WallaceAndGromit.net

Wallace & Gromit’s World of Cracking Ideas Exhibition (CrackingIdeas.com Exhibition page) opened on March 28, 2009 and is open through November 1st. I was fortunate enough to be in England for this opening and my boyfriend bought us tickets to go to the exhibit on the first day!

The exhibit was fantastic, my photos hardly do it justice! If you’re able, I encourage you to check it out yourself. Before talking about my own photos, there are a couple great video clips and articles out there discussing the exhibit.

BBC: Cracking idea Gromit! - Video that takes us through the exhibit with Nick Park!

Telegraph: Wallace and Gromit star in exhibition to inspire young inventors A shorter video tour of the exhibit, which includes a clip with Nick Park

The Independent: Nick Park: ‘I’m like Wallace - a tinkerer’

The Independent: Wallace & Gromit: A World of Cracking Ideas

I was very excited to be able to attend the exhibit, we took the tube through the city and while walking through the subway to the exhibit I was delighted to see signs advertising it!

I took a bunch more photos of the signs prior to and around the entrance of the exhibit which you can check out here.

The exhibit also had some of the sets from the films, including one from Cracking Contraptions, Curse of the Were-Rabbit and A Matter of Loaf and Death! A real treat for me, since I’d never seen any of the sets in person before. If you haven’t seen any of the sets the exhibit is worth it just for that.

I probably took more pictures of the sets than anything else, some more of my pictures can be found here.

The amount of workmanship that went into this exhibit was impressive. The entrance to the exhibit was the front of Wallace and Gromit’s West Wallaby Street home, with the hallway into the exhibit a hallway into their house. Within the exhibit they had a Tellyscope II, the second incantation of the Cracking Contraptions version, a mock-up of their kitchen, a control panel similar to that from Shopper 13, an impressive interactive invention machine and lots more!

I put some more exhibit photos here

My pictures hardly do it justice at times I forgot to take pictures because I was so excited and there was so much to see. I highly recommend getting out to the exhibit to check it out yourself so you can see all that is there!

It’s been a busy few weeks for Wallace and Gromit! For those who have asked, I had a fantastic time over in England and did manage to get over to the Science Museum for opening day of the Wallace and Gromit’s World of Cracking Ideas exhibit! So I’ll be posting all about the exhibit, and related news stories, in a separate post.

Our first piece of news can be found in an article here: Wallace and Gromit’s favourite Wensleydale helps British food exports surge

Cheese exports were exceptionally strong … Wensleydale, the hard, crumbly cheese from Hawes in North Yorkshire, was the star performer.

The dairy, which manufactures the cheese, sends nearly £2million worth of its produce overseas each year, with most going to America and Canada. Its exports have increased 23 per cent over the last two years.

However, it is also starting to export Wensleydale to France, 850 years after French monks first settled in the area and started making cheese. The company said consumers around the world were becoming far more adventurous. Its best selling export is Wensleydale with cranberries.

I certainly started eating Wensleydale because of Wallace and Gromit, and have spread the Wensleydale love at parties with cheese-loving friends! Seems like I might not be the only one.

Next up we have another award for A Matter of Loaf and Death!

This time it’s from the New York International Children’s Film Festival, where Wallace and Gromit took home the grand prize. Well done, lads!

Also in the news is the big release of Telltale Games’ Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Adventure series of four games. The games are available on a subscription basis for your PC. You pay $34.95 and each month they’ll release a new title which you will be able to play. They also have a demo on their site that you can check out. Unfortunately for me I run Linux and the game doesn’t play in the virtual machine I have set up, what a shame! But there are loads of reviews out there for the first episode, including adventuregamers.com: Review: Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Adventures: Episode 1 - Fright of the Bumblebees and blog.wired.com: Wallace & Gromit: Fright of the Bumblebees - One GeekKid’s Review.

Games are:

1. Fright of the Bumblebees (released March 24th)
2. The Last Resort (expected release May 2009)
3. Muzzled! (expected release June 2009)
4. The Bogey Man (expected release July 2009)

They’ll also be releasing on Xbox Live Arcade soon.

