “Shaun the Sheep” series has aired on the BBC since 2007, spawning two movies and a previous Christmas special, “Shaun the Sheep: The Farmer’s Llamas,” which aired in 2015.
The half-hour special will start shooting in late 2020, and will air at Christmas 2021.
The story of “A Winter’s Tale from Shaun the Sheep” comes from Giles Pilbrow and Mark Burton, with the script also written by Pilbrow. It is directed by Steve Cox, produced by Richard Beek and executive produced by Mark Burton,...
- 2/6/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
“Shaun the Sheep” and “Wallace and Gromit” producer Aardman is making “Robin Robin,” a short film, for Netflix. The project marks a move away for Aardman from working with the BBC, which has broadcast the Oscar-winning stop-motion specialist’s hit projects over the years.
“Robin Robin,” which will bow around Christmas 2020, is about a bird raised by a family of mice. As she grows up, her differences become more apparent. Robin sets off on a daring heist to prove to her family that she can be a really good mouse. The 30-minute special, which is in production at Aardman’s studio in the U.K., will feature animal characters made from natural materials rather than Aardman’s trademark Plasticine.
Dan Ojari (“Slow Derek”) and Mikey Please (“The Eagleman Stag”) are the creators and directors of the show. Helen Argo (“Wallace & Gromit’s Musical Marvels”) will produce, and Sarah Cox (“Heavy Pockets) exec produce.
“Robin Robin,” which will bow around Christmas 2020, is about a bird raised by a family of mice. As she grows up, her differences become more apparent. Robin sets off on a daring heist to prove to her family that she can be a really good mouse. The 30-minute special, which is in production at Aardman’s studio in the U.K., will feature animal characters made from natural materials rather than Aardman’s trademark Plasticine.
Dan Ojari (“Slow Derek”) and Mikey Please (“The Eagleman Stag”) are the creators and directors of the show. Helen Argo (“Wallace & Gromit’s Musical Marvels”) will produce, and Sarah Cox (“Heavy Pockets) exec produce.
- 11/22/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Aardman Animations, the Oscar-winning UK stop-motion outfit behind Shaun The Sheep, Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, is making its first project for Netflix with Christmas special Robin Robin.
The 30-minute ‘mini movie’ is in production at Aardman’s Bristol studio and will debut on Netflix in time for the holidays in 2020.
It will tell the story of a bird who, after her egg fortuitously rolls into a rubbish dump, is raised by a loving family of mice. As she grows up, her differences become more apparent. Robin sets off on the heist to end all heists to prove to her family that she can be a really good mouse.
Dan Ojari and Mikey Please created and are directing the project. Helen Argo is producing, with Sarah Cox as executive producer.
Aardman has a long-standing relationship with the BBC, and this deal marks a rare departure from that. In an interview today with the Guardian,...
The 30-minute ‘mini movie’ is in production at Aardman’s Bristol studio and will debut on Netflix in time for the holidays in 2020.
It will tell the story of a bird who, after her egg fortuitously rolls into a rubbish dump, is raised by a loving family of mice. As she grows up, her differences become more apparent. Robin sets off on the heist to end all heists to prove to her family that she can be a really good mouse.
Dan Ojari and Mikey Please created and are directing the project. Helen Argo is producing, with Sarah Cox as executive producer.
Aardman has a long-standing relationship with the BBC, and this deal marks a rare departure from that. In an interview today with the Guardian,...
- 11/22/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The founders of animation studio Aardman are transferring the ownership of their multi-award-winning company to its employees. Peter Lord and David Sproxton said they are transferring ownership to staff to ensure that the company retains its independence. A majority of Aardman shares will be transferred to a trust. Senior management will remain in their positions and form an executive board.
Sproxton will stay on as managing director but look for a replacement and move into a consultancy role. Lord will stay on as creative director, focusing on film, including the upcoming “Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon” and “Chicken Run 2.”
“We’re not quitting yet, but we are preparing for our future,” Lord and Sproxton said in a statement. “This approach, the creation of an employee trust, is the best solution we have found for keeping Aardman doing what it does best, keeping the teams in place and providing continuity for our highly creative culture.
