Cape Town animation directors Jack Hamman and Sarah Scrimgeour hope to take home International Emmy Award
Cape Town animation directors Jack Hamman and Sarah Scrimgeour are hoping to take home the International Emmy Award. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Monday night in New York. They will know it by early morning Tabby Maktat Kids: Won the animation category.
The BBC's Christmas special, based on the popular picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, faces stiff competition from: mystery lane, shark dogand Wake up, Carlo!
If they win, it will be the second consecutive victory for a South African coach in this category. Another film adaptation by Donaldson Scheffler took place last year. The Smets and the Smooth“'', directed by Daniel Snaddon and Samantha Cutler, won the award.
Purring, perfect harmonies: “Tabby McTat” now on Showmax
Currently streaming on Showmax, Tabby Maktat A heartwarming story about a musical cat and a street performer named Fred. When Fred is taken away in an ambulance chasing a thief, Tabby is left to fend for herself on the streets of London.
For Donaldson, this story is deeply personal. “My husband Malcolm and I loved busking when we lived in Bristol and Paris,” she says. “We also love cats. We just adopted two kittens named Tabatha and Maktat. This story combines two of my passions: singing and cats.”
Sarah Scrimgeour couldn't resist directing the project either. “This is about musical cats because I love cats. Honestly, how could I say no?”
For Jack Hamman, the story's themes resonated. “It's a story about friendships changing, leaving home, and starting your own family. It's very moving. I want parents who are watching it with their children to feel those themes, and to inspire their children. I wanted to hold you a little tighter.”
The 25-minute film also stars BAFTA nominee Rob Brydon (gavin and stacey) and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísú (gangs of london) as Fred and Tabby, doctor who Starring Jodie Whittaker serves as the narrator.
Watch the trailer here:
“Tabby Maktat” steals the show
Tabby MaktatThe Magic Light Pictures production was a Christmas sensation in the UK in 2023, ranking in the top 10 most-watched TV shows on Christmas Day and attracting over 8.6 million viewers. . It was also the most-watched animated feature on UK broadcasters throughout this festival season.
This year, the film won the following awards: Animation: Kindergarten Awarded at BANFF World Media Festival, audience award At the New York International Children's Film Festival. It has also been nominated for major awards such as the Rose d'Or Award, the Royal Television Society Award and the Venice Television Award.
As the eleventh adaptation of Julia Donaldson-Axel Scheffler's book by Magic Light Pictures, Tabby Maktat It follows in the tradition of blockbusters such as Oscar-nominated films. gruffalo and International Emmy Award Winner Zog and The Smets and the Smooth. In addition to these, Tabby Maktatcurrently streaming on Showmax, with more Donaldson Scheffler specials arriving before Christmas.
SA talent shines in BBC's festive hit
Directors Jack and Sarah worked remotely from Cape Town and led a team of over 80 UK-based artists for a year and a half. Tabby Maktat The BBC Christmas Special is his sixth after the award-winning production and his second as director. super worm.
South African talent played a major role in the production. Longtime collaborator and art director Shannan Taylor brought Axel Scheffler's illustrations to life in 3D, while animators Depeche Cara, Dominic Seaver, Luke Burge, Sam Cutler, Stefano Menegald, and Stuart Coutts added the magic. Lighting lead Armand Fillmalter, artist Dayan Abadar and sculptor Daniel Maran were also integral to the film.
“We love working with South African people,” says Jack. “Their work ethic is amazing. Someone like Shanann works so hard that sometimes I have to remind her to take a break!”
Jack and Sarah weren't able to attend the Emmy Awards in New York due to their busy schedules, but they hope so Tabby Maktat She will continue to shine on the award stage.
The real reward for them is being able to share their work with friends and family back home. “It was tough not being able to watch the premiere on the BBC after two years of hard work,” Sarah says. “So it’s great that it’s on Showmax and finally everyone we know can see it.”
stream Tabby Maktat Click here for more information about Showmax.
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