We have a couple exciting promotional things that Wallace and Gromit are involved with.

The first makes me wish so badly I lived in the UK! Kingsmill has continued their partnership with Wallace and Gromit to offer a series of collectibles! The toastrack is adorable (I might need to figure out how to get one anyway…):

And I’m quite fond of the oven mitts too!

And last on our news list is the exciting campaign with npower, which includes commercials! The first commercial is quite amusing, which npower has uploaded to youtube:

They also have a Making of video on youtube.

The site they’ve created also has several gems:

• Top Energy Saving Tips w/ awesome Wallace and Gromit sketches!
• Meet the Stars w/ bios of Wallace, Gromit and the characters from the commercials
• See our TV ads which is updated as the ads are released

Very cool. Looking forward to the next ad!

Post about the Science Museum exhbit coming soon!

First off, a UK DVD release date for A Matter of Loaf and Death! It’ll be coming out on March 24th. Alas, while I will be visiting London at that time, there is no word yet on a US release of any kind, so I won’t be coming back to the States to enjoy my own copy.

But fellow US fans don’t despair! There is talk of a release, and while we wait we can snag the 20th Anniversary DVDs of the classics, which I believe is the first time they’re being sold as separate DVDs (I had the old VHSs that came separate, but my DVDs have always been the Collections):

• Region 1 A Grand Day Out DVD
• Region 1 The Wrong Trousers DVD
• Region 1 A Close Shave DVD

Next, we’ve got some news about the upcoming Wallace and Gromit game from Telltale games

Dave Grossman, a game developer for Telltale who has been involved with the development of classics like  Secret of Monkey Island and Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge, has been interviewed by Wesley Yin-Poole at videogamer.com in a fantastic and very thorough interview discussing the upcoming game: videogamer.com: Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Adventures Interview. Not enough? Grossman also answered several questions for nowgamer.com: nowgamer.com:Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Adventures Q&A. Still not enough? Adventure Gamers has published an in depth article PLUS an interview with Grossman and the CEO of Telltale, Dan Conners: adventuregamers.com: Preview: Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Adventures. Phew!

And that’s not all the news regarding the Telltale game! Issue 17 of Wallace & Gromit’s cracking newsletter reports:

Telltale Offer Free Game to W&G fans
Telltale Games, creators of the new Wallace & Gromit videogame due to launch very soon, are offering Wallace & Gromit fans the chance to test out some of their other fantastic episodic games for free as a reward for completing their online gaming questionnaire. Take part now »

Moving on to toys for a moment, following in the high-quality figurine tradition, to commemorate their 20th Anniversary, Robert Harrop is releasing a collection of Wallace and Gromit toys! Their website has details: Robert Harrop Wallace & Gromit Figurines

Now, remember that Harvy Nichols Wallace and Gromit ad? DDB London, the agency behind the ads, has snagged the Platinum Honour 2009 for it! The ads are now up over on the Creative Circle Platinum Honour 2009 page.

Finally, a playful concept product that would make Wallace proud: Wake Up to An Alarming Juice, Toast, and Coffee

Aardman has launched a fabulous website (with more content promised March 9th) related to their upcoming Science Museum exhibition in London promoting youth involvement in inventing.

So if you haven’t yet, check out their new site here:

http://www.crackingideas.com/

Related articles:

• CBBC: Wallace and Gromit help inventors
• BBC: Wallace and Gromit call on inventors
• TheDrum: Aardman Ad Looks to Inspire British Innovation

Specifics about the Exhibition can be found on their site here: http://www.crackingideas.com/exhibition/

Unfortunately for me my trip to London (first time over there, you may recall that I’m from the US!) in March ends the day after the exhibit opens, so I probably can’t squeeze it in, but it sure looks like it’ll be fun for anyone who is able to go.