Sproxton will stay on as managing director but look for a replacement and move into a consultancy role. Lord will stay on as creative director, focusing on film, including the upcoming “Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon” and “Chicken Run 2.”
“We’re not quitting yet, but we are preparing for our future,” Lord and Sproxton said in a statement. “This approach, the creation of an employee trust, is the best solution we have found for keeping Aardman doing what it does best, keeping the teams in place and providing continuity for our highly creative culture.
- 11/12/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Kirsten Howard Louisa Mellor Aug 16, 2017
Matt Smith called head honchos at the BBC before the newest Doctor was announced, begging to know who was being cast in the role...
Very few people can call up the BBC, beg to find out who the latest Doctor will be, and get an answer, but one of the people who can - and did - was former Doctor Matt Smith.
See related Marvel's Defenders: episode 1 nerdy spots and Easter Eggs The Defenders: recapping Netflix's Marvel universe so far Marvel's The Defenders: spoiler-free review
“I was literally – I was phoning people high up at the BBC going ‘you have to tell me who it is," he told a gathered crowd at Boston Comic-Con last weekend, adding that he had joked "'There’s a week to go, I want to know. I have a right to know.'"
You can watch that section of his Comic-Con appearance below.
Matt Smith called head honchos at the BBC before the newest Doctor was announced, begging to know who was being cast in the role...
Very few people can call up the BBC, beg to find out who the latest Doctor will be, and get an answer, but one of the people who can - and did - was former Doctor Matt Smith.
See related Marvel's Defenders: episode 1 nerdy spots and Easter Eggs The Defenders: recapping Netflix's Marvel universe so far Marvel's The Defenders: spoiler-free review
“I was literally – I was phoning people high up at the BBC going ‘you have to tell me who it is," he told a gathered crowd at Boston Comic-Con last weekend, adding that he had joked "'There’s a week to go, I want to know. I have a right to know.'"
You can watch that section of his Comic-Con appearance below.
- 7/17/2017
- Den of Geek
Former ArthurCox founder will oversee a new slate of Aardman projects.
Aardman Animations, the studio behind Shaun The Sheep and Wallace And Gromit, has hired industry veteran Sarah Vox as executive creative director.
Cox will oversee the development of a new slate of Aardman intellectual properties aimed at kids and family audiences across all platforms including digital and broadcast.
She will spearhead efforts to foster new creative talent and keep the company at the forefront of innovative content development.
Prior to joining the company, Cox was the owner and creative director of ArthurCox, an award-winning film and animation production company, which she launched in 2002 alongside Sally Arthur. During her tenure, she directed The Itch Of The Golden Nit, which was produced as part of Bafta’s Tate Movie Project.
Before establishing ArthurCox, Cox was at Picasso Pictures from 1994-2002, where she primarily worked on commercials.
Aardman’s upcoming projects include Early Man, which stars Eddie Redmayne...
Aardman Animations, the studio behind Shaun The Sheep and Wallace And Gromit, has hired industry veteran Sarah Vox as executive creative director.
Cox will oversee the development of a new slate of Aardman intellectual properties aimed at kids and family audiences across all platforms including digital and broadcast.
She will spearhead efforts to foster new creative talent and keep the company at the forefront of innovative content development.
Prior to joining the company, Cox was the owner and creative director of ArthurCox, an award-winning film and animation production company, which she launched in 2002 alongside Sally Arthur. During her tenure, she directed The Itch Of The Golden Nit, which was produced as part of Bafta’s Tate Movie Project.
Before establishing ArthurCox, Cox was at Picasso Pictures from 1994-2002, where she primarily worked on commercials.
Aardman’s upcoming projects include Early Man, which stars Eddie Redmayne...
- 2/9/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
“Fifty shades of clay,” “primeval, primordial even, visceral, sensual,” “cracked and half-baked.” Those are some of the critical reactions to The Great Pottery Throw Down, BBC Two’s latest entry in the homespun competition sphere which debuted last night in the UK. The series, which sees 10 potters put their kiln skills to the test for host Sara Cox and judges Kate Malone and Keith Brymer Jones, hails from Love Productions, the folks behind The Great British Bake Off…...
