Dragons, based on Mega Bloks’ toy line will be Bardel’s first major project in 3D. © Fire and Ice Productions Inc.

Some 17 years ago, Canadian animator Barry Ward opened a studio in Vancouver, British Columbia with his partner Delna Bhesania. They called it Bardel — Bardel Animation Coloring House — and the fledgling company offered ink-and-paint services to independent producers and boutique studios like Marv Newland’s International Rocketship and Spike and Mike’s Festival of Animation.

In 1989, Montreal graphic designer Cathy Schoch traveled west to take a job cel painting at Bardel, working on TV’s Tiny Toon Adventures.

“Back then animation was very transient; you had to lead a gypsy’s life going where the work was,” recalls Bardel co-founder Bhesania. “After spending one winter back east [in Ottawa], I knew I did not want to go back; it was way too cold. So I convinced Barry to open a company in Vancouver and bring the work to us.”

Today, traditional cel painting almost doesn’t exist anymore (with digital ink-and-paint being the industry norm), but Bardel Entertainment Inc. is still in Vancouver and thriving, building on its humble beginnings with broad strokes.

Barry Ward (left) and Delna Bhesania founded Bardel Animation Coloring House 17 years ago. It has since grown into a major supplier on the international market. Photo credit: Juliet Greenberg.

The Way We Are
Ward is now president of Bardel Ent.; Bhesania is the company’s ceo, while Schoch is Bardel’s vp of development and production. The studio that started out cel painting is now working on its on its first 3D animated movie — based on Mega Bloks’ mega successful toy line, Dragons.

“This project, which Bardel will distribute internationally to TV, is a very important step for the company,” says Ward. “It will be the studio’s first major project in 3D and will clearly demonstrate our proficiency in 3D production.” Bardel is partnered with TELETOON Canada and Mega Bloks on Dragons. The 72-minute TV movie and video feature will launch fall 2004, first airing on TELETOON. A promo of the Dragons TV movie will be shown at the Bardel stand in the Canadian Pavilion at MIP-TV.

“We were one of a number of animation companies that were approached by Andrew Witkin, director of new category development, Mega Bloks Inc.,” says Bhesania. “It’s a medieval fantasy and very timely. We thought it would appeal to Harry Potter fans so we started talking and bidding, and we partnered with Mega Bloks.”