Horton’s animator meets young fans

Young animation fans packed into a cinema for a special screening of Dr Seuss adaptation Horton Hears A Who!

As an extra treat, the film was introduced by Jason Sadler, one of two character designers who worked on Horton Hears a Who! Jason also worked on the hugely popular Ice Age films, including Ice Age 3 which will be in cinemas this summer.

The screening of Horton Hears A Who! at Middlesbrough’s Cineworld was part of the Animex International Festival of Animation & Computer Games, hosted by the University.

In the film, Horton the elephant struggles to protect a microscopic community from his neighbours, who refuse to believe Horton’s tiny little friends exist. The film, which features comic actor Jim Carrey as the voice of Horton, is the first adaptation of a Dr Seuss children’s book to be fully animated using CGI technology.

Jason said: ‘When we’re working on a film we’re focused on the details and making sure that it will look right on the screen, so it’s awesome to be able to come along to events such as this and see the reaction of the children as they watch the film.

First time at Animex ‘It’s my first time at Animex and I’m really excited to be here. My colleagues at Blue Sky Studios where I work in New York are looking forward to hearing all about it.’

During his introduction Jason told the young audience: ‘Working in animation is an attainable goal. If you enjoy drawing, surround yourself with things that inspire you. I worked on Horton Hears A Who! for three years and it was a blast to work on. One of the characters, the Mayor, has 96 daughters – and I designed all of them!’

Children from North Ormesby, Berwick Hills, Hemlington Hall, Pennyman and Park End primary schools in Middlesbrough were invited to the special screening.

Elise Hesk, aged six, of North Ormesby Primary School, said: ‘I really like Horton Hears A Who! and I’ve seen it lots of times. Horton the elephant is my favourite character. He’s really funny and makes me laugh.’

Now celebrating its tenth anniversary year, Animex attracts a host of international speakers, many who have been involved in creating box office hits. Jason Sadler was also a guest speaker at Animex Talk held during the festival .

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