- 11/4/2015
- Deadline TV
The Great Pottery Throw Down kicked off on BBC Two - no, really. It's not all about The Great British Bake Off and The Great British Sewing Bee - now clay is getting some action as potters take to the wheel to prove their skills.
Is this the new Great British Bake Off? Meet the stars of the Great Pottery Throw Down
Tonight's episode saw host Sara Cox watching on as the hopefuls made kitchen bowls, attached mug handles and created egg cups - but what did you make of it all? Are you fed up of Great TV shows? Is baking enough for you? Or did you get gripped by the firing fiascos and "rim" and "crack" innuendo?
We want to know what you thought, so have your say by voting in our poll below:...
Is this the new Great British Bake Off? Meet the stars of the Great Pottery Throw Down
Tonight's episode saw host Sara Cox watching on as the hopefuls made kitchen bowls, attached mug handles and created egg cups - but what did you make of it all? Are you fed up of Great TV shows? Is baking enough for you? Or did you get gripped by the firing fiascos and "rim" and "crack" innuendo?
We want to know what you thought, so have your say by voting in our poll below:...
- 11/3/2015
- Digital Spy
Let's all be honest: going out and having to converse with actual people is massively overrated. Not when there's a warm sofa, shelter from the cold - and a cracking lineup of exciting shows to wind down on those Autumn nights.
Sure, maybe there's not the abundance of new series we've been spoiled with lately, but there's still the latest Bake Off rival, shocks and gore aplenty in The Walking Dead and Jekyll and Hyde. And the end of one of TV's biggest properties...
1. Downton Abbey - Sunday, 9pm on ITV
One of your last chances to play Downton bingo: ahead of its proper finale on Christmas Day, this feature-length episode sees the Abbey doors close one last time on Sunday nights, as the sixth series reaches a dramatic climax.
So will Mary finally find love? Will Robert die of gastric bleeding? Will the workers overthrow their bourgeois oppressors in a glorious socialist revolution?...
Sure, maybe there's not the abundance of new series we've been spoiled with lately, but there's still the latest Bake Off rival, shocks and gore aplenty in The Walking Dead and Jekyll and Hyde. And the end of one of TV's biggest properties...
1. Downton Abbey - Sunday, 9pm on ITV
One of your last chances to play Downton bingo: ahead of its proper finale on Christmas Day, this feature-length episode sees the Abbey doors close one last time on Sunday nights, as the sixth series reaches a dramatic climax.
So will Mary finally find love? Will Robert die of gastric bleeding? Will the workers overthrow their bourgeois oppressors in a glorious socialist revolution?...
- 11/1/2015
- Digital Spy
The Great British Bake Off might be over, but if you need a substitute to get you through the cold winter months you're in luck - from the same production company is The Great Pottery Throw Down, which kicks off on BBC Two next week.
The new show, hosted by Sara Cox, sees ten potters battling it out in front of judges Kate Malone and Keith Brymer Jones in an attempt to show their kiln skills. And it's tough from the very first episode, which features a challenge to make stackable kitchen bowls, a Spot Test asking the contestants to attach handles onto mugs and a Throw Down challenge getting them to make as many egg cups as they can in 20 minutes.
But who are the 10 hopeful clay-wielders hoping to impress?
1. James, Bristol
Age: 31
Day job: Vet
What you need to know: James decided to "play it safe" by going to vet school,...
The new show, hosted by Sara Cox, sees ten potters battling it out in front of judges Kate Malone and Keith Brymer Jones in an attempt to show their kiln skills. And it's tough from the very first episode, which features a challenge to make stackable kitchen bowls, a Spot Test asking the contestants to attach handles onto mugs and a Throw Down challenge getting them to make as many egg cups as they can in 20 minutes.
But who are the 10 hopeful clay-wielders hoping to impress?
1. James, Bristol
Age: 31
Day job: Vet
What you need to know: James decided to "play it safe" by going to vet school,...
- 10/27/2015
- Digital Spy
Stephen Fry has decided to step down as the host of Qi.
