A Model Project
London-based Lupus Films launches an animated feature based on the life of 1920s Parisian It Girl, Kiki de Montparnasse.
London-based Lupus Films launches an animated feature based on the life of 1920s Parisian It Girl, Kiki de Montparnasse.
One of the highlights of this years Cartoon Movie event in France was a special preview of London-based Lupus Films upcoming movie Kiki, which centers on the adventures of actress, singer and model Kiki (born
Alice Prin) among the Bohemian community of 1920s-era Paris. We had the opportunity to chat with writer/director Peter Dodd and producer Ruth Fielding about their intriguing new 2D project.
Animation Magazine: What prompted your interest in Kiki? How did you discover her? Ruth Fielding: Peter [Dodd] was the animation director on our feature film Ethel & Ernest and hes animated on all our handdrawn TV specials, so hes one of our longterm collaborators. When he brought us Kiki, his passion project, my partner Camilla [Deakin] and I fell in love with her. Shes a strong female character with a compelling story, so we were instantly attracted to her life and to the setting of the film in 1920s Paris.
Peter Dodd: It was the photograph by Man Ray: Le Violon dIngres. Very enigmatic. I saw it everywhere; in exhibitions and books. But her story is just as interesting. The discovery was a gradual revelation. I had some idea from my time working in Montparnasse in my 20s. She just kept appearing in peoples accounts of the period. Ernest Hemingway wrote his first foreword for her memoirs. Shes largely forgotten now, but was a bright light burning at the time.
Why do you think her life story would make a great animated movie?
Ruth: She was living at a very interesting time, and she feels like a historical figure who has quite a modern character. Her story really feels like it needs to be told now. And animation can really touch an audience deeply in terms of its emotion.
Peter: I think characters with no limits make compelling subjects for a film. She truly seemed to live and love as if every day was her last. Most of us like the idea but cant possibly achieve that.
How does showcasing the film at Cartoon Movie help generate interest and funding for a project like this?
Ruth: We showed the film in concept at Cartoon Movie, as we have yet to write the script and fully develop the film. However, its a great place to attract like-minded producers who might help us co-finance the development and its great to get an audiences reaction to the style of the film and the story.
Peter: Its the place to be, and Ive spoken to a number of people who have had success there. Its been fascinating hearing what a potentially broad audience could be reached with the right people involved.
What is the films budget and when are you hoping to deliver the project?
Ruth: We havent budgeted the film yet, but it will be under 10 million euros and I guess the earliest we will deliver will be 2022, with a following wind!
How do you see the animation landscape shaping up in the U.K. in 2019 and beyond?
Ruth: We have a lot of work and talent in the U.K. at the minute, but I hope that Brexit wont put the brakes on all that. We need free access for talent throughout Europe and need to remain competitive with our European counterparts. We are working with the U.S. studios, too, so keeping up those contacts and our reputation on the other side of the pond is key to our success in 2019 and beyond.
Peter: I think Ethel & Ernest broke a few barriers. The first feature for a generation here, that wasnt aimed at children. Weve got a good reputation here for delivering Hollywood effects, and commercials, and half hour specials. It looks like features may be making a comeback!
You can find out more about Lupus Films and the studios many award-winning projects (Were Going on a Bear Hunt, Ethel & Ernest, The Snowman and the Snowdog, Kensukes Kingdom, Anatoles Island) at lupusfilms.com.