Thanks to everyone who came to our screenngs n Tokyo , always glad to see
a full house!
The supefans who already knew about the film
were such a boost! Thank you all for coming and waiting to chat.
I had time too for a lovely visit to the ghibli museum and
to see some of Tokyo... An amazing place!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Osaka Screening Sold out
Hooray, thanks all who came along! The signing session was fun too, lovely to meet you all.
I was impressed with how many people had already heard of our film, especially the guy who had bought
the book from France!
I was impressed with how many people had already heard of our film, especially the guy who had bought
the book from France!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Japanese Screenings
Well here I am with young Ben in Osaka Japan. We have some screenings here as part of the European Film festival. We've never been to Japan before it was as amazing and overwhelming as I expected yesterday , walking around with jetlag!
Luckily we hooked up with an old Ballyfermot college pal - Dave "Yer man in Japan" McDermott who was a able to give us a fascinating insight into the place as we walked around the Osaka castle and city centre.
He is a fluent speaker of Japanese and had an interesting insight into the difference between cultures because of language. He feels Japanese people think much more visually because their language is pictorial . It would explain the fact that comics and animation are so much more part of mainstream culture here .
We have the first Japanese screening that I've been aware of today, I hope we get a good crowd and that they enjoy the film. Having been compared to Japanese animation so often in the States it will be interesting to see what Anime fans make of it here!
Luckily we hooked up with an old Ballyfermot college pal - Dave "Yer man in Japan" McDermott who was a able to give us a fascinating insight into the place as we walked around the Osaka castle and city centre.
He is a fluent speaker of Japanese and had an interesting insight into the difference between cultures because of language. He feels Japanese people think much more visually because their language is pictorial . It would explain the fact that comics and animation are so much more part of mainstream culture here .
We have the first Japanese screening that I've been aware of today, I hope we get a good crowd and that they enjoy the film. Having been compared to Japanese animation so often in the States it will be interesting to see what Anime fans make of it here!
Friday, November 12, 2010
If there were no books....
heres Kilkenny county library mobile unit , bringing books to the people...so they may have hope.
and its got a nice decoration on it now too ;)
Friday, October 29, 2010
Happy halloween
Aisling in Empires Top 50
Just found out that Aisling made Empires Top 50 animated characters list! :)
The nice thing about the list is teh artwork they used to illustrate it is often not screenshots.
Coraline is represented by a modelsheet drawing by Shane Prigmore for example
and Aisling has a nice rough modelsheet drawn by Barry Reynolds.
http://www.empireonline.com/features/50-greatest-animated-characters/default.asp?film=45
http://www.empireonline.com/features/50-greatest-animated-characters/default.asp?film=45
The nice thing about the list is teh artwork they used to illustrate it is often not screenshots.
Coraline is represented by a modelsheet drawing by Shane Prigmore for example
and Aisling has a nice rough modelsheet drawn by Barry Reynolds.
http://www.empireonline.com/features/50-greatest-animated-characters/default.asp?film=45
http://www.empireonline.com/features/50-greatest-animated-characters/default.asp?film=45
Friday, October 22, 2010
New Thief line tests
http://hand-drawn-animation.blogspot.com/2010/10/thief-cobler-layout-tests-and-pencil.html
Well new to me anyway. This stuff blew my mind in college. Still does.
Well new to me anyway. This stuff blew my mind in college. Still does.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Two years!
Since we wrapped and still I'm enjoying Reading reviews abd tweets, blogs and
mentions from people discovering thus film fir the first time.
I bought empire yesteday and there was the review on paper in the magazine
I always read.And The DVD release in the uk is very soon actually.
I think the us DVD bluray and especially netflix (number one for instant streaming the day it was released!)release has allowed more people
than ever before see the film. That's what it's all about really.
It was slow to finance, slow to make and slow to find a large audience but I feel like we are getting there the same way , slow and steady. Maybe it's good this way , it all lasts longer and doesn't fizzle out so fast.
mentions from people discovering thus film fir the first time.