The comedian and author - who has hosted 180 episodes of the show - is leaving the programme after the upcoming 'M' series and will be replaced by Sandi Toksvig.
"For 13 years I had one of the best jobs on television," Fry said. "Behind the camera squadrons of quite extraordinarily brilliant researchers, programme makers and uniquely curious (in both senses of the word) people making that job so much easier.
"In front of the camera generations of lively minds and above all of course the wonder of nature that is Alan Davies. After passing the alphabetical halfway mark I thought it time to move on, but I will never cease to be grateful to John Lloyd for devising Qi and for everyone else for making it such fun."
Fry only ever stepped in to host the pilot as a...
The comedian and author - who has hosted 180 episodes of the show - is leaving the programme after the upcoming 'M' series and will be replaced by Sandi Toksvig.
"For 13 years I had one of the best jobs on television," Fry said. "Behind the camera squadrons of quite extraordinarily brilliant researchers, programme makers and uniquely curious (in both senses of the word) people making that job so much easier.
"In front of the camera generations of lively minds and above all of course the wonder of nature that is Alan Davies. After passing the alphabetical halfway mark I thought it time to move on, but I will never cease to be grateful to John Lloyd for devising Qi and for everyone else for making it such fun."
Fry only ever stepped in to host the pilot as a...
- 10/14/2015
- Digital Spy
The Great British Bake Off has inspired shows about sewing, gardening, hairdressing... and now pottery.
BBC Two announced today that it has ordered new series The Great British Pottery Throw Down, which it described as "Bake Off's messier cousin".
The show, which will be hosted by Sara Cox, will see ten amateur potters attempting to conquer the kiln and win the show.
Cox will be joined by pottery experts Keith Brymer-Jones and Kate Malone, who will judge the contestants as they attempt to prove themselves in each week's Main Make.
The Great British Bog Off: Is it time to stop Bake Off ripoffs?
BBC Two will apparently be hoping that the show is a mixture of Bake Off and that infamous scene from the movie Ghost, as the press release stated: "It's messy, it's hot, it's pottery."
"Clay, mess, passionate potters and the team behind Bake Off," Cox said. "What's not to love?...
BBC Two announced today that it has ordered new series The Great British Pottery Throw Down, which it described as "Bake Off's messier cousin".
The show, which will be hosted by Sara Cox, will see ten amateur potters attempting to conquer the kiln and win the show.
Cox will be joined by pottery experts Keith Brymer-Jones and Kate Malone, who will judge the contestants as they attempt to prove themselves in each week's Main Make.
The Great British Bog Off: Is it time to stop Bake Off ripoffs?
BBC Two will apparently be hoping that the show is a mixture of Bake Off and that infamous scene from the movie Ghost, as the press release stated: "It's messy, it's hot, it's pottery."
"Clay, mess, passionate potters and the team behind Bake Off," Cox said. "What's not to love?...
- 4/21/2015
- Digital Spy
Sara Cox's dog has ''sparkly poo''. The BBC Radio 2 DJ's beloved pup Beano has a habit of eating the art materials of her three children - 10-year-old Lola, six-year-old Isaac and Renee, four - resulting in the indigestible items decorating the pooch's faeces. Explaining the strange waste, she exclusively told Bang Showbiz: ''What Beano does is he eats some of the kids' arts and crafts. So when he does a poo when we're on the school run and I'm about to pick it up, it's like, 'Kids, gather round! Sparkly poo!' They have these little plastic diamonds and sapphires so...
- 2/6/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
The BBC has announced details of its inaugural Music Awards event.
BBC One, Radio 1 and Radio 2 will team up for a simultaneous live broadcast of the ceremony, celebrating the best in popular music over the past 12 months.
Coldplay, One Direction, Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris, Clean Bandit and Paloma Faith will be among the artists to perform during the event on Thursday, December 11.
Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton will host the main event live from Earls Court on BBC One, Radio 1 and Radio 2 from 8pm to 10pm.
Along with live performances and surprise collaborations, the night will also review and celebrate the past 12 months in music.
Three awards will be presented during the night as well, with British Artist and International Artist of the Year to be decided by a BBC Music panel and leading music journalists. The Song of the Year prize will be voted for by members of the public.
