Richard Curtis Makes Animated Debut with ‘That Christmas’ Featuring Ed Sheeran
British filmmaker Richard Curtis is returning to the spotlight with his first animated film, “That Christmas.” The 68-year-old is adapting his own trilogy of children’s books for this project. He has also enlisted his friend Ed Sheeran to write an original song for the film.
“That Christmas” features the voices of prominent actors like Brian Cox and Bill Nighy. The film hits select cinemas in the UK this week and will be available on Netflix starting December 4.
How dose Richard Curtis’s experience in romantic comedies influence his approach to animated storytelling?
Interview with Richard Curtis: The Creative Journey Behind “That Christmas”
News Directory 3: Richard, it’s exciting to see you return with your first animated film, “That Christmas.” What inspired you to adapt your children’s trilogy into this animated format?
Richard Curtis: Thank you! The inspiration comes from a blend of nostalgia and the desire to tell a heartfelt story that resonates with both children and adults. My children’s books have always held a special place for me, and I thought animation could brilliantly bring the magic of Christmas to life, capturing the emotions and whimsy in a way that live-action might not.
ND3: You’ve brought along some renowned talent for this project, including Ed Sheeran for an original song and voices like Brian Cox and Bill Nighy. How did these collaborations come about?
RC: Ed is a dear friend, and I’ve always admired his ability to convey emotion through music. I could envision his style enhancing the film’s narrative. as for Brian and Bill, they are both such incredibly talented actors. Their voices have distinct qualities that add depth and personality to the characters. It was a natural choice for me to reach out to them.
ND3: As a filmmaker known for iconic romantic comedies, how does tackling animation differ from your previous work?
RC: The biggest difference has to be the process itself.Animation is a painstakingly slow endeavor. Each frame takes time, and creating the vivid scenes can feel daunting.However, there’s something liberating about it too. You can conjure up fantastical worlds and animate emotions in ways that are simply not possible in live-action filmmaking.
ND3: You’ve mentioned challenges during this process—what specific challenges did you encounter while making “That Christmas”?
RC: Time is definitely a important challenge. it requires meticulous planning, and there’s a constant pressure to deliver quality work within that timeframe. There were moments of frustration, but I found that leaning into those challenges frequently enough led to surprising creativity and innovation. The journey is just as significant as the final product.
ND3: With the film set to hit select cinemas this week and then available on Netflix starting December 4, what hopes do you have for the audience’s reception?
RC: I genuinely hope it resonates with families. Christmas is a season of connection and celebration, and I wanted to embody that spirit. If audiences can sit together, share a laugh, and feel a sense of warmth while watching “That Christmas,” I’d consider that a victory.
ND3: Last question,Richard — any advice for aspiring filmmakers who might want to venture into animation?
RC: Absolutely. My advice would be to embrace the process, however daunting it may seem. Allow yourself to be open to collaboration and new ideas while staying true to your vision. animation has its unique challenges, but it also has unrivaled potential for creativity. Dive in with passion and patience!
ND3: Thank you, Richard. We’re looking forward to “That Christmas”!
RC: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait for everyone to see it.
Curtis is known for directing popular films such as “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Notting Hill,” and the iconic “Love Actually.” He noted the challenges of animation, particularly the time it takes to create. However, he found some positive aspects in the process, despite the hurdles.