I bought empire yesteday and there was the review on paper in the magazine
I always read.And The DVD release in the uk is very soon actually.
I think the us DVD bluray and especially netflix (number one for instant streaming the day it was released!)release has allowed more people
than ever before see the film. That's what it's all about really.
It was slow to finance, slow to make and slow to find a large audience but I feel like we are getting there the same way , slow and steady. Maybe it's good this way , it all lasts longer and doesn't fizzle out so fast.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Back on the auld sod
Many thanks to everyone in sf Portland and NYC who cane along to the screenings and the panel in nycomicon ! I had a great time ,but glad to be home.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
NY ComicCon
Wow an amazing day , I have never been to a ComicCon on that scale before. Its quite surreal and intense.
Thousands and thousands of serious comics, anime and cartoon fans in all sorts of get ups.
If any of you readers are here in NYC tmrw please do come along to our panel and we'll be selling comics, books and DVDs afterward with sketches too!
Thousands and thousands of serious comics, anime and cartoon fans in all sorts of get ups.
If any of you readers are here in NYC tmrw please do come along to our panel and we'll be selling comics, books and DVDs afterward with sketches too!
Thursday, October 07, 2010
UK reviews
Hey there,
I agree with those of you who contacted me saying they felt the movie was not "strictly for kids" kind of a strange review, although positive they seemed to miss some of the denser layers of meaning I guess.
Anyway I'm still pretty happy with the general press response in the UK. A friend told me yesterday that theres something in Sight and Sound this month too, so I'm looking forward to picking up a copy of that too when I get home.
I agree with those of you who contacted me saying they felt the movie was not "strictly for kids" kind of a strange review, although positive they seemed to miss some of the denser layers of meaning I guess.
Anyway I'm still pretty happy with the general press response in the UK. A friend told me yesterday that theres something in Sight and Sound this month too, so I'm looking forward to picking up a copy of that too when I get home.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Uk poster
Uk reviews summary
October 01, 2010, Daily Mirror - Ticket, David Edwards, 4 star review
“Old school and proud of it, it's no surprise this toon earned an Oscar nomination earlier in the year...Strike a blow for tradition and see it”
October 01, 2010, The Times - Arts and Entertainment, Kate Muir, 4 star review
"...THE SECRET OF KELLS is a hand-drawn Celtic extravaganza....Take a child to see the inspiring KELLS rather than Garfield's Pet Force 3D"
October 01, 2010, The Guardian, Peter Bradshaw – 3 star review
“A low key pleasure.”
October 01, 2010, Daily Telegraph, Tim Robey, 4 star review
"...The look of the film is simply ravishing. The highly stylised images...are all realised with a gorgeous intricacy".
October 01, 2010, Daily Star - Big Screen, Alan Frank, 6/10
"This Irish animated feature looks great. But it's strictly for kids"
October 01, 2010, Metro - Life, Angie Errigo, 3 Stars
"The artistry is beautiful, the tale of courageous quest affecting. But children addicted to showier...3D might chafe at something of subtler (although frequently scary) style"
Fri 1st, The Evening Standard, 3 star review
“It is the original animation that draws you into the film which parents may take their children to without fear of adult boredom.”
Sat 2nd, The Times, Kate Muir 4 star review
“A compelling animated film for children – and an artistic delight for adults.”
Sat 2nd, The Guardian (Guide), “Out Now”
“Irish animation whose vibrant, intricate aesthetic is in tune with its monks and illuminated manuscripts.”
Sat 2nd, The Daily Telegraph (Review), Tim Robey 4 star review
“Intricately gorgeously drawn, the story of Ireland’s medieval Book of Kells is a complete and magical delight.”
Sun 3rd, The Sunday Times (Culture), 3 star review
“It’s handsomely done and serves a decent story.”