And while we’re talking about videos, Aardman has their own channel on YouTube that has all kinds of great clips of their productions, including Wallace and Gromit!

http://www.youtube.com/user/aardman

Last week Wallace and Gromit came home with a BAFTA for A Matter of Loaf and Death in the Best Short Animation category.

Receiving the Bafta, Nick Park said: “A great big thank you to my wonderful team - all those in Bristol, the animators, the model makers and all those who worked in post and sound and music and lighting - I always feel they are the best team in the world. This is for them - although I’m going to keep it.”

BBC News: Bafta success for Bristol films

He did indeed keep it, and in a small mishap broke it! Wallace and Gromit Creator’s Award Accident:

The creator of BAFTA-award winning animation WALLACE AND GROMIT is having to send his trophy away to be repaired - he broke the gong as soon as he was presented with it on Sunday (08Feb09) night.

Accidents aside, well done Nick Park and Aardman for creating yet another enjoyable, award winning short!

First off, as reported by the BBC “Panda and dog win cartoon awards” Wallace and Gromit picked up an Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject for A Matter of Loaf and Death. Well done lads!

Speaking of AMoLaD, there is now a UK release date for the DVD of March 23rd. But if you are dying to see it again Aardman announced in their January 30th newsletter that it’s also available on iTunes. Unfortunately no release date or availability notes for a US release just yet.

We already knew that Telltale Games was developing a Wallace and Gromit game, but now they’ve officially announced Wallace & Gromit launching on XBLA [Xbox Live Arcade] and PC this spring! This is the first news we’ve had about a release timeframe, and the XBLA news is completely new. Along with the announcement, they’ve also published some new screen shots and if you haven’t seen the trailer yet, check it out!

Wallace and Gromit are also keeping up with charity, according to Tamebay’s article: Wallace and Gromit help Blue Peter raise funds:

Nick Park the creator of Wallace and Gromit has designed a one off collectible plate as part of a collection being auctioned in aid of the current Blue Peter appeal.

To mark their 50th anniversary Blue Peter has partnered with three charities, ContinYou, FCFCG and Save the Children to raise funds for Mission Nutrition. The appeal has the ambitious aim of putting 2 million meals on plates for children around the world and many celebrities have decorated plates for the eBay auctions.

And BrandRepublic.com reports Not for Profit: Wallace and Gromit help Bristol’s young:

Campaign Bristol’s Big Give Client Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal PR team Spirit Public Relations Timescale October-December 2008 Budget c. £5,000

Finally, in case you were ever curious, Licensing.biz now has a brand profile page for Wallace and Gromit. At the time of writing this, Wallace and Gromit have about 30 UK licensees.

First up, we’ve got a great little Gallery from guardian.co.uk showcasing 18 photos from Wallace and Gromit from their first short until now: Gallery: Wallace and Gromit in Pictures

In preparation for A Matter of Loaf and Death I read over at Animation Magazine (Promo Deals for Wallace and Gromit), the duo teamed up with Kingsmill for a promotion that includes prizes, and a whole Wallace and Gromit section of their site! kingsmillbread.com/wallaceandgromit/

Another deal was struck with Pyrex, as mentioned in several articles including licensing.biz Wallace and Gromit sign promotions:

A further tie-in with Pyrex offers exclusive collectables free with selected non-stick bakeware at Asda Living adn Superstores and independent retailers. Five sets are available including an oven glove, tea towel, shopper bag and pan rest.

Aardmand Rights head, Sean Clarke said: ” Wallace and Gromit coming back to BBC1 is truly a big event and Aardman has been very happy to develop some fun adn entertaining Wallace and Gromit BBC1 idents to support A Matter of Loaf and Death’s premiere.

“We have also developed some fantastic promotional partnerships based on the obvious baking themes of the story with Kingsmill and Pyrex that provide a good platform to reintroduce fans to the world of Wallace and Gromit.”

