Channel 4 to air a special animated adaptation produced by the makers of ‘The Snowman and The Snowdog’ of the timeless classic children’s book ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt,’ by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.
Image: ©Lupus Films/Walker Books 2015.
“We’re going on a bear hunt.
We’re going to catch a big one.
What a beautiful day!
We’re not scared.”
Channel 4 has commissioned We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, an animated special based on the hugely popular illustrated children’s book written by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury and published by Walker Books. Produced by the makers of The Snowman and The Snowdog (which received an audience of over 11 million when it premiered on Channel 4 in December 2012), the 30-minute special will air on Channel 4 in 2016.
When Stan, Katie, Rosie, Max, the baby and Rufus the dog are left home alone one day before Christmas after their parents go the rescue of Grandma, the children decide it would be fun to go on a bear hunt, spurred on by Katie’s love of grizzly bears. After swishing and swashing through the long grass, splashing and sploshing through rivers and squilching and squelching through mud, Rufus the dog picks up the scent of a bear…
Incorporating the irresistible story and beautiful artwork of the original book, which last year celebrated 25 years as an international bestseller and a firm family favourite at bedtime, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt will enchant a whole new audience with its story of perseverance, optimism and the determination to confront your fears head on.
“I am absolutely delighted that Channel 4 has commissioned this animation,” says Rosen. “Lupus have a great record in this field and I am very excited to be part of the project. Helen Oxenbury's wonderful art work provides a powerful family saga, full of imagined or real trials and these pictures will give a basis for a moving Christmas drama.”
“Going on a Bear Hunt is a magical book that will be brought alive for a whole new audience by Lupus Films,” says Channel 4 Chief Creative Officer Jay Hunt. “I can’t wait.”
“We’re delighted that Channel 4 have commissioned us to retell this classic story and bring to life its beautiful illustrations with our hand drawn animation style,” says producer Ruth Fielding. “We hope audiences will enjoy the film for many years to come.”
“I'm so looking forward to seeing the book brought to life in this way,” Oxenbury comments. “It's a wonderful opportunity to bring We're Going on a Bear Hunt to even more children and I'm thrilled to be part of it.”
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt was commissioned by Jay Hunt, Channel 4 Chief Creative Officer, and Piers Wenger, Channel 4 Head of Drama. Producers are Ruth Fielding and Camilla Deakin while Helen McAleer and Julia Posen are Executive Producers for Walker Productions. Joanna Harrison and Robin Shaw are co-directors.
Source: Lupus Films/Walker Books
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