BBC One, Radio 1 and Radio 2 will team up for a simultaneous live broadcast of the ceremony, celebrating the best in popular music over the past 12 months.
Coldplay, One Direction, Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris, Clean Bandit and Paloma Faith will be among the artists to perform during the event on Thursday, December 11.
Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton will host the main event live from Earls Court on BBC One, Radio 1 and Radio 2 from 8pm to 10pm.
Along with live performances and surprise collaborations, the night will also review and celebrate the past 12 months in music.
Three awards will be presented during the night as well, with British Artist and International Artist of the Year to be decided by a BBC Music panel and leading music journalists. The Song of the Year prize will be voted for by members of the public.
- 11/18/2014
- Digital Spy
The BBC has detailed three celebrity editions of The Great British Sewing Bee.
Each Children In Need special will see four famous faces attempt to impress judges Patrick Grant and May Martin, and will be fronted by a different guest host.
DJ Edith Bowman, Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers, Coronation Street actress Wendi Peters, and Embarrassing Bodies' Dr Dawn Harper will compete in the first episode, presented by Jenny Éclair .
Sara Cox will oversee Pineapple Dance Studios' Louie Spence, stand-up Mark Watson, TV presenter Gaby Roslin and actress Pam Ferris in the second edition.
Finally, BBC Radio 1's Gemma Cairney, comedian Helen Lederer, author Kathryn Flett, and Overtones singer Timmy Matley will hit the sewing machines when Anita Rani takes charge.
Speaking about the shows, Bowman said: "It was a total joy to be part of Gbsb for BBC Children in Need, if not totally daunting.
"Having Patrick...
Each Children In Need special will see four famous faces attempt to impress judges Patrick Grant and May Martin, and will be fronted by a different guest host.
DJ Edith Bowman, Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers, Coronation Street actress Wendi Peters, and Embarrassing Bodies' Dr Dawn Harper will compete in the first episode, presented by Jenny Éclair .
Sara Cox will oversee Pineapple Dance Studios' Louie Spence, stand-up Mark Watson, TV presenter Gaby Roslin and actress Pam Ferris in the second edition.
Finally, BBC Radio 1's Gemma Cairney, comedian Helen Lederer, author Kathryn Flett, and Overtones singer Timmy Matley will hit the sewing machines when Anita Rani takes charge.
Speaking about the shows, Bowman said: "It was a total joy to be part of Gbsb for BBC Children in Need, if not totally daunting.
"Having Patrick...
- 10/13/2014
- Digital Spy
Danny Dyer took some time out of his busy 'EastEnders' schedule for a family day with his daughter yesterday (05.10.14). The 36-year-old actor - who plays Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter in the BBC One soap - joined celebrities including Donna Air, Sara Cox, Joe Swash and Ben Shepherd and their families at the 'Skylanders Trap Team' launch party at London's Festival Hall and he and six-year-old Sunnie had a ''really good'' time at the bash. Danny - who said he and the youngster particularly enjoyed playing with a pinata - said: ''We had an awesome day at the 'Skylanders Trap Team'...
- 10/3/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Sara Cox has seemingly confirmed that she was in the running to be the fourth judge on this year's X Factor.
It was rumoured that the TV presenter and DJ was being considered as a back-up choice should Spice Girl Mel B not win the role.
Writing on Twitter after Mel B was confirmed this morning, Cox wrote: "It's been a mad exciting few weeks& I've met some lovely people but I'm not through to boot camp.
"Big ups to Mel b @SimonCowell @TheXFactor"
She added: "To be fair I already have my dream job on @BBCRadio2 hosting #soundsofthe80s 10pm every Saturday night."
ITV also officially confirmed for the first time today that Louis Walsh will be back, joining returning judges Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole.
It was rumoured that the TV presenter and DJ was being considered as a back-up choice should Spice Girl Mel B not win the role.
Writing on Twitter after Mel B was confirmed this morning, Cox wrote: "It's been a mad exciting few weeks& I've met some lovely people but I'm not through to boot camp.