Sun 3rd, The Sunday Telegraph (Seven), Jenny McCartney – 4 star review
“The quirky style of animation echoes the drawings and calligraphy of the Book of Kells itself, while the mesmeric tale weaves myth and magic together with the historical miracle of the book’s own survival through fierce and freezing times.”
Sun 3rd, The Observer (Review), Philip French – no star rating
“It’s about the creation of that which endures and asserts both man’s faith in the spirit and his celebration of the beauty of this world.”
Sun 3rd, Mail on Sunday, Jason Solomons 3 star review
“The story is certainly enchanting and should appeal to smart children.”
Sun 3rd, The Independent on Sunday, Nicholas Barber - no star rating
“The film is still a treat, thanks to its stylised, kaleidoscopic artwork.”
“Old school and proud of it, it's no surprise this toon earned an Oscar nomination earlier in the year...Strike a blow for tradition and see it”
October 01, 2010, The Times - Arts and Entertainment, Kate Muir, 4 star review
"...THE SECRET OF KELLS is a hand-drawn Celtic extravaganza....Take a child to see the inspiring KELLS rather than Garfield's Pet Force 3D"
October 01, 2010, The Guardian, Peter Bradshaw – 3 star review
“A low key pleasure.”
October 01, 2010, Daily Telegraph, Tim Robey, 4 star review
"...The look of the film is simply ravishing. The highly stylised images...are all realised with a gorgeous intricacy".
October 01, 2010, Daily Star - Big Screen, Alan Frank, 6/10
"This Irish animated feature looks great. But it's strictly for kids"
October 01, 2010, Metro - Life, Angie Errigo, 3 Stars
"The artistry is beautiful, the tale of courageous quest affecting. But children addicted to showier...3D might chafe at something of subtler (although frequently scary) style"
Fri 1st, The Evening Standard, 3 star review
“It is the original animation that draws you into the film which parents may take their children to without fear of adult boredom.”
Sat 2nd, The Times, Kate Muir 4 star review
“A compelling animated film for children – and an artistic delight for adults.”
Sat 2nd, The Guardian (Guide), “Out Now”
“Irish animation whose vibrant, intricate aesthetic is in tune with its monks and illuminated manuscripts.”
Sat 2nd, The Daily Telegraph (Review), Tim Robey 4 star review
“Intricately gorgeously drawn, the story of Ireland’s medieval Book of Kells is a complete and magical delight.”
Sun 3rd, The Sunday Times (Culture), 3 star review
“It’s handsomely done and serves a decent story.”
Sun 3rd, The Sunday Telegraph (Seven), Jenny McCartney – 4 star review
“The quirky style of animation echoes the drawings and calligraphy of the Book of Kells itself, while the mesmeric tale weaves myth and magic together with the historical miracle of the book’s own survival through fierce and freezing times.”
Sun 3rd, The Observer (Review), Philip French – no star rating
“It’s about the creation of that which endures and asserts both man’s faith in the spirit and his celebration of the beauty of this world.”
Sun 3rd, Mail on Sunday, Jason Solomons 3 star review
“The story is certainly enchanting and should appeal to smart children.”
Sun 3rd, The Independent on Sunday, Nicholas Barber - no star rating
“The film is still a treat, thanks to its stylised, kaleidoscopic artwork.”
US DVD release
http://www.comixology.com/digital/4523/T
Check out the Kells graphic novels on line at comixology -
I also saw a cool Secret of Kells viewmaster today in the offices of New Video our DVD distributors.
I'm looking forward to the panel at the NY ComicCon this weekend .
Mr.David O'Reilly just buzzed into NYC tonight too, looking forward to hooking up with the original inspiration for Brendan's design in person again .
Check out the Kells graphic novels on line at comixology -
I also saw a cool Secret of Kells viewmaster today in the offices of New Video our DVD distributors.
I'm looking forward to the panel at the NY ComicCon this weekend .
Mr.David O'Reilly just buzzed into NYC tonight too, looking forward to hooking up with the original inspiration for Brendan's design in person again .
