by Jo Johnstone
According to Paddington Bear there are one hundred and seven ways to say it's raining in London.
It's really "coming down is one."
It's really "chucking it" would be another.
Its raining "cats and dogs" or "the heavens have opened" must be in his list.
Which ever phrase you prefer all could be used to describe the conditions of the World premiere of Paddington in London.
According to Paddington Bear there are one hundred and seven ways to say it's raining in London.
It's really "coming down is one."
It's really "chucking it" would be another.
Its raining "cats and dogs" or "the heavens have opened" must be in his list.
Which ever phrase you prefer all could be used to describe the conditions of the World premiere of Paddington in London.
A sea of umbrellas covers Leicester Square. Wellington boots and rain jackets are a must and the red carpet is being swept with giant windows wipers. Still, the crowd is eager and the stars are in town to promote the film.
Paddington Bear, created by Micheal Bond in the fifties, follows the adventures of a small bear from Darkest Peru. Sent by his aunt to find a home in London, the bear is taken in by the Brown family who name him Paddington, (named after the station they find him in). Kind hearted and accident prone, Paddington soon captured the heart of the nation.
The film marks the big screen début for the iconic bear who has appeared in over twenty books and numerous TV adaptation. Director Paul King, along with Harry Potter producer David Heymam have spent five and ten years developing the project into a full feature. The pair attended a screening the day before the première to promote the film. After watching the brilliant family adventure they were joined by Hugh Bonneville, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin who play Mr Brown and the Brown children.
Once the panel are seated the film makers explain why now is such a great time for Paddington. Producer David Heyman begins by stating that "I am part of the Paddington generation. I had a Paddington bear as boy and loved his stories". After having the film in development for some time, he finally met director Paul King who he believed to be the man to direct the project. King jumped on board and also wrote the script for the film. For King the idea of doing something his children could watch was a big attraction.
Paddington Bear, created by Micheal Bond in the fifties, follows the adventures of a small bear from Darkest Peru. Sent by his aunt to find a home in London, the bear is taken in by the Brown family who name him Paddington, (named after the station they find him in). Kind hearted and accident prone, Paddington soon captured the heart of the nation.
The film marks the big screen début for the iconic bear who has appeared in over twenty books and numerous TV adaptation. Director Paul King, along with Harry Potter producer David Heymam have spent five and ten years developing the project into a full feature. The pair attended a screening the day before the première to promote the film. After watching the brilliant family adventure they were joined by Hugh Bonneville, Madeleine Harris and Samuel Joslin who play Mr Brown and the Brown children.
Once the panel are seated the film makers explain why now is such a great time for Paddington. Producer David Heyman begins by stating that "I am part of the Paddington generation. I had a Paddington bear as boy and loved his stories". After having the film in development for some time, he finally met director Paul King who he believed to be the man to direct the project. King jumped on board and also wrote the script for the film. For King the idea of doing something his children could watch was a big attraction.
As well as the love of the source material the advances in technology meant that bringing the bear to life was now possible. "Things such as fur rendering have all come on leaps and bounds during the development process" which have been used in the film.
When Paddington arrives in London he has on a sign that says 'please look after this bear'. The film makers felt an equal duty of care in handling such a beloved character. Heyman admits that there are no shortage of cute talking creatures in stories but he was nervous bringing such an icon to the big screen. "There are so many cute characters but we really love him. He has a back story, being sent away from home like boys in school or Charles Dicken's characters". The producer met with creator Michael Bond to assure him he would look after his work. "Bond has seen the film and it was a weight off our shoulders that he really liked it.
In the film it's Bonneville's Mr Brown who goes on the biggest journey, excluding the bear himself. Initially reluctant to take in a strange bear, he soon warms to Paddington who becomes a member of the family. For Bonneville, the film makers "had me at Paddington". He was more than happy to join the bears big screen outing. "I grew up with him too, I received the script and loved the humour in it. It's a great story about a stranger in strange land so its very relatable".
The film makers and Bonneville may have grown up with Paddington but the experience was very different for Harris and Joslin who are from a younger generation. Both the young stars were aware of Paddington but coming to such a large project was a new experience for them. For Harris who plays young Judy Brown the jump from TV to feature film was a real change. "People assume they're the same but it's so much bigger". For Joslin, who had come from shooting The Impossible, Paddington was different but a great learning experience. "I got to work with so many great actors who taught me a lot which was fun".
During the build up to the film there has been a trend of memes and pictures that portray Paddington as a creepy bear. Director King admits that quite a few of these had made their way to him. "Matt Lucus, (who has a cameo in the film) sent one to me. It featured Paddington with an axe and there was a lot of blood but I thought it was very funny. I took the idea positively as it's people playing with the character. A cute bear doing horrible things". In rendering King admits that when Paddington is still "he does have a strange look to him" but the final thing is nothing but cute.
When Paddington arrives in London he has on a sign that says 'please look after this bear'. The film makers felt an equal duty of care in handling such a beloved character. Heyman admits that there are no shortage of cute talking creatures in stories but he was nervous bringing such an icon to the big screen. "There are so many cute characters but we really love him. He has a back story, being sent away from home like boys in school or Charles Dicken's characters". The producer met with creator Michael Bond to assure him he would look after his work. "Bond has seen the film and it was a weight off our shoulders that he really liked it.
