Mr Bear's Picnic - my latest animation - has been named a finalist in this year's Collision Awards, and is sitting alongside nominees such as Disney's Moana 2.
Mr Bear embodies kindness and this animation puts a spotlight on your power to brighten someone's day just by being yourself.
Mr Bear’s Picnic is a heartwarming story set in the corner of the forest. Mr Bear’s dearest friend, Mouse, feels a bit blue. As she slips out for a quiet walk by herself to clear her mind, Mr Bear is unsure where she’s gone and a little worried about his friend. He goes to find her and cheer her up with all her favourite things wrapped up in a picnic basket. This gently story reminds us of our power to brighten someone’s day, just by being there, just by being yourself, just by being a friend.
The news of the award nomination is extra special as it follows just one year on from Mr Bear's Birthday winning a silver award alongside gold winning films by Netflix and Disney.
With such humble beginnings and budget for the Mr Bear animations (created on less than £2000 and being being an entirely self taught artist and animator) it is so magical to be recognised along some of the biggest names in animation.
Mr Bear's Picnic is delightfully narrated by Stephen Fry who has so kindly lent his voice to all five of my animations. The film also features another gorgeous orchestral score by Andrew Pickering.
If you'd like to preview this animation, you can vote and watch via the Collision Awards website here
To take home some Mr Bear magic, you can find three illustrated stories tucked up in one. beautiful book - The Tales Of Mr Bear here