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Noo yawk noo yawk
Saturday & Sunday, Oct 2 & 3 at 11am
IFC Center, 323 6th Ave (at West 3rd Street)
Q&A with Tomm Moore(me!) and free Kells DVD for every household!
Advance tickets are strongly recommended,
and available from www.gkids.tv/intheaters
IFC Center, 323 6th Ave (at West 3rd Street)
Q&A with Tomm Moore(me!) and free Kells DVD for every household!
Advance tickets are strongly recommended,
and available from www.gkids.tv/intheaters
UK screening info
| 29/09/2010 | |
The Secret of Kells goes on release in select cinemas across the UK this weekend with Optimum Releasing. We hope you can check it out.... of course if you can't check it out, please tell someone to go instead of you! thanks! The roll out for the Secret of Kells is as follows October 3rd Everyman Theatre, Belsize Park Ritzy Theatre, Brixton Picture House Theatre, Greenwich Curzon Theatre, Wimbledon Picture House Theatre, Clapham Regal Theatre, Henley On Thames Screen Theatre, Oxted Screen Theatre, Reigate Picture House Theatre, Stratford East Picture House Theatre, Bury St Edmunds Arts Theatre, Cambridge Phoenix Theatre, Oxford Picture House Theatre, Stratford Upon Avon Picture House Theatre, Liverpool Scala Theatre, Prestatyn Little Theatre, Bath Screen Theatre, Winchester Cityscreen Cinema, Newcastle Tyneside Picture House Theatre, York Belmont Theatre, Aberdeen October 8th Glasgow Film Theatre Edinburgh Filmhouse Newcastle Tyneside October 22nd Aldeburgh Cinema Newcastle Tyneside Lexi Cinema November 5th South Holland Arts Centre, Spalding November 12th Courtyard Hereford Cube Bristol Watermans Brentford |
Empire review :) five stars!
http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=136969
Review
One of the things that’s magical about Miyazaki’s strange fables is the fact that they are so rooted in Japanese myth and mindset, and so – for Westerners – offer an insight into an alien culture that’s endlessly fascinating. This 2010 Oscar-nominated cartoon from director Tomm Moore accomplishes a similar feat, nailing the peculiarities of Irish culture in a way that puts it alongside The Field and The Commitments on the short list of films that neither stereotype nor patronise the country.
The plot – concerning the creation of The Book Of Kells, the astonishing illuminated Bible that is a treasure of the nation and a masterpiece of medieval art – mixes Christianity and paganism in a way that might seem out of place anywhere but Ireland, where devout belief and fathomless superstition have always co-existed. Young Brendan (Evan McGuire), who leaves the safety of his monastery home to brave the wild woods in search of the berries and creatures needed to create ink for the Book, meets mischievous sprite Aisling (Christen Mooney) but also the more sinister ancient gods and the threat of Viking invaders after the monastery’s treasures.
Also typically of Ireland, much of the film’s conflict comes from within the community, with stern Abbot Cellach (Brendan Gleeson) clashing with the more free-wheeling Brother Aidan (Mick Lally). The former’s determined to focus on the abbey’s defences, while the latter keeps his focus on the art of illumination. And the art is astonishing – real snippets from the Book are shown, and its motifs and themes echo through the film in tiny details, especially in the scenes where Aisling introduces Brendan to the glories of the forest. In contrast, the Viking invaders are drawn in slashes of smoky black and blood red, quick touches of CG enhancing their sense of invasion, of otherness.
Brendan’s quest mixes absurd humour and adventure, naïve art and intricate detail, in a way that could seem haphazard or chaotic but which is rigorously thought out – even in the traumatic detail of a climactic Viking attack. The result is a story that will enchant children but also offer something fresh and exciting for adults, the closest thing we’ve seen to a European Miyazaki movie.
Verdict
Unlike anything else you’ve seen, and very much worth seeking out, this is a unique and beautiful creation.
