National Film and Television School Celebrates 20 Years Of Peppa Pig With Statue Unveiling And Masterclass With Graduate And Co-creator Mark Baker!

This week, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) celebrated the 20th anniversary of Peppa Pig with a very special statue unveiling and Masterclass with its award winning co-creator, NFTS graduate Mark Baker.

NFTS Head of Animation Robert Bradbrook pictured with Mark Baker and students

The vibrant world of Peppa Pig, co-created by Mark and his collaborators Neville Astley and Phil Davies, burst onto our screens in 2004, and has since become a household name, entertaining millions of children in 40 languages across more than 180 countries. Mark graduated from the NFTS in 1989 and the DNA of Peppa Pig can be traced back to his Oscar nominated and BAFTA winning graduation film, The Hill Farm. The remarkable global success of Peppa Pig highlights the distinctive storytelling techniques and creative approaches championed at the NFTS, where a focus on craft and character development is fundamental to animation training.

Official Peppa Pig Plaque created by NFTS Model Making Department

NFTS Director Jon Wardle commented: “Since its debut in 2004, Peppa Pig has become a significant cultural and economic phenomenon, captivating audiences across the globe. To have a Peppa Pig statue unveiled at the NFTS is a proud moment for us, as it represents not just the remarkable achievements of Mark Baker and his collaborators, but also the School’s legacy in nurturing world-class talent and creating cultural icons.”

Peppa Pig Co-creator, Mark Baker giving a Masterclass to NFTS students

During his visit, Mark gave an inspiring masterclass, reminiscing on the “golden era” of animation during his time at the NFTS. He gave an insight into the process behind creating each episode of Peppa Pig, with a one-episode-a-week schedule and highlighted how the collaboration available at the NFTS prepared him for a career in animation.

To celebrate its far-reaching success, students and staff gathered round to witness Mark unveil a statue of Peppa Pig on site at the School’s Beaconsfield HQ, a symbol of inspiration for what can be achieved during and after life at the NFTS. Together with the iconic figure of Gromit which was put in place in 2018 to celebrate 30 years of Wallace and Gromit (who were created at the NFTS by Nick Park), these statues honour the legacy and future of animation and celebrate the undeniable impact the school has had on the industry.

Mark Baker and NFTS Director Jon Wardle, pictured with new NFTS Peppa Pig Statue

To further mark the occasion, the NFTS also hosted a ‘Party for Peppa’, inviting 12 local nursery children and staff from Northgate House, Beaconsfield Childcare for a morning of Peppa-themed fun. The children paid a visit to the new statue, before getting involved in some Peppa themed party games and crafting activities. As the children left with party bags in hand, the true impact of Peppa Pig was highlighted in their big smiles.

Northgate House, Beaconsfield Childcare children and staff pictured with new NFTS Peppa Pig Statue

With alumni that have gone on to create world-class animation franchises like Peppa Pig and Wallace and Gromit, and graduation films that have won some of the most prestigious festival awards across the globe, the NFTS continues to be a pillar of animation excellence. This is due to the school’s ongoing commitment to developing talent at the forefront of the industry through providing world-class education, facilities and industry connections.

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Could you make the next Peppa Pig or Wallace and Gromit?
Applications for our Directing Animation MA will open 8 January 2025. Find out more about this unparalleled course and kickstart your career in animation here: nfts.co.uk/directing-animation