In the film it's Bonneville's Mr Brown who goes on the biggest journey, excluding the bear himself. Initially reluctant to take in a strange bear, he soon warms to Paddington who becomes a member of the family. For Bonneville, the film makers "had me at Paddington". He was more than happy to join the bears big screen outing. "I grew up with him too, I received the script and loved the humour in it. It's a great story about a stranger in strange land so its very relatable".
The film makers and Bonneville may have grown up with Paddington but the experience was very different for Harris and Joslin who are from a younger generation. Both the young stars were aware of Paddington but coming to such a large project was a new experience for them. For Harris who plays young Judy Brown the jump from TV to feature film was a real change. "People assume they're the same but it's so much bigger". For Joslin, who had come from shooting The Impossible, Paddington was different but a great learning experience. "I got to work with so many great actors who taught me a lot which was fun".
During the build up to the film there has been a trend of memes and pictures that portray Paddington as a creepy bear. Director King admits that quite a few of these had made their way to him. "Matt Lucus, (who has a cameo in the film) sent one to me. It featured Paddington with an axe and there was a lot of blood but I thought it was very funny. I took the idea positively as it's people playing with the character. A cute bear doing horrible things". In rendering King admits that when Paddington is still "he does have a strange look to him" but the final thing is nothing but cute.
The cute little bears first film was rated a PG by the BBFC for mild sexual reference and threat. Having just watched it the rating seems to be from an entirely different film. Heyman appreciates that 'the board have a job to do' but did not agree with the rating which was later reworded to mild innuendo'. King believes that "maybe the sight of Hugh in a dress frightened them" referring to a scene where Mr Brown sneaks Paddington into a building in drag.
Seeing as the film is filled with such quirks it does feel like it's the work of director King, whose previous works included the Mighty Boosh. King describes the relationship between him and Heyman as "very gratifying". "With David theres no reeling in. It's was a collaboration, a good match. We both wanted to do things that were not at odds with the books or series and we are both happy with the end result".
So is Hugh who has watched the bear rapidly developed through footage. He hosted a clips event a few weeks back, (whichIm With Geek also attended) where work was still in production on Paddington himself. "David and Paul had been with this for years but I had eleven weeks filming then got to see the progress of the film and Paddington". From the footage Hugh admits, "I am convinced that that bear is real".
For the next question our very own Jennifer Drewett asks if there is a difficulty making films that appeal to both children and adults? King believes that "now is a great time to make films for both and Paddington is an obvious choice. Pixar really opened the door for that type of story telling. I watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs just yesterday by myself. It's more about making something good that appeals to all ages". Heyman thinks of King as "a big kid who can appeal to all generations. He has a real sense of having good things that make us laugh".
The story of Paddington Bear has the message to be kinder to strangers so is it something that Britain should take on board? King believes that "everywhere could be more welcoming to strangers. The spirt of the film is to be nice to each other. It's a London story but also a personal one". Heyman recalls the film being written during the London Olympics. "It was a time where lots of visitors were in London. You would meet them on trains and the city really embraced them". Although the film is not meant to have a political agenda the film makers joke that "Niger Farage probably won't be a fan of Paddington".
Seeing as the film is filled with such quirks it does feel like it's the work of director King, whose previous works included the Mighty Boosh. King describes the relationship between him and Heyman as "very gratifying". "With David theres no reeling in. It's was a collaboration, a good match. We both wanted to do things that were not at odds with the books or series and we are both happy with the end result".
So is Hugh who has watched the bear rapidly developed through footage. He hosted a clips event a few weeks back, (whichIm With Geek also attended) where work was still in production on Paddington himself. "David and Paul had been with this for years but I had eleven weeks filming then got to see the progress of the film and Paddington". From the footage Hugh admits, "I am convinced that that bear is real".
For the next question our very own Jennifer Drewett asks if there is a difficulty making films that appeal to both children and adults? King believes that "now is a great time to make films for both and Paddington is an obvious choice. Pixar really opened the door for that type of story telling. I watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs just yesterday by myself. It's more about making something good that appeals to all ages". Heyman thinks of King as "a big kid who can appeal to all generations. He has a real sense of having good things that make us laugh".
The story of Paddington Bear has the message to be kinder to strangers so is it something that Britain should take on board? King believes that "everywhere could be more welcoming to strangers. The spirt of the film is to be nice to each other. It's a London story but also a personal one". Heyman recalls the film being written during the London Olympics. "It was a time where lots of visitors were in London. You would meet them on trains and the city really embraced them". Although the film is not meant to have a political agenda the film makers joke that "Niger Farage probably won't be a fan of Paddington".
The film features an amazing cast of British talent as well as Hollywood's own Nicole Kidman. The film makers were initially reluctant to approach Kidman for the film. Although they both had her in mind they believed she would never agree to do the film. King recalls a casting meeting where he mentioned her name but did not set his heart on it happening. "We sent the script to her agent who also said it wouldn't happen. Luckily, she loves Paddington so red the script over night and agreed. He had even made his way to Australia to reach her in her childhood". Although the name Paddington is a draw Heyman puts the cast interest down to King's script. "It's was the best selling point, his talent and gift of persuasion".