"Big ups to Mel b @SimonCowell @TheXFactor"
She added: "To be fair I already have my dream job on @BBCRadio2 hosting #soundsofthe80s 10pm every Saturday night."
ITV also officially confirmed for the first time today that Louis Walsh will be back, joining returning judges Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole.
- 6/11/2014
- Digital Spy
Sara Cox is being considered for 'The X Factor' judging panel. The former BBC Radio 1 DJ has emerged as a surprise candidate for the final spot on the talent show panel should ex-Spice Girl Mel B's deal fall through. Producers are thought to have come to terms with Mel B for the role, but have lined up Sara in case she doesn't sign on the dotted line as expected. Sara, 39, met with bosses last week and they are impressed with her feisty personality. A source told The Sun newspaper: ''Bosses are pretty certain they will be able to officially unveil Mel B...
- 6/3/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Exclusive: Kickstarter fundraising paves the way for theatrical release after Revolver’s shuttering.
Following the collapse of its distributor in March, Bristol-set indie comedy 8 Minutes Idle has now secured a 2014 Valentine’s Day release in the UK thanks to fundraising on Kickstarter.
The film, a dark romantic comedy based on a novel by Matt Thorne (who also co-wrote the screenplay with Nicholas Blincoe), was initially set to be distributed by Revolver, but the company’s collapse in March shortly before the planned release date left the project’s theatrical release plans in limbo.
The producers decided to launch a Kickstarter campaign to raise £20,000 with a promise of matched funding from Creative England, in order to fund the P&A costs for a theatrical release (the film will get a TV airing via its BBC Films deal).
Two weeks and six days into the campaign, 277 national and international donations meant that they surpassed their target by £1,000, and 8 Minutes...
Following the collapse of its distributor in March, Bristol-set indie comedy 8 Minutes Idle has now secured a 2014 Valentine’s Day release in the UK thanks to fundraising on Kickstarter.
The film, a dark romantic comedy based on a novel by Matt Thorne (who also co-wrote the screenplay with Nicholas Blincoe), was initially set to be distributed by Revolver, but the company’s collapse in March shortly before the planned release date left the project’s theatrical release plans in limbo.
The producers decided to launch a Kickstarter campaign to raise £20,000 with a promise of matched funding from Creative England, in order to fund the P&A costs for a theatrical release (the film will get a TV airing via its BBC Films deal).
Two weeks and six days into the campaign, 277 national and international donations meant that they surpassed their target by £1,000, and 8 Minutes...
- 12/18/2013
- ScreenDaily
Plans afoot to resurrect British indie comedy after its release was derailed by the demise of Revolver Entertainment
• RoboCop statue to guard Detroit after successful Kickstarter campaign
• Spike Lee crowdfunds film project on Kickstarter
The makers of a new British indie comedy stuck in limbo after its distributors went bankrupt have turned to crowdfunding in an effort to secure a release on Valentine's Day 2014.
Described as a "darkly romantic comedy that follows the perils and traumas of your first job", 8 Minutes Idle is directed by Mark Simon Hewis, written by Matt Thorne – from whose novel it was adapted – and Nicholas Blincoe, and stars Tom Hughes and Ophelia Lovibond. It was produced as part of the UK Film Council's microbudget iFeatures scheme, securing one of three places after defeating more than 500 rival applicants. The film was originally scheduled to hit cinemas in May 2012, but the collapse of distributors Revolver two...
• RoboCop statue to guard Detroit after successful Kickstarter campaign
• Spike Lee crowdfunds film project on Kickstarter
The makers of a new British indie comedy stuck in limbo after its distributors went bankrupt have turned to crowdfunding in an effort to secure a release on Valentine's Day 2014.
Described as a "darkly romantic comedy that follows the perils and traumas of your first job", 8 Minutes Idle is directed by Mark Simon Hewis, written by Matt Thorne – from whose novel it was adapted – and Nicholas Blincoe, and stars Tom Hughes and Ophelia Lovibond. It was produced as part of the UK Film Council's microbudget iFeatures scheme, securing one of three places after defeating more than 500 rival applicants. The film was originally scheduled to hit cinemas in May 2012, but the collapse of distributors Revolver two...
