Aardman’s Angry Kid Sets Net Record

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgWith CHICKEN RUN claiming victory at theatres, Aardman Animations’ ANGRY KID on AtomFilms Web site has set Internet records. In just seven weeks, ANGRY KID, Aardman's first character created exclusively for the Web, has been watched by over 1 million people -- an Internet record. With roughly 300,000 people downloading the mischievous miscreant and sending it to their friends, the total audience is nearing one and a half million people. "We knew that the Internet had vast potential as a major entertainment medium," said Dave Sproxton, co-founder and managing director of Aardman. "Even though the Net is still evolving, the success of our first character developed exclusively for the Internet proves what can be achieved. We are extremely excited that ANGRY KID has already become such a big star. Our only concern is that, once he learns of his new found fame, ANGRY KID will prove the most petulant, childish celebrity around." Michael Comish, AtomFilms European managing director, said, "ANGRY KID proves that the Internet has become one of the first places people go to in order to find quality entertainment. We are not saying it will replace TV or the movies, but the ANGRY KID phenomenon proves that the Internet offers a viable alternative venue for watching great entertainment. Millions of people visit AtomFilms every month for exactly that reason, to watch quality film-making in a way that better matches their lifestyle." The Web series was created by Darren Walsh at Aardman studios in Bristol. The show features a unique blend of live-action and stop-animation techniques, which place a clay-animated head atop a live-action body. Premiering on Sunday, May 7, 2000, KID chronicles the demented dealing of a pre-teen terror.