And while on the subject of endorsements, Bacheldre Watermill is producing a Wallace and Gromit flour! Bacheldre Partners with Aardman Animations for new Wallace & Gromit adventure film

Bacheldre Watermill is proud to announce its partnership with AardmanAnimations and Pyrex, for the launch of Wallace and Gromit’s new adventure film ‘A Matter of Loaf and Death’.  Bacheldre Watermill is offering fans the chance to copy the pair’s latest baking bonanza by launching a range of limited edition Wallace and Gromit stoneground organic flour.

Bacheldre Watermill is a small family run mill, which has won numerous awards for their flour and is used is in some of the best kitchens around the country. Using Artisan skills and only the highest quality grains they have been able to grow the business year on year, and now are looking forward to the future working with such great brands as Wallace and Gromit and Pyrex.

Next up, Nick Park recently discussed some of his experiences working with Hollywood: Aardman animator on US culture clash:

Plasticine duo Wallace & Gromit are as British as tea and crumpets, but according to their creator, Hollywood tried to make them as American as apple pie.

…

He said: “DreamWorks took us on as a British team, but at times things could get very focus-grouped around what would appeal to American audiences.

“They love Wallace and Gromit over there, I think they just tried to Americanise the films without thinking because everything’s got to be about America.

“I’m not trying to please some kid in some suburb in North America, whom I don’t understand.”

Aardman produced some short segments for the BBC back in December, you can see one of them over at guardian.co.uk: Wallace and Gromit star in BBC1 Christmas idents

The telegraph published a fantastic article about the success of Nick Park and Wallace and Gromit: Wallace and Gromit: one man and his dog

The AP reports a published copy of A Matter of Loaf or Death was pirated on YouTube prior to the official release on Christmas day, with Aardman saying they have “no idea” how the leak could have occurred: Wallace & Gromit pirated on YouTube

Nigel Kendall over at Times Online did an interview with Nick Park on A Matter of Loaf and Death, filming only took 7 months! Check it out: Nick Park on Wallace and Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death

Edward’s Bakery made some Wallace and Gromit cakes in celebration of the premiere: Cake tribute to TV heroes Wallace and Gromit

Son Duncan Edwards [pictured above] said: “We’ve baked some special Wallace and Gromit cakes to mark the screening of the new short film.

“The plaques that go on them are exclusively available only to members of the Master Bakers’ National Association so we were pleased to get hold of some.

“There are some posters up in the shop too and it’s going down well with customers.”

Telltale Games has published some new screenshots and concept art of their upcoming Wallace and Gromit game: The Telltale Blog: Cracking screenshots, Gromit! and Telltale Games Wallace and Gromit Page

In case you were wondering, A Matter of Loaf and Death topped the charts for most viewed program on Christmas day in Britian, with 14.3 million viewers: The return of Wallace & Gromit helps BBC win Christmas ratings race

For those of you lucky enough to be in the UK, the new Wallace and Gromit film A Matter of Loaf and Death will be airing Christmas Day at 8:30PM on BBC One.

I haven’t posted much news/pictures about this, but a page all about it is in the works, as well as some tidbits from the past few weeks.

Happy Holidays!

After weeks of checking www.wallaceandgromit.com for updates and trailers, a google search today found three clips from the new adventure!!

Check them out below: (Beware: Spoilers)

Puppy Love 

Toasted Teacakes 

Top Bun

All the above clips can also be found at a very popular video upload site, as well as two new clips, including the introduction and a clip of Gromit.

Also the official site has been updated with downloads etc. at www.wallaceandgromit.com

Only 15 days till broadcast (BBC only) - I can’t wait!

Dan Faulks from Radio Times magazine contacted me today to let us know that our beloved Wallace and Gromit will be gracing the cover of the upcoming Radio Times magazine cover, all decked out in holiday garb created for the magazine by Nick Park!

He also said:

“Inside the magazine is an interview with Nick Park and more pics of Wallace and Gromit, plus an offer to send off for a double-sided A1 size poster featuring an image of the Radio Times picture on one side and an image from A Matter of Loaf and Death on the other.”

How exciting - well done lads!