LUPUS FILMS HEADS INTO THE HEDGEROWS TO ADAPT BRAMBLY HEDGE
Leading London animation studio Lupus Films (The Snowman & The Snowdog, The Tiger Who Came To Tea) announced today that it has optioned the rights from the author’s estate to adapt the classic countryside stories Brambly Hedge, in a deal brokered by Rockpool Licensing.
Originally written and illustrated by Jill Barklem, the Brambly Hedge series published by HarperCollins Children’s Books has sold over seven million copies since the first release in 1980. Focusing on the delightful adventures of a hidden community of mice in the English countryside, the series’ characters have featured on products ranging from china to chocolate and stationery to figurines.
Now, on the 40th anniversary of its original publication, Lupus Films is set to bring the bucolic world of Brambly Hedge to audiences old and new. The family home and the natural world are at the heart of every Brambly Hedge story. With an embedded environmental message, the diminutive inhabitants treat their woodland and meadow homes with a mixture of respect and awe. They accept with gratitude the nourishment their surroundings provide while rejoicing in the contrasting beauties of every season. And while the Brambly Hedge characters work hard for themselves and each other, they are equally committed to throwing themselves into every opportunity or festivity, be it for a birthday picnic or a seasonal celebration.
Lupus is initially developing the property as a Christmas special, with further episodes to follow shortly after. HarperCollins will launch a celebratory publishing programme to commemorate the 40th anniversary in October 2020.
Ruth Fielding Joint MD, Lupus Films says: “The Brambly Hedge characters stand tail to tail with the most classic British literary characters and we cannot wait to delve into the hedgerows and fields of the British countryside to reveal the secrets and folklore of this hidden little community of animals. The Brambly Hedge world captures the best and sweetest moments of childhood and revels in the pleasure to be found in friendships, families, and the natural world.”
Lizzie Barklem, Brambly Hedge estate says: “We’re delighted to have teamed up with Lupus who have a fantastic track record of translating beautifully illustrated books on to the screen. 2020 is the 40th anniversary of Brambly Hedge so the timing is perfect for introducing the mice to a brand new generation.”
Lupus Films has become renowned for its Christmas animations and hand-drawn adaptations of classic British literary works including The Snowman & The Snowdog (Channel 4), We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Channel 4) and Ethel & Ernest (BBC One). Its most recent TV special, The Tiger Who Came To Tea (Channel 4), featured a stellar voice cast and a song by Robbie Williams and was Channel 4’s most-viewed programme after The Great British Bake Off.
Brambly Hedge will be produced by Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding.
For further information:
Valerie Taylor
Email: valerie@valerie-taylor.co.uk
Tel: + 44 (0) 7889 666594
About Lupus Films
London-based Lupus Films was set up by Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding in 2002 and has since grown to become one of the UK’s leading production companies. Best known for high-quality family entertainment they work regularly with the finest talent including world famous authors, actors, directors, animators and musicians. Specialising in hand-drawn, 2D digital and CGI animation, Lupus Films has developed an international reputation for beautifully crafted film adaptations of classic works of literature which have been seen in cinemas and on major broadcasters and SVOD channels worldwide. www.lupusfilms.com
About HarperCollins Children’s Books
HarperCollins Children’s Books, unprecedented three times winner of Children’s Publisher of the Year (2014, 2015, 2016) is one of the leading publishers of children’s books, recognised for nurturing new talent as well as boasting a reputable list of established best-selling authors. Respected worldwide for its tradition of publishing quality, award-winning books for young readers, HarperCollins is home to many children’s classics, including The Chronicles of Narnia, the Paddington stories, The Cat in the Hat and The Tiger Who Came to Tea, and to some of the biggest names in children’s literature past and present, including David Walliams, Judith Kerr, David Baddiel, Lauren Child, Oliver Jeffers and Michael Morpurgo
About Brambly Hedge
Brambly Hedge is a close-knit community of mice who live in an idyllic hedgerow where old values flourish and seasonal self-sufficiency is the order of the day. The series of eight books, written and illustrated by Jill Barklem, chronicle in astonishing illustrative detail, the lives, adventures and festivities of the mice through the ever-changing seasons. The books have been translated into over thirteen languages, and have been adored by both adults and children for 40 years. www.bramblyhedge.com