- 11/26/2013
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Over 500 artists have played radio1’s Live Lounge. Starting on Jo Whiley’s morning radio show it has become a fixture on the slot, being passed down to Fearne Cotton and currently Sara Cox.
The best of current artists have played their own hit and their own interpretation of a chart hit, usually one very different to their genre. Some don’t take it very serious (See the recent Queen Of The Stone Age cover of Blurred Lines) but some make a cheap pop song and make it rather good.
Here’s 15 that are worth your time…
15. Adele – Promise This (Originally by Cheryl Cole)
The second she opened her mouth to sing this it became an Adele track. Originally an upbeat pop song the lyrics have a similar theme to Adele’s own work, the mortality driven lyrics you barely notice on the original are prominent here. The tribal beat...
The best of current artists have played their own hit and their own interpretation of a chart hit, usually one very different to their genre. Some don’t take it very serious (See the recent Queen Of The Stone Age cover of Blurred Lines) but some make a cheap pop song and make it rather good.
Here’s 15 that are worth your time…
15. Adele – Promise This (Originally by Cheryl Cole)
The second she opened her mouth to sing this it became an Adele track. Originally an upbeat pop song the lyrics have a similar theme to Adele’s own work, the mortality driven lyrics you barely notice on the original are prominent here. The tribal beat...
- 6/25/2013
- by Amelia Harvey
- Obsessed with Film
A national campaign has launched to curb binge drinking among teenagers and young adults.
Created by Brisbane agency Decoder in the style of gig posters, the ’Cringe the binge’ campaign tackles some of the outcomes of binge drinking, such as sexually transmitted diseases, adolescent brain development, alcohol–fuelled sexual violence, social embarrassment and mental health issues.
The posters will run in gig guides, on street media, t-shirts and online, initially to promote a Weekend of Action starting on 9 November.
Decoder CD Ken Roney: “The media budget was limited so the idea needed to work pretty hard and engage with young people at a level that wasn’t preachy. 13 to 24 year olds is quite a broad audience but the common dominator is that all young people are into music. So we thought band posters was a nice way to reach them when they were drinking and educate them about the serious downsides of binge drinking.
Created by Brisbane agency Decoder in the style of gig posters, the ’Cringe the binge’ campaign tackles some of the outcomes of binge drinking, such as sexually transmitted diseases, adolescent brain development, alcohol–fuelled sexual violence, social embarrassment and mental health issues.
The posters will run in gig guides, on street media, t-shirts and online, initially to promote a Weekend of Action starting on 9 November.
Decoder CD Ken Roney: “The media budget was limited so the idea needed to work pretty hard and engage with young people at a level that wasn’t preachy. 13 to 24 year olds is quite a broad audience but the common dominator is that all young people are into music. So we thought band posters was a nice way to reach them when they were drinking and educate them about the serious downsides of binge drinking.
- 10/15/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
South West Screen have just sent over these brand new set pictures from their latest movie, Eight Minutes Idle which is currently shooting in Bristol, UK. This is the second film to be made by iFeatures, Sws’s micro-budget filmmaking scheme.
The movie is directed by Mark Simon Hewis and has features great list of rising UK talent in it’s cast. This cast includes Tom Hughes (Cemetery Junction, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll) and Ophelia Lovibond (No Strings Attached, 4.3.2.1., Nowhere Boy), Montserrat Lombard (St Trinian’s 2: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold, The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus), Divian Ladwa (Saxon), Jack Ashton (Holby City) and Antonia Thomas (Misfits). Pippa Haywood (Tamara Drewe) and Paul Kaye (The Infidel, Match Point) also cameo in the movie.
Check out the full synopsis below and scroll down to view the new images. After our set visit to The Knot yesterday and Cockney’s vs.
The movie is directed by Mark Simon Hewis and has features great list of rising UK talent in it’s cast. This cast includes Tom Hughes (Cemetery Junction, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll) and Ophelia Lovibond (No Strings Attached, 4.3.2.1., Nowhere Boy), Montserrat Lombard (St Trinian’s 2: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold, The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus), Divian Ladwa (Saxon), Jack Ashton (Holby City) and Antonia Thomas (Misfits). Pippa Haywood (Tamara Drewe) and Paul Kaye (The Infidel, Match Point) also cameo in the movie.
