1982 saw Channel 4’s first Christmas on air and the first broadcast of the animated The Snowman, adapted from Raymond Briggs’ acclaimed book about the magical adventures of a young boy and the remarkable snowman he creates.
The Oscar-nominated film – wordless, apart from its evocative theme, Walking in the Air – has been screened by Channel 4 every year since it was first transmitted and is also available on DVD.
To mark it’s thirtieth year of broadcasting, Channel 4 has announced it will be screen a sequel which will see the Snowman team up with a new set of friends.
Channel 4’s Chief Creative Officer Jay Hunt comments: ‘The Snowman is an entrancing animation that has stood the test of time. I’m thrilled that Raymond will be giving us this sequel which I’m sure will be as delightful and unforgettable as the original.’
Briggs began writing and illustrating children’s books more than forty years ago. His unique and distinctive style became established with the publication of Father Christmas in the early 70s, followed by Fungus the Bogeyman, the satire on nuclear war When the Wind Blows and, in 1978, The Snowman, which has become one of the most popular children’s books ever published.
Puffin’s Managing Director, Francesca Dow, adds: ‘Puffin is extremely proud to publish The Snowman and delighted to be working with Channel 4 on this wonderful new animation, which will see a new generation of children enchanted by Raymond’s classic creation.’
The Snowman 2 will be directed by Hilary Audus and art directed by Joanna Harrison, both of whom worked as animators on the original film.
