MR. BEAN, the eccentric character created by writer/actor Rowan Atkinson, is set for his animated television debut, March 2, 2002 on UK channel ITV1 beginning at 5:50 pm. After previously bringing Bean to life in a live-action series and a feature film, Atkinson was closely involved with the animated version of his character as well. "As a live-action character, Mr. Bean always possessed a cartoon-like quality," said Atkinson, who was filmed for every episode of the series so animators could use his distinct movements when creating the animated MR. BEAN. Atkinson also provided all of the voice-over for the character. The official MR. BEAN animated series Website has some good behind-the scenes Quicktime movies of the process, showing voice-over and video recording sessions with Atkinson and how they translated into the final animated scenes. Visit the site at www.mrbean.co.uk/frameset.htm. MR. BEAN is produced by Tiger Aspect in association with Richard Purdum Productions and Budapest-based Varga Holdings.
Have you tried to dress an elephant lately? Varga's Jan Sawkins does every day! Read as she outlines the lay of the land as it applies to co-producing animated television series in Europe.