Check out the full synopsis below and scroll down to view the new images. After our set visit to The Knot yesterday and Cockney’s vs.
- 4/20/2011
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Principal photography of Eight Minutes Idle has begun in Bristol .The cast includes Tom Hughes and Ophelia Lovibond along with Montserrat Lombard, Divian Ladwa , Jack Ashton and Antonia Thomas. Pippa Haywood and Paul also have cameos.Eight Minutes Idle is a warped urban comedy about life in a Bristol call-center, directed by Mark Simon Hewis, The film is based upon Matt Thorne’s novel, and the script was co-developed by Thorne with novelist Nicholas Blincoe, also the co-founder of the New Puritans literary movement. Producing the film is Sarah Cox, whose ...
- 3/23/2011
- BusinessofCinema
Cheryl Cole has admitted that talking about the most private aspects of her personal life with Piers Morgan felt ‘wrong.’
The X Factor judge agreed to be interviewed for Morgan’s Life Stories series and discussed her marriage breakdown, her battle with malaria and Gamu gate.
‘It felt wrong,’ she told Sarah Cox on Radio 1. ‘I’m talking about stuff I’d never usually talk about to my closest friends.’
But Cheryl didn’t see any other way to get the truth about her life, out into the public domain.
‘I felt like I had to,’ she explained. ‘It had reached a point when things had got so ridiculous – rumours and stories – and people were starting to get this idea I’m somebody I’m not.
‘It was to give myself a voice back.’
Cheryl’s interview on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories will air on ITV1 on Saturday 23 October at 10pm.
The X Factor judge agreed to be interviewed for Morgan’s Life Stories series and discussed her marriage breakdown, her battle with malaria and Gamu gate.
‘It felt wrong,’ she told Sarah Cox on Radio 1. ‘I’m talking about stuff I’d never usually talk about to my closest friends.’
But Cheryl didn’t see any other way to get the truth about her life, out into the public domain.
‘I felt like I had to,’ she explained. ‘It had reached a point when things had got so ridiculous – rumours and stories – and people were starting to get this idea I’m somebody I’m not.
‘It was to give myself a voice back.’
Cheryl’s interview on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories will air on ITV1 on Saturday 23 October at 10pm.
- 10/22/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Continuing their press tour for “Going the Distance,” Drew Barrymore and Justin Long were spotted out at BBC Radio 1 studios in London, England today (August 20).
The “50 First Dates” babe and the “Dodgeball” stud both looked a bit tuckered out from some serious partying the night before as they exited their interview on the Sarah Cox show.
In a recent interview, Justin confessed that he and Drew still love each other despite the romantic hardship in their past.
“We've been through the whole gamut of the heights of love to the depth of heartbreak. I mean, we've been on quite a journey. The truth is, we do love each other, I pray to God she's always in my life. We were friends before this, and at the heart of what we are and will be, we are friends, and that trumps everything else.”...
The “50 First Dates” babe and the “Dodgeball” stud both looked a bit tuckered out from some serious partying the night before as they exited their interview on the Sarah Cox show.
In a recent interview, Justin confessed that he and Drew still love each other despite the romantic hardship in their past.
“We've been through the whole gamut of the heights of love to the depth of heartbreak. I mean, we've been on quite a journey. The truth is, we do love each other, I pray to God she's always in my life. We were friends before this, and at the heart of what we are and will be, we are friends, and that trumps everything else.”...
- 8/20/2010
- GossipCenter
Nick Park's latest Wallace and Gromit short film, "A Matter of Loaf and Death," was the grand prize winner at the New York International Children's Film Festival, which concluded Sunday.
The Special Jury Award went to Samir Guesmi's "It's Sunday."
Sarah Cox's "Don't Let It All Unravel" took home the Hsbc Environmental Film Award.
The Special Jury Award went to Samir Guesmi's "It's Sunday."
Sarah Cox's "Don't Let It All Unravel" took home the Hsbc Environmental Film Award.
- 3/16/2009
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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