The pair have aimed to make a faithful adaptation yet changes have been made. For Heyman the changes "were born in the adaptation process". The series of events format works for the books and TV show but the film needed a greater arc. To create an initial conflict Mr Brown is at first reluctant to take in Paddington. "This showed a slight divide in the family where we dramatically heightened them". This was to give the film a cinematic structure. The film makers also made the characters fuller. "We built on vague details from the stories such as Mr Brown's job but not so much that it with conflict with the books. We wanted the film to live within the books".
Actor Ben Whishaw voices Paddington but was not the first choice. Originally Colin Firth was attached to the role. The film makers choose Firth because "he has such a chocolaty voice and looks good exiting a lake", (referencing his iconic Mr Darcy moment). He read the lines and was fantastic but during post production of the bear himself the two did not work together. "It wasn't right, this very masculine and proud voice coming from such a small bear. We tried a few different things like making Colins voice younger but then he sounded like a Smaurf. Eventually we had to accept that the voice was miscast". The film makers are quick to give credit to Firth "who was the first to realise the mismatch" and gracefully stepped away from the project.
The pair have aimed to make a faithful adaptation yet changes have been made. For Heyman the changes "were born in the adaptation process". The series of events format works for the books and TV show but the film needed a greater arc. To create an initial conflict Mr Brown is at first reluctant to take in Paddington. "This showed a slight divide in the family where we dramatically heightened them". This was to give the film a cinematic structure. The film makers also made the characters fuller. "We built on vague details from the stories such as Mr Brown's job but not so much that it with conflict with the books. We wanted the film to live within the books".
Actor Ben Whishaw voices Paddington but was not the first choice. Originally Colin Firth was attached to the role. The film makers choose Firth because "he has such a chocolaty voice and looks good exiting a lake", (referencing his iconic Mr Darcy moment). He read the lines and was fantastic but during post production of the bear himself the two did not work together. "It wasn't right, this very masculine and proud voice coming from such a small bear. We tried a few different things like making Colins voice younger but then he sounded like a Smaurf. Eventually we had to accept that the voice was miscast". The film makers are quick to give credit to Firth "who was the first to realise the mismatch" and gracefully stepped away from the project.
Source: Zimbio With that the chatty crew and cast say goodbye ready for the World premiere. Sadly the Monsoon like conditions kept most of the cast away from the press pit.
Nicole Kidman arrived with her husband and greeted fans despite the rain. She wore a black glittery dress with her curled hair pinned to the side. She then hurried inside to meet her children who were eager to see the film.
Ben Whishaw walked the red carpet and spoke of his joy at hearing his voice coming from the animated bear. The young actor has a unusual awkwardness that makes him rather appealing and an ideal choice for innocent little Paddington.
Sally Hawkins braved the soaking red carpet in just a black and print dress with high heels. As did British institution Julie Walter but with the aid of a blue duffle coat just like Paddington's.
Karen Jankel, Michael Bonds daughter, spoke of seeing her fathers creation come to the big screen. "Paddington's one of the family to me but I've seen the film and loved it. I can't wait to see it again".
We were very lucky that Jim Broadbent stopped briefly to answer a few questions. He spoke of his love for the books that drew him to the film. I asked him why we love Paddington so much to which he said, "because he's kind hearted and lovable and just wants a home". Sadly, I was next to the Daily Mail online who felt the need to ask the respected actor what he thought of the Kim Kardasian naked photo shoot. Quite rightly, he was pulled away at such a ridiculous question.
With that the last few stragglers are taken in and Leicester Square empties on another Premiere. It may have been a wash out for the press line but the film is a great treat for all the family.
Paddington is out 28th of November.
Nicole Kidman arrived with her husband and greeted fans despite the rain. She wore a black glittery dress with her curled hair pinned to the side. She then hurried inside to meet her children who were eager to see the film.
Ben Whishaw walked the red carpet and spoke of his joy at hearing his voice coming from the animated bear. The young actor has a unusual awkwardness that makes him rather appealing and an ideal choice for innocent little Paddington.
Sally Hawkins braved the soaking red carpet in just a black and print dress with high heels. As did British institution Julie Walter but with the aid of a blue duffle coat just like Paddington's.
Karen Jankel, Michael Bonds daughter, spoke of seeing her fathers creation come to the big screen. "Paddington's one of the family to me but I've seen the film and loved it. I can't wait to see it again".
We were very lucky that Jim Broadbent stopped briefly to answer a few questions. He spoke of his love for the books that drew him to the film. I asked him why we love Paddington so much to which he said, "because he's kind hearted and lovable and just wants a home". Sadly, I was next to the Daily Mail online who felt the need to ask the respected actor what he thought of the Kim Kardasian naked photo shoot. Quite rightly, he was pulled away at such a ridiculous question.
With that the last few stragglers are taken in and Leicester Square empties on another Premiere. It may have been a wash out for the press line but the film is a great treat for all the family.
Paddington is out 28th of November.
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