Young film fan Beatrice Fitzmaurice has been interviewing the creative team behind the new animation of Winnie The Pooh for education charity FILMCLUB, ahead of its UK release on 15th April.
10 year old Beatrice, who is a Young Ambassador for the nationwide scheme, took part in a very special interview session at Buckhurst Estate in East Sussex β which is the real life setting for Poohβs famous Hundred Acre Wood. The young filmclubber quizzed co-directors Don Hall, Stephen J Andderson, story supervisor Burny Mattinson and animators Andreas Deja and Mark Henn, on how they brought the much-loved characters back to the big screen. On her meeting with the two directors Beatrice said, βStephen J. Anderson & Don told me that it took 2 years to make the film. And to them it didnβt take that long because usually animated Disney films can take about 5 years to make!β
During the day Beatrice was also able to discuss with Disney historian Brian Seible the unique back-story behind Pooh and friends; Beatrix commented, βIt was fascinating to hear what Brian knew about Winnie the Pooh. He told me that Christopher Robinβs father wrote the book of Winnie the Pooh and the story is based on his son and his toys. So the story is true, in a way. Winnie the Pooh and Tigger were real!β
The lucky youngster was also given an exclusive drawing of her favourite character Tigger β she said βIt really was such an amazing day β the animator Andreas Deja even drew a picture of Tigger for me and signed the picture. I was so delighted when he gave it to me to take home. I am going to frame it!β