Reviewer: Helen O'Hara
Review
One of the things that’s magical about Miyazaki’s strange fables is the fact that they are so rooted in Japanese myth and mindset, and so – for Westerners – offer an insight into an alien culture that’s endlessly fascinating. This 2010 Oscar-nominated cartoon from director Tomm Moore accomplishes a similar feat, nailing the peculiarities of Irish culture in a way that puts it alongside The Field and The Commitments on the short list of films that neither stereotype nor patronise the country.
The plot – concerning the creation of The Book Of Kells, the astonishing illuminated Bible that is a treasure of the nation and a masterpiece of medieval art – mixes Christianity and paganism in a way that might seem out of place anywhere but Ireland, where devout belief and fathomless superstition have always co-existed. Young Brendan (Evan McGuire), who leaves the safety of his monastery home to brave the wild woods in search of the berries and creatures needed to create ink for the Book, meets mischievous sprite Aisling (Christen Mooney) but also the more sinister ancient gods and the threat of Viking invaders after the monastery’s treasures.
Also typically of Ireland, much of the film’s conflict comes from within the community, with stern Abbot Cellach (Brendan Gleeson) clashing with the more free-wheeling Brother Aidan (Mick Lally). The former’s determined to focus on the abbey’s defences, while the latter keeps his focus on the art of illumination. And the art is astonishing – real snippets from the Book are shown, and its motifs and themes echo through the film in tiny details, especially in the scenes where Aisling introduces Brendan to the glories of the forest. In contrast, the Viking invaders are drawn in slashes of smoky black and blood red, quick touches of CG enhancing their sense of invasion, of otherness.
Brendan’s quest mixes absurd humour and adventure, naïve art and intricate detail, in a way that could seem haphazard or chaotic but which is rigorously thought out – even in the traumatic detail of a climactic Viking attack. The result is a story that will enchant children but also offer something fresh and exciting for adults, the closest thing we’ve seen to a European Miyazaki movie.
Verdict
Unlike anything else you’ve seen, and very much worth seeking out, this is a unique and beautiful creation.
Reviewer: Helen O'Hara
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
the journey continues
i continue to be amazed at the travel oppurtunities i'm getting as as result of making a film - and we wrapped more than two years ago!
The Uk release is just starting in cinemas - check out the Cambridge Film festival this Sunday and then around the Uk plus I'm looking forward to seing this months issue of Empire and Total Film - just being mentioned in there as a new release is going to be a kick.
This Saturday I start a whirlwind promo tour for the DVD and bluray - beginning in San Fran with some school visits and the Film Festival screening then onto Portland for a screening there after its amazingly long run in that hipster haven, and then onto Ny for the ComicCon.
The Uk release is just starting in cinemas - check out the Cambridge Film festival this Sunday and then around the Uk plus I'm looking forward to seing this months issue of Empire and Total Film - just being mentioned in there as a new release is going to be a kick.
This Saturday I start a whirlwind promo tour for the DVD and bluray - beginning in San Fran with some school visits and the Film Festival screening then onto Portland for a screening there after its amazingly long run in that hipster haven, and then onto Ny for the ComicCon.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Remi Chaye
Just checked out Remi Chaye's sketch blog from Mongolia.
Of all the amazing draughtsmen who I had the privilege to work with on Kells I think Remi
may have been the most unsung (and underutilized) hero.
He did plenty of beautiful storyboards and layouts but sadly spent
most of his time doing Excel sheets and tracking the production.
http://remichaye.blogspot.com/
I urge one and all who wander this way to go check his amazing drawing skills.
Legend.
Of all the amazing draughtsmen who I had the privilege to work with on Kells I think Remi
may have been the most unsung (and underutilized) hero.
He did plenty of beautiful storyboards and layouts but sadly spent
most of his time doing Excel sheets and tracking the production.
http://remichaye.blogspot.com/
I urge one and all who wander this way to go check his amazing drawing skills.
Legend.
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