Nick Park Returns to NFTS to Celebrate Wallace & Gromit's 30th Anniversary
Everyone at The National Film & Television School was thrilled to welcome Wallace & Gromit creator and multi-Oscar winner, Nick Park back to the School last night to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the creation of his much loved characters, which were born right here at the NFTS. We were proud to host the premiere of Carrot Productions live orchestral interactive experience, Wallace & Gromit's Musical Marvels: The Wrong Trousers to a packed house of industry guests and Wallace & Gromit fans.
The audience was also treated to an exclusive and highly entertaining Q&A with Nick Park and fellow NFTS alumnus, Julian Nott (composer for the Wallace & Gromit films) hosted by NFTS Director, Jon Wardle. If that wasn't enough, a special film was unveiled at the event, It's a Cracking Celebration, Gromit which tells the story of how Nick created Wallace & Gromit at NFTS and also how the School's Model Making for Animation Diploma students have recreated a set from A Grand Day Out.
It's a Cracking Celebration, Gromit is Co-Directed and Produced by NFTS Head of Model Making, John Lee, NFTS Head of PR and Communications, Vicky Hewlett, NFTS Directing Documentary alumna, Bex Singleton, Edited by NFTS Editing MA alumnus, Robin Whalley. Sound Mix by NFTS Senior Supervising Engineer, Jeremy Rodeschini and Grade by current NFTS DFX MA student, Andrea Lo Priore. Also unveiled on the night was an incredible set from A Grand Day Out recreated by the NFTS Model Making for Animation Diploma students.
The iconic 62 West Wallaby Street basement set complete with the rocket under construction and lots of tiny details from other Wallace & Gromit films plus a tiny Oscar and a BAFTA was a huge hit with guests and Nick absolutely loved it!
John Lee, Head of Model Making explained: “We wanted to design and make something that would really bring Wallace & Gromit’s story to life. The Model Making students have worked tirelessly to recreate every detail of the set and have also added some hidden extras to the set such as a tiny Oscar and BAFTA to further celebrate Nick’s achievements. This and the incredible achievements of our animation department are testament to the fact that our students are following in Nick’s footsteps and ensuring that stop motion animation and model making continues to be a hugely important part of the School’s output."
Nick Park said: “I’m really looking forward to returning to NFTS for such a special event. The School was such an inspiring place for me to be whilst I was creating Wallace and Gromit. I was very fortunate to be amongst some very talented people who all helped out with A Grand Day Out - many of them, I still work with now.“ Nick posed for a photo during the premiere with fellow NFTS alumni who he worked on A Grand Day Out with including Danny Hambrook, Julian Nott, Adrian Rhodes and Lesley Manning (also pictured are regular Wallace & Gromit cinematogrpher, Dave Alex Ridett, Aardman Co-Founder, David Sproxton and Wallace & Gromit creative director, Merlin Crossingham.
Another highlight of the evening was Nick Park signing the wall next to the room where he created Wallace & Gromit at NFTS!
NFTS Director, Jon Wardle said: “It's an honour that we were asked to host this very exciting premiere at the NFTS and to welcome Nick and Julian back to the School so guests can enjoy and celebrate one of our proudest moments. Nick Park and Wallace & Gromit are very much part of the fabric of the NFTS so it’s incredibly fitting that we celebrate the 30th anniversary of two of the UK’s most loved characters being created right here at the School.”
Ngaio Harding-Hill, Head of Attractions & Live Experiences, Aardman: “It is wonderful that Wallace & Gromit’s Musical Marvels premiered at the film school where Nick started his career. Carrot Productions have produced a fantastic show, and we look forward to audiences across the UK having the opportunity to enjoy this unique musical experience.”
You can buy tickets to Carrot Productions Musical Marvels tour here.
More information about the NFTS Directing Animation MA at nfts.co.uk/animation and the Model Making for Animation Diploma at nfts.co.uk/modelmaking